Indah Woro Utami, Sapri Sapri, Nishia Waya Meray, As'ari As'ari

Utilizing cover crops like Passiflora foetida L. (rambusa) can mitigate significant environmental issues in post-coal mining terrain rehabilitation. Plants thriving in extreme environments are known for producing high levels of secondary metabolites with significant biochemical activity. This study sought to assess the antifungal and antibacterial effects of P. foetida root extracts derived from rehabilitated coal mine soil in East Kalimantan. The roots were macerated with solvents of differing polarity (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) for extracting specific fractions. Utilizing the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, the antifungal efficacy was assessed against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida lipolytica at a 60% concentration. Conversely, the antibacterial efficacy was assessed against Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus mutans, and Cutibacterium acnes at a 10% concentration. The findings revealed that the fraction consisting of ethyl acetate demonstrated the most potent and extensive antibacterial efficacy. The ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant antifungal activity, particularly against C. tropicalis, with inhibitory zones that were similar to those of the positive control, fluconazole. The treatments exhibited significant differences, as confirmed by statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test). Studies indicate that that P. foetida roots, particularly those from harsh settings, are a significant source of antimicrobial chemicals, with the semi-polar ethyl acetate fraction being the most promising for further development as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Steven Victoria Halim, Stefany Marcellia Kumala, Fatichatus Sharifah, Eko Setiawan, Antonius Adji Prayitno Setiadi

Self-medication is a treatment effort often undertaken by students, especially when the burden on healthcare services increases due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nevertheless, up to five years after the onset of the global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, no empirical evidence has been found to elucidate the self-medication practice among students in Indonesia. This observational study with a cross-sectional design aimed to identify students' self-medication practices at a university during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research data was collected online using a questionnaire (Google Form). The questionnaire used consisted of two parts: student characteristics and student self-medication practices. A total of 1,019 students were involved in this study. The most used drugs for self-medication by students were vitamins/multivitamins (91.66%) and analgesics (64.57%). Most medicines used by students were obtained from pharmacies (88.71%), while information related to drugs was obtained from recommendations from friends and family members (72.72%). The primary consideration that prompted students to self-medicate during the COVID-19 era was the easy access to medicines (83.81%). Students' self-medication practices during a health service delivery crisis can be irrational. As this study was conducted within a single institution using a specific sampling approach, the findings should be regarded as context-specific rather than broadly generalizable.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Adi Yugatama, Anas Muti'ah Syahrul Azizah, Syaiful Choiri, Ya-lin Huang

Piroxicam (PRX), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is classified as a biopharmaceutical classification system class II (high permeability and low solubility), which limits its bioavailability. Enhancement of the dissolution rate is a key strategy to enhance the absorption. Solid dispersion systems, particularly when combined with amphiphilic multiple co-block polymers, offer a promising approach to address this challenge. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Poloxamer 188 (P188) and the solid dispersion technique on the solubility and dissolution rate of PRX. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000-based solid dispersions containing PRX were prepared using varying concentrations of Poloxamer 188 surfactant through the fusion method. The solid dispersions were evaluated for saturated solubility in water for 24 hours. Selected formulations were further characterized using thermal analysis and vibrational spectroscopy. The optimized solid dispersion formulation was filled into capsules, and a dissolution assay was carried out to compare its performance with that of pure PRX capsules. The optimized formula, comprising 3% P188 and PEG4000, demonstrated a significant enhancement in saturation solubility parameters (p < 0.05), specifically the Cmax/S0 ratio. Additionally, dissolution testing showed a 22.22% increase in the dissolution rate of the PRX solid dispersion capsules compared to pure PRX capsules. In conclusion, P188-based solid dispersion containing PRX enhanced the solubility and dissolution rate, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Asriana Sultan, Rinaldi Rinaldi, Sri Sulistiana Sulaiman, Nuur Aanisah, Akhmad Khumaidi, Zulhaerana Bahar, Armini Syamsidi

Flakes are a type of instant food product commonly consumed as a breakfast alternative, especially those labelled “low-glycaemic index” can be suitable for individuals with diabetes. Taro tubers (Colocasia esculenta L.) containing high fibre and low fat are among the raw materials that can be processed into instant food. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and determine the glycaemic index (GI) of Taro tuber flakes as an alternative processed food product for individuals with diabetes. Three distinct formulas, namely F1, F2, and F3, were developed with varying drying temperatures of 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C. These were comprehensively evaluated through sensory testing (hedonic and scoring), followed by the analysis of moisture content, ash content, microbial examination, and glycaemic index. The results showed that all three developed formulas F1, F2, and F3 xhibited low glycaemic index values (below 55), along with acceptable moisture and ash content, and were free from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi contamination. Among them, F2, which was dried at 60 °C, showed the lowest glycaemic index value of 15.1, indicating its potential to produce a minimal postprandial blood glucose response. Furthermore, F2 received an average hedonic score of 6, which indicates favorable sensory acceptance in terms of taste, color, texture, and aroma. Therefore, F2 was selected as the most suitable formula that can be consumed as an alternative food product to help manage diabetes through low-GI dietary strategies.

Sciences of Pharmacy