University of Brawijaya Students Win Silver Medal at International Competition with Ginseng Candy Innovation
Nesianetwork.id - Bogor, Oktober 31, 2024 – Two brilliant students from the University of Brawijaya have once again brought pride to their university by winning a silver medal at the National Student Concept Paper Competition, an international event hosted by IPB University. Zihan Imaharani, from the Biology Department of Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, and Adhwa Khoirunisa, from the Bioprocess Engineering Program of Faculty of Food Technology, secured the award for their groundbreaking innovation: a ginseng-based candy designed to help smokers reduce nicotine levels in their bodies and decrease addiction.
This innovation was inspired by the growing concern over the rising number of active smokers in Indonesia. The candy, made from ginseng root extract, is designed to aid smokers in detoxifying their bodies naturally while gradually reducing the addictive effects of nicotine, and also Ginseng was chosen for its active compounds, known for their natural detoxifying properties. Additionally, the candy’s convenient form makes it an accessible and user-friendly alternative.
“We hope this innovation can serve as a solution for smokers to gradually quit their harmful habits. This idea was inspired by people around me, where many people were smokers, which affected her health and led to asthma and pneumonia. This experience motivated to create this innovation. Furthermore, we aim to utilize Indonesia’s natural resources, such as local ginseng, as the primary ingredient for our product,” said Zihan Imaharani during the award ceremony.
The competition attracted participants from various countries, each presenting competitive and creative ideas. Zihan and Adhwa’s achievement not only brings honor to the University of Brawijaya but also highlights the potential of Indonesia’s youth in creating science-based solutions for global challenges.
Looking ahead, Zihan and Adhwa plan to conduct further trials and refine their product’s formulation to enable mass production and wider distribution. This remarkable achievement is expected to inspire other students to innovate and maximize their potential. "We hope this innovation will become a groundbreaking solution that benefits the people of Indonesia," said Adhwa that day.
Editor:
Achmad Munandar