Journal of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Shampoo containing Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus (Hook.) Britton & Rose): toward A Potential Anti-Dandruff Application

2026-06-29T13:38:00+07:00

Dandruff is a common scalp condition influenced by factors such as an oily scalp, hormones, and fungal infections. Red dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains flavonoids with natural antimicrobial activity, making it a promising natural ingredient for scalp care. This study aimed to develop and evaluate herbal shampoo containing red dragon fruit peel extract. Four formulations were prepared with different concentrations of extract: F0 (base), F1 (6.25%), F2 (12.5%), and F3 (25%). Each was assessed for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, foam height, and foam stability. The stability test was evaluated using a cycling test. Data analysis with One-way ANOVA revealed that extract concentration significantly influenced pH and viscosity stability (p < 0.05). F1 showed optimal physical properties and complied with SNI 06-2692-1992 standards. These findings support the potential use of red dragon fruit peel extract in herbal shampoo formulations for future anti-dandruff applications.

Detection of Adulterants in the Essential Oil by Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. FTIR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis

2026-06-29T13:38:04+07:00

Authentication of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. essential oils (EOs-CA) is critical to prevent adulteration and to ensure the quality and safety of derived products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometric methods for the authentication of EOs-CA, particularly in the presence of adulterants such as Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). VCO was selected as an adulterant model due to its spectral similarity with EOs-CA. Discriminant Analysis (DA) and multivariate calibration techniques—Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Principal Component Regression (PCR)—were employed for the classification and quantification of adulterated EOs-CA samples, including those mixed with Curcuma xanthorrhiza essential oil (EOs-CX). A total of 26 samples were prepared, comprising binary mixtures of EOs-CA/EOs-CX and ternary mixtures of EOs-CA/EOs-CX/VCO, with adulterant concentration levels ranging from 0% to 100%. FTIR spectral data were collected in the wavenumber range of 4000–650 cm⁻¹ using an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR-ATR spectrophotometer (USA). Chemometric analyses were conducted using DA, PLS, and PCR methods through TQ Analyst software version 9 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.). The DA method successfully classified authentic and adulterated samples with accuracy rates of 99.99% and 99.96% for the binary and ternary systems, respectively. Quantitative determination of EOs-CA in binary mixtures with EOs-CX was achieved using the second derivative of FTIR spectra in the 1770–728 cm⁻¹ region, yielding coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.9992 and 0.9994 for the calibration and validation models, respectively. The Root Mean Square Error of Calibration (RMSEC) and Prediction (RMSEP) were 1.19% and 1.16%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques provides a reliable and accurate method for detecting adulteration and authenticating EOs-CA against potential adulterants such as EOs-CX and VCO.

Prediction of the Potential Active Compounds in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) against Hypertension using Pharmacological Network (Cytoscape)

2026-06-29T13:37:58+07:00

Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease, kidney failure and stroke in Indonesia. Antihypertensive drugs have proven effective in managing blood pressure levels. However, long-term use of these medications may lead to side effects, reduce patient compliance and increased healthcare costs. Various studies have reported the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) effect in controlling blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular basis of these effects and identify the specific pathways involved. This research is a systematic review in silico network pharmacology analysis to forecast the antihypertensive potential of cucumber derived active compounds. By employing computational methods to explore plant-based therapeutic effects, the study identified bioactive components and their targets through the ChEMBL database, followed by protein validation using the Open Targets Platform. The findings contribute to the growing evidence that cucumber plants may play a role in hypertension management through multi-target mechanism.

Optimization, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of Sunflower Oil-Based SNEDDS using Response Surface Method

2026-06-29T13:37:55+07:00

This study aims to optimize, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of sunflower seed oil-based SNEDDS using Tween 80 and PEG 400. The study utilizes Simplex Lattice design and Response Surface Methodology to obtain a formula with the best physical characteristics and efficacy. Sunflower seed oil was selected due to its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. The optimization method involved determining the ratio of surfactant, cosurfactant, and oil, as well as characterization tests of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, emulsification time, and antioxidant activity. The results showed an optimal formula with a nano particle size of 13 nm ± 0.346, low polydispersity index (0.161 ± 0.067), and zeta potential of -21.8 mV ± 0.577, ensuring physical stability. The antioxidant activity of SNEDDS remained high with an IC50 of 18.06 μg/mL. Formulation verification through statistical analysis confirmed the consistency of experimental results with optimization software predictions. In conclusion, the optimized sunflower seed oil SNEDDS offers an innovative oral formulation that is efficient, stable, and safe, with the potential to improve bioavailability, pharmacological activity, and the utilization of local vegetable oils in modern pharmacy.

Optimization of Kefir Tablet Formulation using Acacia Gum as A Natural Binding Agent

2026-06-29T13:37:43+07:00

Kefir enriched with Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) potentially has excellent health benefits as a probiotic beverage but its stability in liquid forms is limited. In order to attain stabilization and standardization of appropriate doses, kefir was converted to powders and subsequently formed into tablets using the wet granulation method after spray drying. This study aimed to optimize the formulation by comparing three concentrations of gum acacia (F1: 5%, F2: 10%, F3: 15%) as a natural binder and protective agent. Granule evaluation confirmed all formulations had low moisture content and good flow properties, with F3 exhibiting the best compressibility index (12.78%). Tablet evaluation showed all formulations met the friability (≤ 1%) and disintegration time (≤ 15 minutes) requirements. For tablet hardness, only F2 and F3 met the specification (≥ 4 kP), with F3 achieving the highest value (6.12 ± 0.09 kP). LAB viability showed a positive correlation with binder concentration, with F3 producing the highest colony count (709 ± 1.4 x 10⁷ CFU/g). Throughout, F3 was able to produce the best quality intact matrices, extensive protective matrices, and outstanding viability among the LAB, F3 has pronounced to be the most propitious to be a very stable probiotic nutraceutical formulation.

Optimization of Oral Disentegrating Film (ODF) Matrix from Alginate and Pectin/Gum Acacia/Carrageenan Polymer Using PEG/Glycerol as Plasticizer

2026-06-29T13:38:02+07:00

Oral dispersible film (ODF) is an innovative oral drug dosage form that is easy to consume, especially by pediatric, geriatric, and low-compliance patients. This preparation quickly disintegrates in the mouth without the need for water, providing a rapid onset of action, high bioavailability, and comfort of use. Hydrophilic polymers such as alginate are often used because they form strong films and dissolve readily in saliva. One important component in ODF formulations is a plasticizer, which increases flexibility and reduces film fragility. Two common plasticizers used are polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glycerol, each with different characteristics. This research method uses solvent casting. The polymers used are combinations of alginate:pectin, alginate:gum acacia, and alginate: carrageenan, with ratios of 3:0, 3:1, 3:2, 2:2, 2:1, and 0:3. Each polymer formulation was given additional PEG400 or glycerol at three concentration levels: 1%, 2.5%, and 5%. All formulas were tested for organoleptic, physical characteristics, disintegration time, strength, elongation, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FTIR. The selection of glycerol and PEG400 plasticizers can affect disintegration time, tensile strength, elongation percentage, and SEM. Polymers also affect film characteristics, including the type of polymer and the concentration of the combined polymers.

Ultra-Processed Food Exposure from Childhood to Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review of Obesity Risk, Cardiometabolic Dysregulation, and Emerging Biomarkers

2026-06-29T13:37:53+07:00

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become an increasingly prominent component of dietary patterns worldwide, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults. Accumulating evidence links high UPF consumption to obesity and cardiometabolic disorders, yet findings remain fragmented across developmental stages and outcome domains. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize evidence on associations between UPF exposure from childhood through young adulthood and (i) overweight and obesity trajectories, (ii) cardiometabolic dysregulation, and (iii) emerging biomarkers of early metabolic risk. This systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Peer-reviewed observational studies were identified through structured searches of Scopus and assessed for eligibility based on predefined criteria. Included studies primarily quantified UPF intake using the NOVA classification and reported obesity-related, cardiometabolic, or biomarker outcomes in youth and young adults. Due to heterogeneity in study design, populations, and exposure metrics, findings were synthesized narratively. Findings derived from both longitudinal and cross-sectional research consistently indicate that greater consumption of UPFs is linked to a higher likelihood of overweight and obesity across different stages of development, alongside adverse cardiometabolic profiles including impaired glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and altered appetite-regulating hormones. Emerging biomarkers, such as puberty sensitive indicators and nutritional status markers, suggested early biological perturbations linked to UPF intake. Structural determinants including food marketing, socioeconomic vulnerability, and food environments strongly shaped UPF exposure and modified health outcomes. Overall, UPF consumption across early life is consistently associated with metabolic risk, underscoring the need for life-course oriented, multi-level prevention strategies.

Antibacterial Activity of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract and Fraction against the Growth of Escherichia coli Bacteria

2026-06-29T13:37:51+07:00

Vernonia amygdalina leaves are known to possess antibacterial activity, which is commonly evaluated using ethanol extracts. However, solvent polarity plays a crucial role in extracting secondary metabolites that contribute to antibacterial effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts obtained using different solvents. The extraction was performed by maceration using methanol and ethyl acetate. Three maceration processes were conducted using the same amount of leaf powder: methanol (M1), ethyl acetate (M2), and methanol followed by fractionation (M3). The M3 extract was further fractionated using n-hexane and ethyl acetate. Antibacterial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method. The results showed that M1 and the ethyl acetate fraction of M3 exhibited higher antibacterial activity than M2, as indicated by inhibition zone diameters of 8.56 mm (M1), 5.50 mm (M2), and 7.71 mm (M3). These differences are likely due to variations in the types and amounts of secondary metabolites extracted by each solvent. Further studies are recommended to investigate the correlation between secondary metabolite content and antibacterial activity of Vernonia amygdalina and other herbal plants.

Impact of Butter, Margarine, and Coconut Oil on the Sensory Quality of Baked Brownies: A Descriptive Sensory Analysis Approach

2026-06-29T13:37:49+07:00

This study investigated the effect of different fat sources; butter, margarine, and coconut oil on the sensory quality of baked brownies using a descriptive sensory analysis approach. Sensory evaluation was conducted based on five organoleptic attributes: shape, color, aroma, texture, and taste. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of three treatments with three replications. Sensory data were collected from five expert panelists using a structured hedonic questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test when significant differences were detected. The results indicated that the substitution of butter with margarine or coconut oil did not produce statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) across all sensory attributes evaluated. Although brownies formulated with butter generally obtained slightly higher mean scores, particularly for aroma, texture, and flavor intensity, these differences were not sufficient to demonstrate a significant treatment effect. All formulations exhibited comparable sensory profiles characterized by a dense and moist crumb, a dry surface texture, a blackish-brown color, and a characteristic chocolate flavor. These findings suggest that margarine and coconut oil can serve as viable alternatives to butter in brownie production without compromising overall sensory quality. The study provides practical implications for bakery product formulation by supporting flexibility in fat selection based on economic, nutritional, or availability considerations rather than sensory performance alone.

Ethnomedicinal Study and Thin Layer Chromatography Confirmation of Medicinal Plants to Treat Digestive Disorders in Medong Village, Pandeglang, Banten

2026-06-29T13:37:46+07:00

Medicinal plants with anti-ulcer and anti-diarrheal properties are often used by the community to treat digestive disorders in Medong Village, Pandeglang, Banten, but have not been well recorded. The purpose of this study was to document the types of plants used as traditional medicine to treat ulcers and diarrhea, and to identify secondary metabolite compounds using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Sampling was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods with 70 informants. Quantitative data analysis was carried out by calculating the use value (UV). The results of data collection from 70 informants identified 15 plant species used as anti-ulcer and antidiarrheal agents. Based on the highest UV value, guava leaves and turmeric had the highest UV as antidiarrheal, and red leaf had the lowest. For treating ulcers, turmeric and nangka walanda leaves have the highest UV, and mamangkokan (Polyscias scutellaria) has the lowest. The parts of the plant that are often used as medicine are leaves, rhizomes, and herbs. Phytochemical screening showed that almost all samples contained secondary metabolite compounds that have antidiarrheal and antiulcer activity, namely flavonoids and tannins, and their presence was confirmed using TLC, with Rf values within the standard value range.

Irritation Test using the HET-CAM Method on A Sunscreen Formulation Containing A Combination of Tea Tree Oil and Raspberry Oil

2026-06-29T13:37:45+07:00

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the risk of skin irritation are major challenges in the development of modern skincare products. Sunscreens not only serve to protect the skin from UV radiation but must also meet safety requirements and be non-irritating. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, while raspberry oil (Rubus idaeus) is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids beneficial for skin health. The combination of these two oils has the potential to enhance sunscreen effectiveness while providing additional natural anti-inflammatory benefits. This study aims to evaluate the irritation effect of a sunscreen cream formulation containing a combination of tea tree oil and raspberry oil using the HET-CAM (Hen’s Egg Test–Chorioallantoic Membrane) method. This method was chosen because it can mimic vascular responses similar to human skin, where parameters such as hemorrhage, coagulation, and membrane damage serve as indicators of irritation levels. The results of this study are expected to provide scientific information regarding the safety of the combined essential oils and support the development of safe, effective, and natural cosmetic products with anti-inflammatory sunscreen potential.

Formulation and Evaluation of Liquid Soap Containing Ethanolic Extract of Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. Leaves

2026-07-05T21:54:28+07:00

Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr is a native plant of South Kalimantan with considerable potential for health applications. Previous studies have reported that its leaves contain various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins, which contribute to antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Liquid soap is one of the most practical and widely used dosage forms for antibacterial purposes. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate the physical characteristics of liquid soap containing ethanol extract of E. palmifolia leaves and to determine the optimal formulation that meets quality standards. An experimental study was conducted using three formulations with different concentrations of Cocamide DEA (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The formulations consisted of E. palmifolia leaf extract, virgin coconut oil (VCO), potassium hydroxide (KOH), Na-CMC, stearic acid, BHT, lemongrass oil, and distilled water. The prepared liquid soaps were evaluated for pH, viscosity, foam stability, storage stability, hedonic properties, antibacterial activity, and irritation potential. The results showed that Formula 2 containing 1% Cocamide DEA exhibited the most favorable overall characteristics, providing a balance between physical stability, user comfort, and respondent acceptance. Formula 3 produced the highest foam stability but caused a dry sensation on the skin. Furthermore, Formula 2 containing 1.5% E. palmifolia extract demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and moderate inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli. All formulations met the required quality parameters and showed no irritation effects. In conclusion, liquid soap formulated with 1% Cocamide DEA and 1.5% E. palmifolia leaf extract was identified as the optimal formulation. The conclusion of the results of this product meets the requirements of SNI 06-4085-1996, exhibited good physical stability, was non-irritating, and showed potential as a natural antiseptic liquid soap.