The Role of Coconut Water as a Biostimulant in Producing Immuno-modulatory Compounds in Curcuma xanthorrhiza: Tissue Culture and In Silico Approaches

Introduction: Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, a medicinal plant endemic to Indonesia, is widely utilized in traditional medicine for its immunomodulatory effects. Objectives: This study investigates the potential of enhancing the growth and secondary metabolite production of C. xanthorrhiza through tissue culture methods, with a specific focus on the role of coconut water as a natural growth stimulant. Methods: Using a systematic experimental design, we applied varying concentrations of coconut water (0%, 10%, and 20%) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) at 0.4 ppm each. The shoot explants were cultured for eight weeks, during which qualitative analyses were conducted using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to identify the secondary metabolite profiles. A bioinformatics approach was conducted to predict the activity of curcuminoids against target receptors Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1). Results: Addition of 20% coconut water significantly optimized callus induction and overall growth, resulting in consistent curcuminoid production across all treatments. Bioinformatics analyses suggest that curcumin has a dual modulatory effect on the CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways, highlighting its potential utility in immunomodulatory cancer therapies. However, further validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is warranted. Discussions: This research contributes to the scientific validation of traditional uses of C. xanthorrhiza in plant medicine and enhances understanding of its bioactive compounds, supporting efforts to preserve indigenous medicinal plant knowledge and its application in modern healthcare solutions. Conclusions: This research highlights the effectiveness of incorporating natural coconut water into tissue culture practices, thereby facilitating the cultivation and yield of C. xanthorrhiza and contributing to the preservation of its traditional medicinal applications while addressing the growing demand for herbal medicines.