Researchers of IPB Created the Herbal Potion of Anti Avian Influenza
Professor of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bogor Agricultural University (FKH-IPB), Prof.Dr.drh. Bambang Pontjo Priosoeryanto with his team successfully developed the herbal potion which was able to prevent the virus of Avian Infuenza (AI) or Bird Flu. The potion consisting of curcuma, meniran, sambiloto and temu ireng was able to maintain the vitality of the chicken against AI of 40 percent (%).
The team of researchers consisted of Bambang Pontjo Priosoeryanto, Latifah K. Darusman, Edy Djauhari, Maharani Hasanah, Mono Rahardjo, Waras Nurcholis, and Moh. Rafi. The team conducted the screening against one hundred medicinal plants which were native to Indonesia and obtained four potential plants. The four plants were meniran, curcuma, sambiloto and temu ireng. ”This research is conducted since 2007. For the results of this research, we manage to get two patents, one is the patent process and another one is being proposed,” explained Prof. Bambang.
Each plant was tested its activity, sorted and given to the birds. There were four groups of birds studied, namely the control birds (not vaccinated and not fed with the herbs), the birds which were vaccinated without being fed with the herbs, the birds which were vaccinated and fed with the herbs, and the birds which were not vaccinated but fed with the herbs. The birds were tested in the laboratory in Gunung Sindur with the security level of level 3. The birds were injected with AI virus.
After two weeks, the results were the control birds of 100% died, the birds with the vaccine of 99% lived (the deaths occured were allegedly due to the factors beyond AI), the birds with the vaccine and the herbal of 100% lived, and the birds without the vaccine but it was given the herbal of 40% lived.
“We conclude, the addition of this herb is able to withstand the death because of AI virus of 40% without the vaccine. If added with the vaccine, automatically the immune system of bird is higher. This combination can withstand the death of bird due to the bird flu,” he said.
To get the standardized raw materials, Prof. Bambang and team provided the guidance to the farmers in Central Java to plant the standardized curcuma. The team would continue this research until the detailed mechanism known, he added. (zul)
