The Calbiochem Laboratory in Germany, specializing in new drug research, predicts that within the next 20 years, numerous new drugs will be discovered from the bioactive compounds of soft corals found in the waters of the Coral Triangle. This region encompasses the waters of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. At the International Conference for Sustainable Coral Reefs held in Manado, North Sulawesi, from December 13–15, 2024, this prediction seems to be taking shape.
Experts from Hokkaido University, Japan, presented their research on the synthesis of bioactive compounds from soft corals, which are paving the way for new drugs to treat respiratory diseases, gynecological disorders, skin conditions, neurological diseases, and intestinal issues. Meanwhile, researchers from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), led by Professor Ocky Radjasa, showcased their discovery of symbiont components in soft corals, particularly Ectoine and Squalene, which hold potential for producing high-quality pharmaceutical products.
Symbionts are bioactive compounds that grow in conjunction with soft corals and have the potential to generate new marine-based drugs. Professor Ocky explained that BRIN has conducted genome exploration of corals in the waters off North and West Sumatra, Karimunjawa, the Makassar Strait, and the Lombok Strait. From the various samples collected, soft corals from the waters of Karimunjawa—specifically Sinularia sp. with the symbiont Virgibacillus salarius 19PPSc1.6—were found to contain Ectoine and Squalene.
BRIN researchers have continued their studies, as Ectoine holds significant potential for various applications. In cosmetics, it can be used to develop skin creams, while in healthcare, it shows promise for eye drops and respiratory tissue supplements. In the food industry, Ectoine functions as an additive and preservative. In biotechnology, it acts as a stabilizer for proteins and enzymes. In agriculture, Ectoine serves as a biostimulant, enabling plants to survive prolonged droughts, grow in high-salinity soils, and withstand extreme temperatures.
Squalene, on the other hand, can be utilized to produce cosmetic ingredients and skin supplements. It functions as an antioxidant and enhances the human immune system.
Professor Ocky also highlighted that BRIN’s pharmaceutical research team comprises five professors and nine PhD researchers, supported by partners from UMB-Jakarta, STIFAR-Semarang, CNRS-France, and the University of Maryland, USA.
“The laboratory instruments at BRIN are sufficiently advanced to support this research, and we hope that within the next 2–3 years, prototypes of drugs and vitamins derived from the bioactive compounds of soft corals in Indonesian waters will materialize,” concluded Professor Ocky Radjasa.
