Sciences of Pharmacy

Syilvi Adini, Shirly Kumala, Siswa Setyahadi

Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes often exhibit resistance to conventional treatments. This issue has led to the exploration of medical plants, such as kecombrang stems (Etlingera elatior), which are known for their antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of kecombrang stem and to identify its active compounds. The methanolic extract of kecombrang stems was tested against the three bacteria using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 80%, 40%, and 20%. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method and an ELISA reader. TLC-Bioautography was employed to identify the antibacterial compounds present in the extract. The methanol extract of kecombrang stems exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. acnes, with an inhibition zone diameter ranging from 9.23 ± 0.472 to 25.53 ± 0.378 mm. The MIC results showed that the minimum concentration of 78.12 ppm could inhibit the growth of S. aureus by 33.74%, S. epidermidis by 14.45%, and P. acnes by 3.5%. The results of TLC Bioautography analysis indicate that flavonoids exhibit antibacterial properties. The kecombrang stem has the potential to serve as an antibacterial agent against bacteria that cause skin infections.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Reza Pratama, Daisy Jane Cabellon-Semense, Lela Sulastri, Mia Arifka, Yayan Rizikiyan

Mannan, a polysaccharide derived from various sources, has gained attention for its biocompatibility and potential in targeted drug delivery. Since its initial use in 1911 as an ointment base, mannan has been applied in cancer therapy, vaccine development, and as an antimicrobial agent. However, research is still largely dominated by in vitro and preclinical studies, with few clinical trials conducted to date. This study aims to provide an overview of mannan's advancements, its uses in drug delivery, the mechanisms involved, the research gaps, and the underexplored areas with significant potential. This study analyzed 321 peer-reviewed articles selected from Scopus (2000-2024), employing natural language (NLP) and bibliometric mapping to identify key materials, application areas, and research trends. Mannan’s flexible molecular structure allows for copolymerization with polymers such as chitosan, alginate, polyacrylate, and polycaprolactione, enabling improved targeting, mucoadhesion, and controlled drug release. Chitosan emerged as the most frequently used co-polymer, particularly in nanogel formulations for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Keyword impact analysis also revealed growing interest in mannans role in post-COVID-19 cytokine storm mitigation and vaccine enhancement, despite limited representation in clinical pipelines. Optimization of polymer ratios, crosslinker use and formulation strategies, remains essential to improving translational outcomes. Future research should also focus on clinical trials to demonstrate its effectiveness. In conclusion, this study underscores mannans role as promising biomaterial for next-generation drug delivery systems, while identifying gaps in clinical validation, mechanistic insight, methodological consistency. To advance toward commercial and clinical applications, future research should integrate machine learning models for predicting formulation parameters and drug release profiles. This findings offer a roadmap for the design, standardization, and eventual commercialization of mannan-based delivery platforms.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Yusransyah Yusransyah, Ihda Nurhikmah, Zahra Citra Maharani, Sofi Nurmay Stiani, Afifah Nur Shobah, Baha Udin

Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic conditions requiring long-term pharmacotherapy, placing significant financial pressure on patients and healthcare systems. Drug selection should prioritize both clinical efficacy and cost-efficiency, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of commonly used therapies at RSUD Berkah Pandeglang using a retrospective, non-experimental design. Data were collected from 2023 outpatient records and analyzed from the hospital’s perspective. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the Average Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ACER). For hypertension, amlodipine (n = 20) had a lower ACER (Rp 283,913) than candesartan (n = 15; Rp 883,000), indicating higher cost-effectiveness. In T2DM patients, metformin (n = 25) was more cost-effective (ACER: Rp 317,746.75) than glimepiride (n = 25; ACER: Rp 607,148.84). These findings support prioritizing amlodipine and metformin as first-line treatments in similar public healthcare settings to improve therapeutic outcomes while managing costs.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Nur Cholis Endriyatno, Lina Aliyanti Nurhidayat

Sunlight containing ultraviolet (UV) rays is harmful to human skin health. Sunscreen is one of the trendy and attractive cosmetics. Brown seaweed extract (Sargassum sp.) has the potential to be developed into a sunscreen product. This study aimed to optimize the formula of a cream containing brown seaweed extract and its in vitro photoprotection. A simplex lattice design approach was used to factor (triethanolamine and stearic acid) and responses (pH, viscosity, adhesiveness, and spreadability). The concentration of variation in stearic acid and triethanolamine affects the parameters of pH response, viscosity, adhesion, and spreadability. The simplex lattice design predicts the optimal formula with stearic acid (17%) and triethanolamine (4%). The verification proved that no significant difference between the predicted and actual results. The in vitro photoprotective evaluation results indicate that the brown seaweed extract cream is categorized as providing high sun protection and serving as a sunblock. Optimization of the brown seaweed extract cream formula using stearic acid and triethanolamine factors has been successfully achieved. The conclusion is that brown seaweed extract cream has the potential to be developed into a sunscreen cosmetic.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Fachrurrazi Al Ansori, Rauza Sukma Rita, Almurdi Almurdi

Lead (Pb), a heavy metal recognized as a hazardous environmental toxin, triggers oxidative stress by catalyzing oxidation reactions that produce free radicals, ultimately leading to cell death. Liver cell damage due to lead can decrease serum albumin levels, while kidney damage can increase serum uric acid levels. To counteract this oxidative stress, the intake of exogenous antioxidants is necessary. Java plum (Syzygium cumini) leaves are abundant in natural antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The compounds possess antioxidant potential by scavenging free radicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an extract of S. cumini on serum albumin and uric acid in rats induced with lead acetate. All treatments lasted 30 days. Testing for serum albumin and uric acid was performed using the DiaSys method. One-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in serum albumin levels among the groups: the normal group (4.13 g/dL), the positive control (2.86 g/dL), and the treatment group (3.93 g/dL). Similarly, significant differences were observed in serum uric acid levels: the normal group (1.47 mg/dL), the positive control (3.14 mg/dL), and the treatment group (1.64 mg/dL). These results indicate that S. cumini extract helps mitigate the adverse effects of lead exposure on serum albumin and uric acid levels in rats. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicates that the observed differences are statistically significant and unlikely due to chance.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Grace Faskarina Sembiring, Sahat Saragi, Rafrini Amyulianthy

Efficient pharmaceutical services are vital to hospital care quality. This study addresses process inefficiencies at RSIA Viola Bekasi’s pharmacy, including SOP non-compliance, long wait times, and poor stock management. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, observations, interviews, and secondary data, Lean Management was implemented collaboratively with hospital leadership. Pre-intervention, compounded prescriptions averaged 30–45 min; non-compounded, 15–20 min. Post-intervention, times dropped to 20.17 and 6.5 min respectively, improving efficiency by 33%–68%. Lean practices also reduced waste, improved flow, and optimized inventory through JIT and FEFO systems. Results show Lean Management effectively enhances pharmacy operations, service quality, and patient satisfaction, offering practical evidence for its application in Indonesian maternal and child healthcare settings.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Minda Sari Lubis, Ziza Putri Aisyia Fauzi, Sri Harti Dewi, Zulmai Rani, Rafita Yuniarti

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that frequently causes skin infections and can become resistant to various antibiotics. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) waste, particularly the hump, contains active compounds such as bromelain, saponins, and flavonoids with known antibacterial properties. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial potential of liquid soap formulated with extract and nanoextract of pineapple hump against S. aureus. The pineapple hump was extracted using maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by nanoparticle formulation using a high-speed homogenization method. Liquid soap was made with three formulas, one formula contains a concentration of 12.5% extract and two formulas contain 1.25% nanoextract of pineapple hump. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, and the diameter of the inhibition zones was measured. Results showed that all tested concentrations produced antibacterial activity, with the 12.5% concentration (Formula 1) exhibiting the highest inhibition zone (23.2 mm), followed by 1.25% nanoextract nano liquid soap (18.41 mm) (Formula 3) and 1.25% nanoextract liquid soap (14.53 mm) (Formula 2). The positive control (Dettol Handwash) produced a larger inhibition zone (20.08 mm). Data analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences for each formula, with a p-value of less than 0.05. These findings indicate that nanoextract of pineapple hump formulated in liquid soap has potential as a natural antibacterial agent against S. aureus.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Yusransyah Yusransyah, Sofi Nurmay Stiani, Farahdina Chairani, Syilvi Adini, Mohamad Subchan, Ferdiyansyah Ferdiyansyah, Nabila Septiani Putri, Rossi Pratiwi, Baha Udin

Poor adherence to anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment continues to hinder therapeutic success and patient quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the TB-R mobile application in improving medication adherence and quality of life among pulmonary TB patients at Pandeglang Regional Hospital. Eighty-six patients were randomized into intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 43) groups. Adherence and quality of life were measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and EQ-5D-5L, respectively. After one month, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher adherence (97.7% vs. 79.0%, p < 0.001) and improvement in mean MARS scores (24.7 vs. 22.7, p < 0.001). Although quality of life gains were not statistically significant overall, notable improvements were observed in anxiety/depression and self-care domains. Demographic factors influenced outcomes: patients aged 29–39 and those living with others showed better adherence, while patients aged 40–50 experienced greater quality of life gains. Women aged 51–60 living alone had decreased adherence despite quality of life improvements. These results suggest that mHealth tools like TB-R can enhance adherence, especially when supported by favorable social and demographic conditions. Tailored digital interventions may optimize treatment outcomes in TB care. Future mHealth app development should consider these social and demographic factors to maximize effectiveness and user engagement.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Hasniah Hasniah, Dyah Aryani Perwitasari, Woro Supadmi

Vaccination has proven effective in preventing HBV transmission and reducing related health burdens. This study aimed to systematically review the long-term effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine following primary vaccination. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library following PRISMA guidelines. Keywords included "effectiveness," "hepatitis B," "HBV," "HepB," "vaccine," "vaccination," "immunization," "immune memory," "seroprotection," and "birth dose." Of 555 articles initially identified, nine met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that the duration of protection after primary vaccination ranges from 5 to 25 years, with an average seroprotection rate of 83.5%. Vaccination is vital for newborns, regardless of maternal HBV status, and healthcare professionals play a key role in promoting early immunization. Monitoring anti-HBs antibody levels is also recommended to assess the need for booster doses, which may help prevent HBV transmission and further reduce morbidity and mortality.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Lela Sulastri, Nining Sugihartini, Nuri Ari Efiana

A literature review was conducted to gather information on the pharmacological properties and pharmaceutical dosage forms made from the Matoa plant (Pometia pinnata). The review aimed to provide a basis for further research and explore the potential of Matoa in the health sector. The method involved searching electronic media platforms, specifically Google Scholar, PubMed, and Open Knowledge Maps, using targeted keywords such as "Matoa,” "Pometia pinnata,” "Matoa preparation formulation,” "Pometia pinnata pharmaceutical preparation,” "Preparation of Pometia pinnata," and "Function of Pometia pinnata." The inclusion criteria included original research, full-text articles, and open-access journals, all published within the last 10 years, in both Indonesian and English. After screening, 64 articles were identified from the 185 search results. The review revealed that various parts of the Matoa plant, including leaves, fruit, stem bark, fruit peel, and roots, possess pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, sunscreen, anticancer, antidiarrheal, anti-HIV, anti-obesity, diuretic, nephrotoxic, and antihypertensive activities. Additionally, various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing Matoa were studied, including topical preparations such as lotions, creams, liquid soap, and body scrubs, as well as oral preparations like effervescent powders, herbal drinks, and jelly candies. The review suggests that numerous research opportunities remain to further explore the potential of Matoa in the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields, as well as to develop innovative dosage forms for optimal results.

Sciences of Pharmacy