UNAIR NEWS – Muntingia calabura leaves, which often grow wild in home yards and along roadsides, hold the potential to become an innovation in the health sector. Seeing this opportunity, five students from the Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), developed GLUCERSEN (Glucose-Regulating and Antioxidant Sublingual Film).
GLUCERSEN is a thin film preparation made from Muntingia calabura leaf extract which is designed as an adjunct therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM). This innovation successfully brought Callysta Tabina Nadine, Callista Angelina Putri Setiawan, Erinna Faizah Rahmadhani, Shakila Geonada Ashar, and Faradillah Ermyne Sabil to win a silver medal at Indonesia Inventors Day (IID). This event was held at SMESCO Indonesia on Wednesday (October 6, 2026).
Developing Muntingia calabura leaves’ potential
Nadine explained that GLUCERSEN innovation stemmed from the high number of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Indonesia and the issue of pill fatigue, a condition of weariness in taking medication. The team then observed the potential of Muntingia Calabura leaves which are easily found in the surrounding environment and contain flavonoid compounds, including quercetin, that have the potential to support blood sugar level control.
Unlike conventional tablet drug preparations, GLUCERSEN was developed in a sublingual film form, a thin layer used under the tongue. This preparation features a thin and transparent form with a natural green color and uses steviol as the sweetener.
“Its compact form offers a more practical user experience and an alternative for diabetes therapy,” she said.
The team hoped this innovation will be able to support the development of preparations with more comfortable usage, especially for patients who are experiencing fatigue from taking medication. Nevertheless, GLUCERSEN still requires further testing to ensure its effectiveness, safety, and dosage before it can be applied as a health product.
Innovation commercialization opportunity
The production process of GLUCERSEN began with the collection and sorting of Muntingia calibura leaves, washing, drying, grinding, and extraction until forming a thin film. This preparation is then cut into 2 x 2 cm sizes to fit the area of application.
The first testing result showed the antioxidant activity in GLUCERSEN through DPPH testing. “A number of 90% respondents liked GLUCERSEN, but we still need further testing to ensure its effectiveness in supporting blood sugar level control,” said Nadine.
Beyond achieving a silver medal, the team also get the opportunity to present their product’s business potential and product development planning to the INOTEK Foundation. Moving forward, the team planned to conduct the testing process and licensing.
“We hope GLUCERSEN can be developed as a safe and useful product to society,” she concluded.
Author: Vaneza Ika Artamevia
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
