Journal of Academic Biology and Biology Education

Teratogenic Effects of Ethanolic Cinnamomum burmanni Leaf Extract on Fetal Development in White Mice (Mus musculus L.)

Zeynab Noroozi, Jose Dale Viacrucis Iii, Khenchil Amir — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 14:45:57 +0700

Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate the teratogenic effects of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum burmanni leaves on fetal development in white mice (Mus musculus L.).

Methodology: This research is a laboratory experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 24 pregnant female mice were divided into four treatment groups: negative control (Na CMC), P1 (250 mg/kgBW), P2 (500 mg/kgBW), and P3 (1000 mg/kgBW). The extract was administered orally during the organogenesis period. Observed parameters included fetal weight and length, morphological abnormalities, hemorrhage, ossification, and resorption sites. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s test.

Main Findings: The results of the study showed that administration of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum burmanni leaves significantly (p < 0.05) reduced fetal weight and length, and induced morphological abnormalities and hemorrhage at doses of 250 mg/kgBW and above. However, no abnormalities were observed in the ossification process or resorption sites.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum burmanni leaves demonstrated potential teratogenic effects on fetal development in white mice, characterized by growth retardation and morphological abnormalities. This study provides an important basis for evaluating the safety of using this plant during pregnancy.

Molecular Docking-Based in Silico Evaluation of Leaf Compounds from Coleus blumei Against MRSA

Pongpawan Sethanant, Junhong Kim, Maurizio Martin Cavani Brain — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:49:44 +0700

Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the potential of compounds derived from medicinal plants as target protein inhibitors against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using an in silico approach.

Methodology: This study employed an in silico molecular docking approach to evaluate active compounds from Coleus blumei leaves against MRSA. Target proteins included MecR1, PBP2a, and oxacilloyl-acylated MecR1. Docking was performed using PyRx, PyMOL, and Discovery Studio with molecular data sourced from GC-MS, PubChem, and PDB.

Main Findings: The compound Hexahydro-3H-cyclopenta[a]pentalen-3-one, 2,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl-, (4aR,7R,7aS) demonstrated the highest binding affinity across all three MRSA resistance-associated target proteins (PBP2a, MecR1, and oxacillin-acylated MecR1), surpassing penicillin as the control. Molecular interaction visualizations revealed stable hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with key active site residues, particularly SER, LEU, and PHE in PBP2a. Pharmacokinetic evaluation based on Lipinski's Rule of Five indicated that top-performing compounds, including this compound and Aristolone, exhibit favorable oral drug-like properties. These findings highlight the strong potential of these natural compounds as lead candidates for the development of antibacterial agents targeting MRSA resistance mechanisms.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this study lies in the utilization of specific natural compounds as potential antimicrobial agents against antibiotic resistance proteins, which have not been widely reported before. This study provides an initial basis for the development of herbal antimicrobial drug candidates for MRSA infections.

Cardiometabolic Effects of Sus barbatus Meat Consumption: Analysis of Blood Cholesterol Levels and Cardiac Histopathological Alterations in Mus musculus

Kerapetse Sehularo, Joseph Mbogua, Kamatara Kanifa — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:09:43 +0700

Purpose of the study: This study aims to determine the effects of pork (Sus scrofa domesticus) and beef (Bos taurus) consumption on total cholesterol levels and the histopathological structure of the heart in male ICR mice (Mus musculus).

Methodology: This study employed an experimental laboratory design using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Fifteen male ICR mice (Mus musculus), aged 2–3 months and weighing 25–30 g, were divided into control, pork-fed (Sus barbatus), and beef-fed (Bos taurus) groups. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol levels, and heart tissues were examined histologically using the Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining method. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS.

Main Findings: Pork consumption increased total cholesterol in male ICR mice to 704 mg/dL. Beef-fed mice showed moderate cholesterol levels (319–321 mg/dL), while the control remained normal (114 mg/dL). Heart weight was highest in the pork group (0.25 g). Histopathology revealed fat cell accumulation only in pork-fed mice, with normal heart structures in both control and beef-fed groups.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study uniquely investigates the direct impact of pork consumption on total cholesterol levels and cardiac histopathology in male ICR mice. It provides new evidence of fat accumulation in heart tissue due to pork intake, contributing to early detection of dietary-induced cardiac risks and expanding current understanding of food-based cardiovascular effects in animal models.

Exploring the Guided Inquiry Learning Model in Biology Practicum: Its Impact on Students' Scientific Attitudes and Cognitive Knowledge

Fetmirwati Fetmirwati, Luiz Gustavo Franco, Maria Theresa G. Tadena — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 15:40:14 +0700

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in scientific attitudes and cognitive knowledge of students between guided inquiry and direct learning models in practical activities by controlling students' prior knowledge.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study employed a Non-Equivalent Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. From a population of 88 students, 57 were selected using purposive sampling. Instruments included multiple-choice tests and Likert scale observation sheets. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS 23 with One-Way MANCOVA and Partial Eta Squared for effect size.

Main Findings: The guided inquiry learning model is effective in improving students' scientific attitudes and cognitive knowledge. The average scientific attitude of students in the experimental class was 85, compared to 70 in the control class. The average post-test cognitive knowledge score was 75.17 in the experimental class and 50.93 in the control class. The One Way MANCOVA test showed significant differences between groups (p = 0.0001; partial eta squared = 0.840). Partial eta squared is a measure of effect size that indicates the proportion of variance in the dependent variables explained by the independent variable. A value of 0.840 suggests a large effect, meaning the learning model had a strong influence on students’ outcomes.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study integrates guided inquiry learning into food testing on the digestive system topic, uniquely controlling prior knowledge to examine its impact on scientific attitudes and cognitive outcomes, thus enhancing inquiry-based learning insights.

SM2CL Model Innovation: Biology Learning Strategy to Sharpen Students' Critical Thinking

Muhammad Sultani Taufik, Joan S. Awingan , Feona S. Carollo — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:31:41 +0700

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze the influence of the Synectics, Mind Maps, and Cooperative Learning (SM2CL) learning models on students' critical thinking skills in biology subjects.

Methodology: This study is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sampling technique used was total sampling with 47 students as samples. The research instruments consisted of essay tests and critical thinking scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with normality tests, homogeneity tests, and t-tests using SPSS software version 24.

Main Findings: The Synectics, Mind Maps, and Cooperative Learning (SM2CL) learning model significantly improves students' critical thinking skills. The t-test results showed a significant difference between the experimental class and the control class, with a higher increase in post-test scores in the experimental class. The analysis data showed that the SM2CL model was effective in improving students' conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills in Biology subjects.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study combines three learning models Synectics, Mind Maps, and Cooperative Learning (SM2CL), as an innovative approach to improve students' critical thinking in Biology. This study expands the understanding of the effectiveness of collaborative and visual methods in learning, and provides new insights into the application of integrated learning strategies in improving the quality of education.