Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-geranylacetophenone (tHGA) is an important molecule found in Melicope pteleifolia and has been reported to exhibit numerous pharmacological activities including LOX inhibition. As part of our continuing effort to search for new 15-sLOX inhibitor with better in vitro efficacies, a C-geranylated chalcone-based flavanone (8) was synthesized via facile Friedel–Crafts acylation followed by direct C-alkylation. The synthesized flavanone was assayed for its in-vitro inhibition against soybean 15-lipoxygenase (15-sLOX); and predicted for its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties using docking simulation, SwissADME and PreADMET server. Results indicated that direct C-alkylation on chalcone intermediate using potassium carbonate as base catalyst was possible to establish the conditions that favor the isomerization of chalcone into flavanone. The synthesized flavanone (8) showed better LOX inhibitory activity (IC50: 1.02 ± 0.15 µM) when compared to our previously reported parent compound tHGA (1, IC50: 23.6 ± 1.7 µM) and its chalcone-based analogue (2, IC50: 15.2 ± 1.2 µM). The (R) enantiomer of flavanone (8) showed a good dock score ( −9.97 kcal/mol) which interacts with the target enzyme through one hydrogen bonding, and one hydrophobic interaction with iron-binding amino acid (His 499). Molecular dynamics simulation with 100 ns refined and confirmed the docking study result, and the stability of the complex was verified based on root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square-fluctuation (RMSF), and protein–ligand interaction analyses. The (R) enantiomer of flavanone (8) showed stable hydrophobic and hydrophilic contacts in the active site. This study provides insights into the 15-sLOX inhibitory profile of a C-geranylated chalcone-based flavanone with an electron withdrawing substituents (-F-) at ring B as potent lead.

Populations of forest trees exhibit large temporal fluctuations, but little is known about the synchrony of these fluctuations across space, including their sign, magnitude, causes and characteristic scales. These have important implications for metapopulation persistence and theoretical community ecology. Using data from permanent forest plots spanning local, regional and global spatial scales, we measured spatial synchrony in tree population growth rates over sub-decadal and decadal timescales and explored the relationship of synchrony to geographical distance. Synchrony was high at local scales of less than 1 km, with estimated Pearson correlations of approximately 0.6–0.8 between species’ population growth rates across pairs of quadrats. Synchrony decayed by approximately 17–44% with each order of magnitude increase in distance but was still detectably positive at distances of 100 km and beyond. Dispersal cannot explain observed large-scale synchrony because typical seed dispersal distances (<100 m) are far too short to couple the dynamics of distant forests on decadal timescales. We attribute the observed synchrony in forest dynamics primarily to the effect of spatially synchronous environmental drivers (the Moran effect), in particular climate, although pests, pathogens and anthropogenic drivers may play a role for some species.

The Permanent Forest Reserve (PFR) is recognised as one of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Malaysia`s spatial planning. Incorporating biological factors alongside existing physical attributes is crucial to improve the classification of ESAs. It is important to attain biological diversity information to formulate biological factors, which include vertebrates such as bird communities. Birds are highly sensitive to changes within ecosystems; hence, they play a pivotal role in reflecting the overall ecological condition. Therefore, the study focused on assessing bird species’ richness in the Kluang Forest Reserve (Kluang FR) and compared its bird diversity amongst five PFRs ESAs in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Methods such as mist netting, point count observations and call recording were deployed to calculate the alpha and beta diversity of the bird community. A total of 68 species comprised of 36 families were recorded and the white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus) was the most abundant species in all reserves studied. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) revealed that the bird diversity in Kluang FR is more similar to bird santuary Panti Forest Reserve compared to the other four forest reserves and indicates that diversification of species richness. However, the absence of published species information in forest reserves poses challenges for comparing bird assemblages amongst different reserves. More extensive studies are needed in Johor and throughout Malaysia to provide data that can effectively assist and support biodiversity conservation and management.

The anatomical characteristics, fibre morphologies, and densities were evaluated for six rattan species, i.e., Calamus manan, Calamus ornatus, Calamus ridleyanus, Calamus crinitus subsp. sabut, Korthalsia scortechinii, and Korthalsia tenuissima from the Forest Research Institute in Malaysia. Rattan samples of about 5 to 7 cm were cut at the middle portion of the internodes of a mature stem for assessment. The results allowed differentiation between the genera Calamus and Korthalsia based on anatomical characteristics such as the type of vascular bundle, ground tissue, and the presence of the ‘yellow cap.’ The fundamental properties of C. manan, including longer fiber length, thickest fibre wall, and higher density compared to other species, signified the superior quality of this species. Based on the density result, the study of other species of rattan would also find potential for furniture, decorations, and craft purposes.

The resistance of epoxy composite modified with nanocellulose and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to decay by white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Coniophora puteana) fungi was investigated using EN 113 (1996) as the guideline. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TEOS as a cross-linked agent in epoxy/nanocellulose composite, and its resistance against white rot and brown rot fungi. The epoxy resin was mixed with 10 wt% nanocellulose. The other three sets were prepared the same, but with the addition of 1%, 2%, and 3% TEOS for each set. All types of epoxy composites were air dried in a mold at ambient temperature for seven days followed by oven drying at 80 °C for 30 min. The composites were oven dried at 103 °C, sterilized, and exposed to the fungi at 22 °C for 16 weeks. It was found that the use of 1% to 3% TEOS in the composite reduced the percent weight loss following decay by T. versicolor, but not in the case of C. puteana. Overall, all types of the composite in this study were classified as highly durable and durable against the T. versicolor and C. puteana respectively. The surface and structure of all types of composites were still intact after 16 weeks of exposure period.

Healthy soils contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services and virtually all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but most of the world's soil resources are in only fair, poor, or very poor condition, and conditions are getting worse in more cases than they are improving. A total of 33% of all soils are moderately to highly degraded as a result of erosion, loss of organic matter, poor nutrient balance, salinization and alkalinization, contamination, acidification, loss of biodiversity, sealing, compaction, and poor water status. Best management practices are available to limit or mitigate threats to soil health, and many of them mitigate multiple soil threats. In many regions of the world, policies or initiatives to protect or enhance the status of soils are in place, and they need to be strengthened and enforced. The Food and Agriculture Organisation will publish its second comprehensive assessment of the status of the world's soils in 2025, and this review provides an interim update on world soil status and offers an accessible overview of the topic.

The Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) is a significant part of the Central Forest Spine (CFS) initiative, specifically A-PL2. However, the information regarding chiropterans in PCFR is not extensively documented. To address this gap, our study aims to comprehensively document the occurrence of bats at PCFR. Surveys on bats were conducted in PCFR for five sampling sessions between June and November 2022. Two study plots were established at a distance of 500 m (Plot 1, P1) and 1000 m (Plot 2, P2) from the forest edge. A total of 10 mist nets and three harp traps were deployed in each study plot to capture the bats. Overall, 102 individuals and 24 species from four families of bats were recorded in PCFR. The Papillose Woolly Bat (Kerivoula papillosa) was the most abundant species recorded in this study, followed by the Forest Short- nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus cf. brachyotis ‘Forest’), with 15 and 13 individuals, respectively. P1 recorded more bat species than P2, with 19 and 16 species, respectively. The detection of bats in the forest reserve might be influenced by the availability of roosting sites, food resources, and foraging areas. These findings provide a strong basis for developing conservation strategies, and management plans to protect bat habitats in Perak.

This study investigates the impact of pelletisation on the properties and performance of torrefied oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar. Torrefaction, a mild pyrolysis process, enhances the energy density and durability of biomass, creating a more stable biochar product. Pelletisation, involving the compression of biochar into pellets, aims to improve its handling, transportation, and application efficiencies. This study examines key parameters such as the effects of pelletisation pressure, temperature, and the use of binders on the physical and chemical properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Evaluations include changes in density, bonding properties, and calorific value. Additionally, the study explores how pelletisation influences the biochar’s porosity, surface area, and elemental composition. Results indicate that pelletisation significantly affects the structural integrity and functional properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Pellets exhibit enhanced bulk density and durability, which are beneficial for storage and transport. However, some reduction in surface area and porosity is observed, potentially impacting the biochar’s effectiveness in applications such as soil amendment and carbon sequestration. Findings suggest that while pelletisation offers practical advantages, optimizing the process parameters is crucial to maintain the beneficial properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the trade- offs associated with pelletising torrefied EFB biochar, highlighting the potential for improved usability in sustainable agriculture and environmental management practices. Future work should focus on refining pelletisation techniques to balance mechanical benefits with the preservation of biochar’s functional attributes.

The utilization of palm oil industry’s residues on empty fruit bunch (EFB), for biochar production has gained considerable attention due to its potential in waste management and sustainable resource utilization. In this study, the investigation of bonding properties and morphological characteristics of torrefied pelletised biochar derived from EFB was done through torrefaction process which is a thermal treatment process under low oxygen conditions to enhance the energy density and stability of the biochar. Torrefied pelletised biochar was formed from the torrefied EFB biochar utilising the strand size of 750µm, holding temperature of 274°C, and residence time of 90 minutes, and later mixed with a binding agent at proportions (10%–30% of weight). The bonding properties of torrefied pelletised biochar were further analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for identifying functional groups present in the torrefied pelletised biochar. Morphological characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyse the surface morphology and pore structure. Results indicate that torrefaction significantly improved the bonding properties of the torrefied biochar but not for the pelletised biochar. SEM images revealed a more compact and homogeneous structure with enhancing the porosity of the torrefied biochar in preparing them as pelletised due to the help of pores size for binder. FTIR analysis demonstrated alterations in functional groups, suggesting chemical transformations induced by torrefaction. The enhanced bonding properties and morphological characteristics contribute to its suitability for practical implementation in agricultural and environmental sectors, thereby promoting sustainable waste management practices and resource utilization.

Malaysia had developed guidelines to develop and conserve environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), which mainly based on physical attributes, disregarding the biological elements. A recent study has identified ten potential biological parameters to be integrated into the ESA classification, especially for permanent forest reserve. However, the information on biological parameters is still scarce and inadequate, requiring extensive research on species diversity and its distribution especially on bird assemblages. Hence, a study on bird diversity was conducted over five sampling sessions from April to July 2023 in one of ESA permanent forest reserve, Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve, located in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 76 species from 32 families were documented based on observation which is 51 species of the total species recorded, 31 species by mist-netting and 12 species with bird calling. The diversity (Simpson Index = 0.952 to 0.974, Shannon Index = 3.045 to 3.638) between sessions was compared. Based on Chao 2 estimator, the total species richness in the study area was estimated to be between 77 and 80 species. This comprehensive documentation highlights the previously underreported bird diversity in the forest reserve, emphasizing the need for including biological parameters as a classification attribute for environmentally sensitive area in Malaysia.

Effective spatial planning plays a pivotal role in defining the progress and growth of a certain region. One aspect of spatial planning by PLANMalaysia involves the incorporation of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), which comprises eleven different landscape management. Integrating biological features is crucial when defining ESA Permanent Forest Reserve, as relying solely on physical attributes may not accurately reflect the true sensitivity of the environment. Therefore, there is a need to gather biological information to strengthen existing ESA. A study was conducted in Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve (GTFR) from April to July 2023. Multiple trapping approaches were deployed to assess volant and non-volant small mammal assemblage. In total, 155 individuals comprised of 31 species of small mammals were documented with the highest species abundant recorded by Maxomys rajah (n = 29) and Leopoldamys sabanus (n = 27). The diversity indices were varied throughout five sampling sessions, (Shannon = 1.841 to 2.543), (Simpson = 0.7951 to 0.9056). Comparison on species assemblage between GTFR and forest reserves in Hulu Terengganu showed a moderate similarity level. This finding offers the most recent insight of the small mammals in GTFR and highlights the significance of conserving and preserving (ESA) in permanent forest reserves.

The density of wood is a key indicator of the carbon investment strategies of trees, impacting productivity and carbon storage. Despite its importance, the global variation in wood density and its environmental controls remain poorly understood, preventing accurate predictions of global forest carbon stocks. Here we analyse information from 1.1 million forest inventory plots alongside wood density data from 10,703 tree species to create a spatially explicit understanding of the global wood density distribution and its drivers. Our findings reveal a pronounced latitudinal gradient, with wood in tropical forests being up to 30% denser than that in boreal forests. In both angiosperms and gymnosperms, hydrothermal conditions represented by annual mean temperature and soil moisture emerged as the primary factors influencing the variation in wood density globally. This indicates similar environmental filters and evolutionary adaptations among distinct plant groups, underscoring the essential role of abiotic factors in determining wood density in forest ecosystems. Additionally, our study highlights the prominent role of disturbance, such as human modification and fire risk, in influencing wood density at more local scales. Factoring in the spatial variation of wood density notably changes the estimates of forest carbon stocks, leading to differences of up to 21% within biomes. Therefore, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of terrestrial biomass distribution and how environmental changes and disturbances impact forest ecosystems.

Context The emergence of pan-resistant bacteria requires the development of new antibiotics and antibiotic potentiators. Objective This review identifies antibacterial phenolic compounds that have been identified in Asian and Pacific Angiosperms from 1945 to 2023 and analyzes their strengths and spectra of activity, distributions, molecular masses, solubilities, modes of action, structures-activities, as well as their synergistic effects with antibiotics, toxicities, and clinical potential. Methods All data in this review was compiled from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search; other sources were excluded. We used the following combination of keywords: ‘Phenolic compound’, ‘Plants’, and ‘Antibacterial’. This produced 736 results. Each result was examined and articles that did not contain information relevant to the topic or coming from non-peer-reviewed journals were excluded. Each of the remaining 467 selected articles was read critically for the information that it contained. Results Out of ∼350 antibacterial phenolic compounds identified, 44 were very strongly active, mainly targeting the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, and with a molecular mass between 200 and 400 g/mol. 2-Methoxy-7-methyljuglone, [6]-gingerol, anacardic acid, baicalin, vitexin, and malabaricone A and B have the potential to be developed as antibacterial leads. Conclusions Angiosperms from Asia and the Pacific provide a rich source of natural products with the potential to be developed as leads for treating bacterial infections.

Three new species of Boesenbergia, B. bosuangiisp. nov., B. ganaensissp. nov. and B. gokusingiisp. nov. were discovered in Sabah, Malaysia. Boesenbergia bosuangii is similar to B. stenophylla R.M.Sm. in the narrowly ovate lamina but differs in the shape of the bract and the calyx. Boesenbergia ganaensis is closely allied to B. burttiana R.M.Sm. but differs in the absence of a ligule, the longer petiole, the obtuse leaf base, the acute leaf apex, the bilobed calyx and the anther dehiscing by pores. Finally, B. gokusingii is similar to B. variegata R.M.Sm., by the single leafy shoot but differs in having an unequal, ovate lamina, a cordate leaf base, an acute leaf apex and the anther dehiscing by pores. The three new species are described and illustrated in detail. With the addition of these new species, there are in total 13 species with one variety in Sabah.

Moringa oleifera L. is a valuable multipurpose tree species widely planted for centuries due to its high medicinal value and antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties in the food industry. However, its cultivation is hindered by production constraints such as the unavailability of planting material and the inadequate number of high-yielding clones. Thus, a study was initiated to select high-yielding clones in terms of growth and chemical content for the mass propagation of superior moringa trees. Screening on high-yielding clones with high astragalin content was conducted through the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of moringa leaf extract. Selected genotypes were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory potential through in vitro bioactivity assays of leaf methanol extract. The effects of the rooting hormone, rooting substrates, and size of the cutting on the rooting response of branch cuttings of moringa were investigated. Results found that samples collected from different ecological zones of Peninsular Malaysia show significant variation in terms of astragalin content. The extracts were observed to show considerable variation in biological activity against the pro-inflammatory enzymes. The size of the cuttings had significant effects on the rooting of the cuttings as longer cuttings with bigger diameters rooted better than shorter cuttings with smaller diameters. Several genotypes of M. oleifera with superior phenotypic characteristics and bioactive compounds have been identified. Factors affecting the rooting efficiency and optimal conditions of rooting are suggested, which provides valuable information for the propagation of the superior planting material of moringa. This effort will ensure the sustainable production and supply of good quality raw materials for the production of quality end-products for the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Rainforests provide vital ecosystem services that are underpinned by plant–soil interactions. The forests of Borneo are globally important reservoirs of biodiversity and carbon, but a significant proportion of the forest that remains after large-scale agricultural conversion has been extensively modified due to timber harvest. We have limited understanding of how selective logging affects ecosystem functions including biogeochemical cycles driven by soil microbes. In this study, we sampled soil from logging gaps and co-located intact lowland dipterocarp rainforest in Borneo. We characterised soil bacterial and fungal communities and physicochemical properties and determined soil functioning in terms of enzyme activity, nutrient supply rates, and microbial heterotrophic respiration. Soil microbial biomass, alpha diversity, and most soil properties and functions were resistant to logging. However, we found logging significantly shifted soil bacterial and fungal community composition, reduced the abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi, increased the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and reduced soil inorganic phosphorous concentration and nitrate supply rate, suggesting some downregulation of nutrient cycling. Within gaps, canopy openness was negatively related to ectomycorrhizal abundance and phosphomonoesterase activity and positively related to ammonium supply rate, suggesting control on soil phosphorus and nitrogen cycles via functional shifts in fungal communities. We found some evidence for reduced soil heterotrophic respiration with greater logging disturbance. Overall, our results demonstrate that while many soil microbial community attributes, soil properties, and functions may be resistant to selective logging, logging can significantly impact the composition and abundance of key soil microbial groups linked to the regulation of vital nutrient and carbon cycles in tropical forests.

Malaysia hosts some of the most productive blue carbon ecosystems globally. Here we review the status of and known threats faced by local mangroves and seagrass and examine conservation prospects using carbon financing. Based on lessons learnt from blue carbon projects worldwide, Malaysia needs to address governance and financing hurdles that include clarifying land tenureship, ensuring local community involvement and benefits, and obtaining sustainable financing for long-term success. Research to clarify uncertainties on extent of seagrass and trajectories of both seagrass and mangrove ecosystems is needed to determine baseline scenarios and demonstrate additionality in carbon projects. Clear, definitive national approach to blue carbon is essential to streamline accounting and inventory of carbon stocks and benefits. Addressing these barriers and gaps requires a whole of society approach and public-private partnerships and ultimately allow Malaysia to fully tap into the global voluntary carbon market, local businesses, philanthropy, and multilateral carbon financing.

Eurycoma longifolia Jack. is a commercially valuable medicinal plant with clinically proven anti-cancer and aphrodisiac properties. To ensure the sustainability of the production of E. longifolia products on a commercial scale, hairy roots (HR) were engineered. In this study, we used light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as elicitation agents to enhance the synthesis of three (3) anticancer compounds (eurycomanone, 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one). HR cultures were cultured for 12 weeks under four different LED treatments, including blue light (100%), red light (100%) and a combination of blue and red light (60%: 40%). In addition, a white LED was used as a control. The effects of the treatments on growth, synthesis and anti-cancer properties were determined. The results show a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments. The combination of blue and red LED produced the highest dried biomass of 0.316, 0.391 and 0.459 g/50mL at weeks 6, 8 and 10, respectively, which is 2.2, 1.7 and 1.5 times that of the white LED. In addition, the red LED produced the highest level of eurycomanone at the 8th and 12th week of culture, the combination of blue and red LED produced the highest level of 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one at the 8th and 12th week of culture, and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one at the 4th and 8th week of culture. The MTT assay showed significant activity of the crude extracts from all treatments against MCF-7 cancer cells. These results indicate that LED excitation is a promising technique for the production of anticancer agents from HR cultures of E. longifolia.

Purpose of Review Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans), an ethnomedicinal plant from the Acanthaceae family, is widely used in Southeast Asia to address fever, skin rashes, and viral infections. It boasts diverse properties like anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review offers a synthesis of C. nutans studies, emphasising its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential. Recent Findings Phytochemical analyses have unveiled secondary metabolites such as triterpenoids, phytosterols, and c-glycosyl flavones within C. nutans extracts, contributing to its therapeutic attributes. Of note, C. nutans holds promise as an alternate immunotherapeutic agent, as evidenced by its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, mitigates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, while promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-2 and IL-4) and T helper 1 (Th1)-biased responses. However, studies were mainly conducted using C. nutans whole extract with different solvents of extraction. Summary The review underscores C. nutans' anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential and delves into the targeted mechanisms driven by its phytoconstituents. C. nutans holds promise as an herbal immunotherapeutic agent and warrants further research for broader pharmaceutical applications. Graphical Abstract