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Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is known to contain various bioactive compounds such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, brazilin, and gallic acid. These compounds play an important role as antioxidants that can ward off free radicals and absorb UVA and UVB radiation that are harmful to the skin. Ultraviolet radiation is known to accelerate premature aging and cause tissue damage, so a topical formulation is needed that can provide protection while maintaining skin health. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity and sunscreen ability of sappan wood extract in the form of lip balm with varying extract concentrations. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl) method, while the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value was determined by the Mansyur method using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Sappan wood extract was formulated into four lip balm preparations, namely F0 (control without extract), F1 (5%), F2 (10%), and F3 (15%). Physical tests including homogeneity, pH, spreadability, adhesiveness, and organoleptic were conducted to ensure the quality of the preparation. The results showed that sappanwood extract had an IC50 value of 23.62 ppm which was categorized as very strong antioxidant activity. In the lip balm formulation, the IC50 values ​​obtained were F0 = 246.76 ppm (very weak), F1 = 92.68 ppm (strong), F2 = 78.03 ppm (strong), and F3 = 63.58 ppm (strong). The SPF test showed a protection value of F0 = 2.11 (minimum), F1 = 13.64 (maximum), F2 = 14.25 (maximum), and F3 = 18.28 (ultra). Thus, lip balm made from sappanwood extract has the potential as a cosmetic preparation that not only meets physical criteria, but also provides high antioxidant activity and effective sunscreen protection.

Memory is a vital biological system in the body that plays a role in storing, processing, and recalling information. Over time, due to aging or external factors, memory function may decline. One possible effort to maintain and improve cognitive performance is through the use of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) leaves contain flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and possess neuroprotective effects that may enhance cognitive function, including memory. This study aimed to determine the effect of avocado leaf extract on the memory of male mice and to identify the most effective dose in improving cognitive performance. The extract was obtained using the maceration method with 70% ethanol as the solvent. Memory activity was tested on male mice, which were divided into five groups: negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups given avocado leaf extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kgBW. The Y-Maze method was employed to assess memory through two parameters: latency time and error numbers. The results demonstrated that avocado leaf extract significantly improved memory in the test animals. Mice induced with 10% ethanol showed an increase in latency time and error numbers, while the groups treated with avocado leaf extract experienced reductions in both parameters. The most effective dose was 200 mg/kgBW, which produced a latency time difference of 19.5 seconds and an error number difference of 3.57. Therefore, avocado leaf extract shows potential as a natural agent to support and enhance cognitive function.

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy among the elderly has directly contributed to the rise in the global elderly population. According to global data, the number of elderly individuals is projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030. This demographic growth is often accompanied by various health problems associated with aging, such as the decline in vital organ function and the emergence of degenerative diseases. One of the most common degenerative diseases among the elderly is hypertension. Hypertension is widely known as a “silent killer” because it can lead to serious complications, including stroke and heart disease, if not managed properly. A common complaint experienced by individuals with hypertension is headache, particularly in the posterior region, which significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. Management of hypertension can be carried out through pharmacological therapy with antihypertensive drugs as well as non-pharmacological interventions. One of the non-pharmacological approaches increasingly being applied is isometric handgrip exercise, which involves static muscle contractions performed at light to moderate intensity. Method:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of isometric handgrip exercise on pain reduction in patients with hypertension. The research design employed a descriptive case study involving one individual with hypertension who experienced pain complaints. The study was conducted on September 16–18, 2024, at Roujin Home X. The instruments used included observation, interview, and the provision of isometric handgrip exercise therapy. Pain measurement was carried out using a numerical rating scale before and after the intervention. Results:The three-day intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in pain levels. On the first day, the patient reported a pain score of 6, which decreased to 4 on the second day, and further declined to 2 on the third day after the intervention. Conclusion:The findings of this study indicate that isometric handgrip exercise is an effective non-pharmacological method for alleviating acute pain in patients with hypertension. This simple intervention has the potential to be applied as a complementary therapy in elderly care facilities to improve the quality of life of individuals living with hypertension.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been known to cause various adverse effects on the skin, including erythema (commonly referred to as sunburn), premature aging, and, with prolonged exposure, the risk of developing skin cancer. To counteract these harmful effects, sunscreen products are commonly used to protect the skin from UV radiation. The development of natural-based sunscreens is gaining attention due to their potential safety and antioxidant benefits. One promising natural ingredient is thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), a medicinal herb that contains several secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. These compounds possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, making them suitable candidates as active ingredients in sunscreen formulations. This study aims to determine the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of thyme herb extract using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. A qualitative approach was used to assess the photoprotective potential of the extract. The SPF values were measured at three different concentrations of the extract: 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%. The absorbance of each concentration was recorded at wavelengths ranging from 290 nm to 400 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The SPF values were then calculated based on the absorbance data processed using Microsoft Excel. The results revealed that the thyme herb extract exhibited high SPF values at all tested concentrations. Specifically, the SPF values obtained were 36.027 for 0.5%, 36.244 for 0.75%, and 36.516 for 1.0% concentration. All three concentrations fall under the "ultra protection" category, indicating strong UV protective potential. These findings suggest that thyme herb extract can be effectively utilized as a natural active ingredient in the formulation of sunscreen products. Further studies are recommended to explore its stability, safety, and efficacy in topical applications.

Human skin undergoes aging and degenerative processes, like other body tissues. Skin aging is characterized by various structural and functional changes, such as decreased skin elasticity, degradation of elastic fibers, thinning of the epidermis, reduced collagen content, the appearance of wrinkles, and increased skin dryness. One effort to inhibit this process is the use of natural phytochemical compounds with antioxidant and skin-protective activity, such as ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is known to scavenge free radicals and absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. Furthermore, this compound can protect the structure of collagen, elastin, and fibroblast cells from damage, and inhibit the enzymes collagenase and tyrosinase, which play a role in collagen degradation and the formation of hyperpigmentation. This literature review aims to examine the anti-aging activity of ferulic acid based on the results of in vitro and in vivo studies published in the past ten years. The search was conducted through a systematic literature review of relevant scientific articles. The results indicate that ferulic acid has a promising mechanism of action in preventing and slowing skin aging. This compound can improve skin elasticity, suppress melanin production, reduce dark spots, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne. Its antioxidant effects also contribute to slowing the appearance of wrinkles, thus helping maintain a more youthful appearance. Despite its significant potential, further research is needed to better understand its mechanism of action and long-term safety for use on human skin.

Skin damage can adversely affect a person's health and physical appearance. One of the factors causing is exposure to free radicals that can trigger various skin problems such as premature aging, hyperpigmentation, to skin cancer. The combination of astaxanthin and carrot extract (Daucus carota L.) can be a natural approach that is promising for skin care because it contains antioxidant carotenoids. Astaxanthin and carrot extract are formulated in the form of emulgel preparations to optimize their effectiveness when used on the surface of the skin. The success of an emulgel preparation is not only determined by its active ingredient, but also by the physical characteristics of the preparation. This study aims to determine the optimum formulation of the combination of carbopol 940, triethanolamine, and aquadest in making emulgel preparations with active substances Astaxanthin and carrot extract in order to obtain physical properties that meet the standards. Optimization is carried out using the D-Optimal Mixture Design method through the Design Expert® software version 13.0.0. The evaluated parameters include pH, viscosity, scattering power, and adhesion. This study produced an optimum formulation of emulgel with a composition of 940 1.5% carbopol as much as 40.697 grams, TEA as much as 0.5 grams, and aquadest amounted to 15,188 grams. This formula shows a pH of 5,783 ± 0.0249, viscosity 24,856.7 ± 2,829.61 cps, 5,113 ± 0.4216 cm spread power, as well as the adhesion of 1,873 ± 0.1641 seconds. Based on the analysis using the D-optimal method, Tea is known as the most influential component of the physical characteristics of the Astaxanthin combination emulgel and carrot extract.

Sunlight is the main source of energy for life, but ultraviolet radiation can have negative impacts on the skin, such as sunburn, pigmentation, wrinkles, premature aging, and the risk of skin damage due to excessive exposure. One way to protect the skin from these effects is to use sunscreen. Carrots contain antioxidant compounds that can bind free radicals and prevent cell damage due to oxidation, so they have the potential to be used as a natural ingredient in making sunscreen. This research aims to formulate and test the physical properties of carrot extract lotion as a sunscreen and determine the extract concentration that has the optimal Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value. The method used is experimental by making lotion formulations, testing their physical properties, and measuring the SPF value of each formulation. The research results showed that the KN, F1, F2, and F3 lotion formulations had a semi-solid form which met the formulation requirements. However, KN's SPF value is only 1.23 which does not meet sunscreen standards. Meanwhile, F1 has SPF 8.3 (extra effect category), F2 with SPF 15.06 and F3 with SPF 24.1 (ultra category). F3 shows the best results because with SPF 24.1, this formulation is close to SPF 25 which can protect the skin for up to 4 hours with twice daily use. The higher the concentration of carrot extract, the better its effectiveness in lotion formulation as a sunscreen.