Activity of Temu Lawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Rhizome Extract in Increasing Appetite in White Mice

Figure Ilustration AI

FORMOSA NEWS - Jambi - Temulawak Extract Shows Potential to Boost Appetite and Weight Gain in Laboratory Mice. An experimental study by Salmah, Sugiarti, and Andy Brata from Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi, together with Surahman from Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta II, Yugo Susanto from STIKES ISFI Banjarmasin, and Misgiati from Politeknik Kesehatan Putra Indonesia Malang, reports that temulawak rhizome extract significantly increases appetite and body weight in white mice. The research, conducted between February and August 2025 and published in 2026 in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of Curcuma xanthorrhiza as a natural appetite enhancer. The findings matter because poor appetite remains a contributing factor to malnutrition and stunting, especially in children.

Appetite Loss and Malnutrition Remain a Public Health Concern
Low appetite reduces energy and nutrient intake, increasing the risk of undernutrition. This condition is closely linked to stunting, which affects physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term productivity. While pharmacological appetite stimulants exist, their availability is limited and often associated with side effects. This situation has increased interest in herbal alternatives, particularly plants traditionally used in Southeast Asia. Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) is widely used in Indonesian traditional medicine to stimulate appetite and improve digestion. The rhizome contains curcuminoids, xanthorrhizol, and essential oils known for digestive and metabolic effects. However, experimental evidence measuring appetite stimulation in controlled conditions has remained limited. The research team from Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi and collaborating institutions addressed this gap through laboratory testing on animal models.

Experimental Design Using White Mice
The researchers conducted a quantitative experimental study using 25 male white mice weighing 20–30 grams. The animals were divided into five groups:

• Negative control group receiving NaCMC 1%.
• Temulawak extract 100 mg/kg body weight.
• Temulawak extract 200 mg/kg body weight.
• Temulawak extract 400 mg/kg body weight.
• Positive control receiving megestrol acetate 81.25 mg/kg body weight.

Temulawak rhizomes were dried, powdered, and extracted using 70 percent ethanol. Each group received treatment for 14 days. The researchers recorded daily feed consumption and body weight changes as indicators of appetite stimulation. The experimental design allowed direct comparison between temulawak extract and a known pharmacological appetite stimulant.

Increased Feed Intake Observed in Treated Groups
The study recorded higher food consumption in mice receiving medium and high doses of temulawak extract. The increase appeared early and continued throughout the observation period.
Key findings include:

• Feed intake increased starting on day three in the 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg groups.
• The 400 mg/kg dose produced the highest average consumption, around 5.2 g/day.
• Consumption levels approached those of the positive control group.
• The 100 mg/kg dose produced only mild improvement.

These results indicate a dose-dependent appetite-stimulating effect.

The researchers reported that mice receiving 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed statistically significant differences compared to the control group, suggesting a measurable biological effect.

Implications for Nutrition and Herbal Development

The findings support the traditional use of temulawak as a natural appetite stimulant. The research also opens opportunities for developing herbal-based nutritional supplements.

Potential applications include:

• Supporting stunting prevention programs.
• Herbal appetite stimulants for children.
• Nutritional supplements for underweight individuals..
• Adjunct therapy for patients with appetite loss.
• Functional food ingredient development.

The research team emphasized that further studies in humans are needed before clinical use.

Author Profiles

Salmah, S.Farm., M.Sc. – Lecturer in pharmacology and herbal medicine, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi. Research focus: phytopharmaceuticals and natural product pharmacology.

Sugiarti, S.Farm., M.Farm. – Researcher in phytochemistry and herbal extraction, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi. Expertise in medicinal plant compounds.

Surahman, M.Farm., Apt. – Pharmacology researcher, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta II. Specializes in experimental drug evaluation.

Yugo Susanto, M.Farm., Apt. – Lecturer in pharmaceutical sciences, STIKES ISFI Banjarmasin. Focus on natural product development.

Misgiati, S.Farm., M.Sc. – Herbal formulation specialist, Politeknik Kesehatan Putra Indonesia Malang. Research area: herbal dosage forms.

Andy Brata, M.Farm., Apt. – Lecturer in pharmacology, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jambi. Research focus: herbal drug development and experimental pharmacology.

Sources

Salmah, Sugiarti, Surahman, Yugo Susanto, Misgiati, & Andy Brata 2026. Activity of Temu Lawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Rhizome Extract in Increasing Appetite in White Mice. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS). Vol. 5 No. 3 2026. Halaman: 949–964
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i3.37
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas