The Combination of Sugar Palm Midrib Extract (Arenga pinnata Merr.) and Nutgrass (Cyperusrotundus L.) as Gel Formulation to Inhibit Acne Bacterias (Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis)

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the combination gel preparation of the two extracts in inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis), also to test the gel formula to meet physical and chemical parameters as well as stability to temperature and storage time, and the primary irritation test for rabbits. Each extract with different concentrations was given a positive control (clindamycin) and a negative control (sterile aquabidest), incubated, then the minimum inhibitory concentration of the two extracts was determined to determine the lowest level of the extract that still gave antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Then the inhibition zone was measured, then the combination of the extract was formulated in a gel preparation with excipients NaCMC, Propylene glycol, Phenoxyetanol, glycerin and Aquadest. The antibacterial activity test for gel preparations used the well method with positive gel control on the market. Then the formula evaluation includes physical, chemical and microbiological evaluations. Data were analyzed using the Two-Way Anova test. The results showed that the combination gel preparation of sugar palm midrib extract and nutgrass extract had activity against P. acne and S. epidermidis at concentrations of 25% w/v and 40% w/v. The combination gel preparation of the two extracts compared to the single extract gel preparation had increased effectiveness against S. epidermidis and decreased against P. acnes bacteria. The gel formula can meet physical and chemical parameters and is stable to temperature and storage time. The primary irritation index results obtained an irritation index score of 0.0± 0.0 which is not irritating.