FITOFARMAKA: JURNAL ILMIAH FARMASI

Mind the Kidney: Assessing Antihypertensive Dose Adjustment Based on Creatinine Clearance and Its Clinical Impact

Emy Oktaviani, Dian Farida Ismyama, Khansa Mahdyah — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertension is a disease characterized by continuously elevated blood pressure, which increases pressure in the kidneys and results in nephron damage.Decreased kidney function disturbs the pharmacokinetics of drugs in the body, resulting in toxic effects. In patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is necessary to adjust the dose of antihypertensive therapy using the GFR value.The aim of this study is to evaluate the dose regimen adjustment and its clinical outcome (blood pressure) and to analyze the correlation between the two.The study design is cross sectional with retrospective data through medical records of outpatient hypertensive with CKD from 2016-2020 in RSUP Fatmawati Jakarta. The results showed that of the 174 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 343 drugs were prescribed and 139 patients (79.9%) had an appropriate dose adjustment. Of those patients, 53.45% had controlled blood pressure and 26.44% had uncontrolled blood pressure. While 35 patients (20.1%) had an inappropriate dose adjustment, 12.64% of these patients were controlled and 7.47% were uncontrolled. Of the 343 prescribed drugs, bisoprolol has the highest rate of inappropriate dose adjustment. There was no significant correlation between dose adjustment suitability and blood pressure control (p-value = 0.651). However, comorbidities can affect both the suitability of dose adjustment (p-value = 0.024) and blood pressure (p-value = 0.037).

Formulation and Evaluation of Effervescent Tablets from Guava Leaf Extract with Variations of Polyvinylpyrrolidone Concentration

Ilham Maulana, Azhari Firmansyah; Rhamal Amir, Rahmadhani Tyas Angganawati — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate effervescent tablets of guava leaf extract with varying concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a binder, specifically at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. The research was conducted as a laboratory-based experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Evaluation included granule characterization (moisture content, flow time, and angle of repose) and tablet assessment (weight uniformity, hardness, dissolution time, moisture content, pH, and organoleptic properties). The results showed that increasing PVP concentration significantly improved granule flow properties and overall tablet quality, particularly in terms of hardness and dissolution time (p < 0.05). Formulations F3 and F4 met the requirements for tablet hardness and weight uniformity, while all formulations except F4 dissolved in less than 5 minutes. Moisture content remained within the acceptable range (<10%), but pH values did not reach the ideal range (6–7). Organoleptic characteristics such as aroma, taste, and color were relatively consistent across all formulations; however, only F2 exhibited a nearly perfect physical shape. Overall, variations in PVP concentration had a significant effect on the physical characteristics of both granules and effervescent tablets, though further optimization is needed for pH and shape uniformity.

Analysis of Public Knowledge Related to Antibiotic Usage and Its Impact on Antibiotic Resistance

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic use. This study aims to analyze the public knowledge level of antibiotics and their correlation with the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the city. This prospective, descriptive observational study, conducted in Bogor City from March to May 2025, analyzed antibiotic usage patterns and knowledge among 191 residents aged 17 years who had previously used antibiotics. The majority of respondents were female (88.5%) and homemakers (78.5%). A high prevalence of antibiotic use (95.8%) was reported, with amoxicillin being the most frequently used (82.2%). Notably, 2.1% of respondents mistakenly identified non-antibiotics. While doctors (60.7%) were the primary source of recommendation, some obtained antibiotics based on advice from neighbors (2.6%) or self-medication (1.6%). The average knowledge score was 62.3%, with 15.7% having low knowledge. Misconceptions existed, as only 69.1% correctly identified antibiotics' use for bacterial infections, and only 48.2% knew they don't treat inflammation. Concerning behaviors included purchasing antibiotics without a prescription (19.4%) and stopping prematurely due to symptom relief (17.3%). A significant positive correlation (r=0.45,p<0.001) was found between knowledge and rational behavior. This study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions in Bogor City to address knowledge gaps and reduce risky antibiotic use practices to combat AMR, especially antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, this study conducted in Bogor City between March and May 2025 revealed a high prevalence of prior antibiotic use among residents, alongside identified gaps in public knowledge regarding their appropriate application.

β-carotene Levels In Local Carrot (Daucus Carota L.) Extract From Two Different Planting Areas

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carrots or Daucus carota L. are vegetables that have many benefits. β-carotene as the main content in carrots can act as provitamin A, antioxidants, and skin and facial care. Two types of local carrots, namely carrots grown in Citeko, Bogor Regency and Sukatani, Cianjur Regency, have the potential to be developed as a source of natural β-carotene for drug and cosmetic preparations. Determination of β-carotene levels in local carrots needs to be done before being used as drug and cosmetic preparations. The purpose of this study was to determine the β-carotene levels in the extracts of two types of local carrots, namely carrots from Citeko, Bogor Regency and Sukatani, Cianjur Regency. The sample powder was extracted by the maceration method using n-hexane solvent (1:10). Qualitative β-carotene testing was carried out by the TLC method using a silica gel 60 F254 stationary phase and a petroleum ether: benzene mobile phase (9:1). Determination of β-carotene levels using a validated method, namely the visible light spectrophotometry method with n-hexane solvent at a wavelength of 450 nm. The results of this study indicate that the β-carotene levels in Citeko carrot extract are 86.94 ± 5.53 mg/g and 104.09 ± 4.21 mg/g for Sukatani carrot extract. Based on the results of the ANOVA test, the β-carotene levels in the two types of carrot extracts did not show significant differences. Both types of local carrot extracts, Citeko and Sukatani, have the potential as sources of β-carotene for drug and cosmetic preparations.

The Effect Of Leukocyte Levels On Antibiotic Therapy In Patients With Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) at Hospitals in Kudus

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are defined as urine contamination caused by microorganisms in the urinary tract. Characterized by symptoms of fever, chills, malaise, and low back pain, often accompanied by frequency, urgency, and urethral pain during urination. The use of antibiotics can reduce the number of leukocytes in patients with UTIs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of antibiotics on leukocytes in Patients with UTIs. This study used a descriptive observational (non-experimental) design with a total sampling technique involving 34 patients. Data were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. The results of this study showed that the largest number was in the age range of 56-65 years as many as 9 patients (25.7%), with the same number of male and female genders, namely 17 patients (50%), the results of the distribution of drug use showed the highest frequency of using Cefuroxime antibiotic therapy as many as 18 patients (52.9%), Cefixime as many as 1 patients (2.9%), Ceftriaxone as many as 9 patients (26.5%), Cefotaxime as many as 4 patients (11.8%) and Ampicillin therapy as many as 2 patients (5.9%). The results of the Wilcoxon test showed that there was a difference in the number of leukocytes before and after antibiotic therapy was given to patients with Urinary Tract Infection. Significant results with a p-value of 0.000 (p ≤ 0.05), which can be interpreted that there is a significant effect. The conclusion is that there is an effect of antibiotics on leukocytes in Patients with UTIs

Antioxidant Activity Test and Phytochemical Content of Ocimum sanctum Extract Based on Different Extraction Methods

Oom Komala, Novi Fajar Utami, Windia Ning Tias — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ocimum sanctum, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is widely utilized in traditional medicine due to its pharmacological properties. Among its bioactive constituents, flavonoids exhibit significant antioxidant activity, capable of scavenging free radicals and inhibiting cancer growth and proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition of O. sanctum leaf extracts obtained using two different extraction techniques: maceration and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), and to determine the most effective method. The leaves were extracted using 70% ethanol, and the resulting extracts were analyzed qualitatively for the presence of phytochemical compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, with vitamin C serving as the positive control. Absorbance measurements were performed at a wavelength of 516 nm using a visible spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis to determine the most effective extraction method was conducted using SPSS version 24. The results revealed that O. sanctum leaf extracts possess antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 111.843 ± 0.14789 ppm for the maceration method (moderate antioxidant intensity) and 75.725 ± 0.4498 ppm for the MAE method (strong antioxidant intensity). Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in both extraction methods, as well as in the powdered leaf material. The MAE method yielded the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 75.725 ± 0.4498 ppm, classifying it as a strong antioxidant source. Both extraction methods demonstrated the presence of key secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.

Shelf Life Determination of Instant Granules Combination of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) and Pegagan (Centella asiatica L.) Herb Extracts Using Arrhenius Model Accelerated Shelf Life Method

Wilda Nurhikmah, Erni Rustiani, Nabila Hidayat — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dementia is one of the diseases whose number of sufferers has increased over the past 10 years. Some natural ingredients that can be used to improve memory are broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) and pegagan (Centella asiatica L.) Urban). The high interest of Indonesian people in using herbs in the prevention of diseases is an opportunity to develop granule preparations of broccoli and pegagan extracts. Granules preparations are packaged in a sachet to make it easier to consume them. Physical quality testing and determination of its shelf life are carried out to ensure the quality of instant granules preparations. This study aims to evaluate the physical quality and determine the shelf life of instant granules using the Accelerated Shelf Life Testing (ASLT) method of the Arrhenius model. Preparation was carried out by wet granulation and then packaged using aluminum foil sachets. Furthermore, physical quality parameters and stability tests were evaluated with storage conditions at 40 °C, 45 °C, and 60 °C for 4 weeks. Parameters include: organoleptic, loss on drying (LOD), dispersion time, pH, and flavonoid content. The results of the evaluation of the physical quality of instant herbal granules combined with broccoli and pegagan extracts are LOD 4.4%, ash content 1.5%, flow rate 8.19 g/sec, angle of repose 25-30⁰, dispersion time 1 minute 24 seconds, pH 4.84, and flavonoid content 0.5 mg QE/g. The results of the stability test obtained data on the shelf life of instant granules for 13.2 weeks or 92 days at room temperature (25°C).