SCIENCE & SOCIETY INSIGHTS

Abstract

The global demand for natural, plant-based alternatives to synthetic energy stimulants has accelerated the exploration of traditional botanicals with metabolic and neuroendocrine benefits. Indonesia, recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity and long-standing herbal traditions such as jamu, offers a wealth of underutilized flora with potential energy-enhancing properties. This review synthesizes current scientific knowledge and traditional practices surrounding several key indigenous species—including Eurycoma longifolia, Kaempferia galanga, Curcuma longa, Moringa oleifera, and Zingiber officinale—focusing on their phytochemical profiles and mechanisms of action in relation to energy metabolism. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies highlights the roles of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids in modulating mitochondrial function, reducing fatigue, and supporting hormonal balance. While growing pharmacological validation aligns with traditional use, significant research gaps remain, particularly in standardized clinical trials, safety assessment, and bioavailability optimization. Furthermore, regulatory oversight and commercialization efforts are still evolving and must be guided by principles of ethical bioprospecting and biodiversity conservation. This review advocates for an integrative approach that combines ethnobotanical wisdom with evidence-based research to fully realize the therapeutic and commercial potential of Indonesia’s plant-based energy enhancers.