FITOFARMAKA: JURNAL ILMIAH FARMASI

Utilization of Teak Leaves (Tectona grandis Linn.) Ethanol Extract as a Natural Dye in Blush-On Cream

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The leaves of the teak plant (Tectona grandis L.) contain anthocyanin compounds and have the potential as a natural dye. This study aims to develop a blush-on cream formulation containing ethanol extract of teak leaves as a natural dye and to evaluate the characteristics of the preparation. The color of the teak leaf extract remained stable during 28 days of storage at room temperature and was also stable following exposure to UV and polychromatic light. The blush-on cream was prepared using the fusion method with two types of bases: stearic acid–cetyl alcohol (F1) and beeswax–cetyl alcohol (F2), each containing 5 % extract. The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, cycling test stability, pH, and color stability. The F1 formulation exhibited a pink color, whereas F2 showed a brick-red color. The viscosities of the two creams differed, with F1 ranging from 12,100–16,466 cps and F2 from 6,466–7,766 cps, which influenced their adhesion and spreadability. Nevertheless, all parameters remained within acceptable limits for cosmetic applications. Measured parameters included pH values of 4.21–4.92 for F1 and 4.11–4.75 for F2; spreadability values of 5.46–5.83 cm for F1 and 7.43–7.67 cm for F2; and adhesion times of 173–184 s for F1 and 12.76–15.01 s for F2. After six cycles of the cycling stability test, globule sizes remained <50 µm. Color stability testing demonstrated no shift in the maximum wavelength of the teak leaf extract in either formulation. The extract color in the F2 cream was more stable than in F1, as indicated by the absence of significant changes in absorbance values; in contrast, F1 showed a slight decrease in absorbance after 28 days of storage at room temperature.

Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Biophytum umbraculum Welw. Ethanolic Extract

Rizka Bella, Erni Rustiani, Nisa Najwa, Lisna Anisa Fitriana — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Biophytum umbraculum Welw. (Syn. Biophytum petersianum) is a traditional Papuan plant known for its antioxidant and stamina-enhancing properties Biophytum umbraculum Welw. contains diverse phytochemicals, which contribute to its protective effects against oxidative stress and its potential to support reproductive health. This study aims to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of Biophytum umbraculum Welw. (Syn. Biophytum petersianum) Ethanol extract in mice (Mus musculus Balb/c). A fixed-dose method was used with treatment groups receiving single oral doses of 300, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW), alongside a negative control group receiving 0.5% Na CMC. Clinical signs, mortality, body weight, and organ indices were monitored for 14 days following administration.. No abnormal clinical signs observed except mild, transient grooming, which is considered a normal behavioral response in mice in preliminary test. In the main test and limit test, only ptosis (2000 mg/kgBW) and piloerection (5000 mg/kgBW) were found. All groups showed consistent increases in body weight. No significant organ toxicity observed (p>0.05), except spleen (p<0.05).The ethanol extract of B. umbraculum is practically non-toxic at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. It is safe for further pharmacological investigation and potential development as an herbal therapeutic agent.

Effects of Qustul Hindi (Saussurea lappa L.) Root Extract on Sperm Morphology, Count, and Viability in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.) Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Fathia Puteri Dina, Boenga NurCita, Nunuk Nugrohowati — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smoking-induced oxidative stress leads to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, reducing spermatozoa viability, morphology, and count. Antioxidants, such as those in Qustul Hindi (Saussurea lappa) root, which are consumed by many Indonesians, can counteract the effects of ROS. This study aims to ascertain how Qustul Hindi root extract affects the morphology, count, and viability of rat spermatozoa exposed to cigarette smoke. A true experimental posttest-only design with control groups was applied. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats (8–10 weeks, 150–200 g) were randomized into five groups: negative control (K1), positive control (K2, smoke exposure only), and three treatment groups (K3–K5) receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW/day of Qustul Hindi root extract, respectively, alongside cigarette smoke exposure. Extracts were administered orally for 35 days. Outcomes were assessed using hemocytometer analysis for sperm count, giemsa-stained smears for morphology, and Eosin Y exclusion test for viability. Results show the lowest abnormal morphology was found in K1 (3.0±0.05 %), while the highest occurred in K3 (22.0±0.11 %). The highest sperm count was observed in K4 (32.69±6.43×10⁶/mL), and the lowest in K5 (11.87±6.76×10⁶/mL). Viability was highest in K4 (69.0±0.07%) and lowest in K5 (42.0±0.14 %). Statistical analysis revealed significant intergroup differences in morphology (p=0.013), count (p=0.000), and viability (p=0.000). As conclusion, administration of the extract at the dosages 50 and 100 mg/kg BW/day improved spermatozoa count and viability, while 200 mg/kg BW/day reduced both parameters. In terms of morphology, 50 and 200 mg/kg BW/day increased abnormalities, while 100 mg/kg BW/day reduced them.

Rationality of Use and Interaction of Antihyperlipidemic Drugs in Outpatient Care at South Tangerang City General Hospital

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hyperlipidemia is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The use of antihyperlipidemic agents should be rational, and drug interactions can affect the effectiveness of therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the rational use and potential drug interactions of antihyperlipidemic agents in outpatient care at a General Hospital in South Tangerang City in December 2024. This research is descriptive with a retrospective data collection approach. A total sample of 172 prescriptions met the inclusion criteria. The evaluation included the appropriateness of indication, drug, dosage, administration, time interval, patient, and method of administration. The use of antihyperlipidemic agents was 100% appropriate for indication, drug, dosage, administration, and time interval; 100% for the correct patient; and only 80.32% appropriate for the method of administration. Drug interactions occurred in 55.32% of patients, with severity classified as major (57.57%), moderate (37.37%), and minor (5.05%). The most frequent interactions occur between simvastatin and amlodipine. Conclusion: The use of antihyperlipidemic agents in outpatient care at a General Hospital in South Tangerang City is mostly rational; however, drug interactions are still present and need attention to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Formulation of Bar Soap Containing Neem and Sulfur as Active Ingredients and Antibacterial Testing Against Propionibacterium acnes

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Propionibacterium acnes is one of the main bacterial contributors to acne vulgaris, a prevalent dermatological condition. The prolonged use of topical antibiotics often leads to bacterial resistance, highlighting the need for safe and effective natural alternatives. Neem and sulfur are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties, but studies on their combined application in herbal soap formulations remain limited. This study aimed to formulate an antibacterial herbal bar soap combining neem extract and sulfur and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and antibacterial activity against P. acnes. The soap was prepared through saponification of coconut, palm, and olive oils (25%:35%:40%) producing four formulations: base soap (H1), neem soap (H2), sulfur soap (H3), and combined neem–sulfur soap (H4). Each formulation was assessed for organoleptic properties, pH, moisture content, free alkali and antibacterial activity against P. acnes with a commercial sulfur soap as positive control.All formulations met the reference standard of solid soap with pH 8.67–9.22, moisture content 7.76–8.46 %, and free alkali <0.1%. The H4 formula showed the highest antibacterial activity with a 9.00 mm inhibition zone, surpassing the positive control (8.4 mm). The combination of neem extract and sulfur can be effectively formulated into a stable herbal antibacterial soap with significant inhibitory activity against P. acnes. This product shows promising potential as a natural therapeutic for acne-prone skin.

Antibacterial Activity of Pennisetum purpureum CV Extracts from Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Maceration Methods

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which are suspected to have antibacterial potential. This study was aim to test the antibacterial activity of P. purpureum ethanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using disc diffusion and dilution methods. To obtain a valid data, this study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample used was a thick extract of P. purpureum extracted using maceration and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) methods. The obtained Inhibitory Zone Width data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Duncan's follow-up test. The results of the qualitative phytochemical test showed that the P. purpureum extract with the maceration and MAE extraction methods positively contained secondary metabolite compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. The antibacterial test showed that the extract with the MAE method at a concentration of 40 % provided the highest inhibition zone width against S. aureus (15.36 mm) and E. coli (16.68 mm), both of which were in the strong category. As conclusion, the MAE extraction method is the most effective method in producing P. purpureum extract that has active compounds as antibacterials.