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California papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) are known to contain various active compounds that have the potential to stimulate appetite and boost metabolism, making them a promising candidate for development as a pharmaceutical formulation. This study aims to design a capsule formulation of California papaya leaf extract with appropriate excipients and to evaluate its ability to increase body weight through preclinical testing using a zebrafish (Danio rerio). The extract was obtained via maceration with 96% ethanol and formulated into capsules using the wet granulation method in four variations (F0–F3). Physical evaluations included organoleptic properties, flowability, angle of repose, loss on drying, disintegration time, weight uniformity, and stability testing using the cycling test method. The results indicated that all formulas met the physical requirements, with disintegration times of 3–4 minutes and loss on drying <15%. Formula F2 exhibited the most optimal physical characteristics; however, stability testing revealed a decline in physical properties after extreme temperature treatment. Efficacy tests showed a significant increase in zebrafish weight (p < 0.05), with F3 yielding the best results. A high survival rate (≥80%) suggests the formulation is relatively safe. In conclusion, California papaya leaf extract capsules demonstrate significant potential as an agent to promote weight gain.

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin problems and is closely associated with the activity of Propionibacterium acnes. Long-term use of antibiotics may lead to bacterial resistance; therefore, alternative antibacterial agents derived from natural products are needed. White rice (Oryza sativa L.) is known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins, which potentially exhibit antibacterial activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of white rice against the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Methods: This research was conducted as a laboratory experimental study using a post-test only control group design. The ethanol extract of white rice was prepared by maceration using 70% ethanol. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method with extract concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25%. Clindamycin was used as a positive control, while sterile distilled water served as a negative control. The parameter observed was the diameter of the inhibition zone. Result: The results of phytochemical screening showed that the ethanol extract of white rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Antibacterial activity test showed that the ethanol extract of white rice at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25% was able to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes by forming an inhibition zone, while at concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% no inhibition zone was formed. The highest inhibition zone diameter was found at a concentration of 100%. The ethanol extract of white rice at concentrations of 100% (7.65 mm), 50% (6.77 mm), and 25% (6.15 mm) was able to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, and was classified as having moderate inhibition. In contrast, at concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25%, the ethanol extract of white rice did not show any inhibitory activity detected in vitro using the disc diffusion method. The results of statistical analysis showed a p value <0.001, which means there was a significant difference in the diameter of the inhibition zone between the treatment groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ethanol extract of white rice exhibits antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes in a concentration-dependent manner; however, its inhibitory effect remains lower than that of clindamycin.

The use of synthetic pesticides in the agricultural sector remains the primary choice for farmers in Indonesia due to their high effectiveness, but their massive use has negative impacts on human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for environmentally friendly and sustainable pesticide innovations. Red onion peel waste with the addition of TiO₂ nanotechnology is a strategic development step as a solution to the dangers of synthetic pesticides. Red onion peel contains bioactive compounds such as acetogenin, squamocin, gibberellin, cytokinin, and abscisic acid, which have the potential to be natural pest control agents. The process of making organic pesticides is carried out through the maceration of onion skins, followed by the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles that act as photocatalytic catalysts to increase pesticide effectiveness and degrade synthetic pesticide residues. The development of these organic pesticides is in line with the principles of Green Chemistry, particularly designing safer chemicals, catalysis, design for degradation, and real-time pollution prevention. Through the implementation of strategic steps such as research, testing, socialization, and continuous evaluation, TiO₂ nanotechnology-based organic red onion peel pesticides have the potential to become a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative in supporting sustainable agriculture in Indonesia.

Sweet orange peel (Citrus x aurantium L.) is an agricultural by-product rich in bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and vitamin C with antioxidant and moisturizing potential. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a body lotion using 15% ethanol extract of sweet orange peel obtained by maceration with 96% ethanol. Evaluations included organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, spreadability, viscosity, irritation, cycling test, cream type, and DPPH antioxidant activity assessments. The preparation was semisolid, yellow, with a characteristic herbal aroma, homogeneous, pH 8, adhesion time of 4.10 seconds, spreadability of 9.9–11.1 cm, and acceptable viscosity. The preparation caused no skin irritation, remained stable through six cycling test cycles, and formed an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. Antioxidant activity showed an IC₅₀ of 284.6 ppm (weak category) compared to vitamin C as positive control (IC₅₀ 4.2 ppm). It was concluded that ethanol extract of sweet orange peel can be formulated into a stable and safe body lotion, though further optimization is needed to enhance its antioxidant activity.

The Soxhlet extraction method uses repeated heating and solvent circulation to separate substances from mixtures, producing more extract faster than maceration with less solvent. However, this method requires pure solvents and is not suitable for thermolabile compounds as they can be degraded by heat. Soxhlet extraction is more effective for limited quantities of dry and fine herbal materials. This method is widely used to extract phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and curcumin, and has potential in cosmetic raw materials, herbal medicines, and antioxidant products. Although it uses more energy, this technique is efficient and continuous. Modern innovations such as combining it with Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) or environmentally friendly microextraction are expected to increase extraction efficiency while reducing the use of organic solvents. Modifications to Soxhlet, including automation and assistive technologies such as high pressure, ultrasound, and microwaves, open up opportunities for commercialization and further research with more optimal results and more practical operations. The modified Soxhlet is considered a “panacea” in extraction due to the significant performance improvements achieved.

Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) are known to contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and polyphenols, which have antibacterial potential. This study aimed to formulate soursop leaf extract into a gel dosage form and to evaluate its antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This research was conducted as an experimental laboratory study. Soursop leaf extract was obtained using the maceration method with 96% ethanol as the solvent and then formulated into gel preparations with extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Physical evaluation of the gel preparations included organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and viscosity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the well diffusion method on Nutrient Agar medium. The results showed that all gel formulations met the physical requirements for topical preparations. The antibacterial activity test demonstrated that the soursop leaf extract gel inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the 15% concentration producing the largest inhibition zone of 10 mm compared to other concentrations. In conclusion, soursop leaf extract gel has potential to be developed as a topical antibacterial agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Inflammation is a biological response that occurs as a defense mechanism of the body against tissue damage, infection, or exposure to harmful stimuli. Excessive or prolonged inflammation can lead to various chronic diseases and negatively affect overall health. Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants have gained attention as alternative anti-inflammatory agents due to their relatively lower side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Jatropha curcas is a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine and is known to contain various bioactive compounds. This study aims to examine the effect of Jatropha curcas leaf extract on inflammatory responses. The research method used was an experimental laboratory approach with extract preparation through maceration techniques. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated based on changes in inflammatory indicators observed during the treatment process. The results showed that Jatropha curcas leaf extract demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory activity, which was indicated by a reduction in inflammatory signs. The presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins is suspected to contribute to this effect. These findings suggest that Jatropha curcas leaf extract has promising potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Further research is recommended to explore dosage optimization and toxicity levels for safe therapeutic use.