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Melasma is a chronic acquired hyperpigmentation disorder affecting sun-exposed facial areas and associated with ultraviolet exposure, hormonal influences, and genetic predisposition. This review aims to describe the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and safety of topical depigmenting agents in melasma management. Hydroquinone remains the traditional gold standard through tyrosinase inhibition, while triple-combination therapy with retinoids and corticosteroids demonstrates superior reduction in Melasma Area Severity Index scores compared with monotherapy. Non-hydroquinone agents such as tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, and thiamidol show comparable efficacy with improved tolerability. Common adverse effects include erythema and irritation, with rare ochronosis linked to prolonged hydroquinone use. In conclusion, individualized multimodal strategies with strict photoprotection are essential for effective and sustained melasma control.

Inflammation is a common condition that affects everyone and can affect quality of life. Candlenut leaves (Aleurites moluccanus) are known to contain flavonoid compounds, such as swertisin and 2''-O-rhamnosylswertisin, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to test the anti-inflammatory activity of candlenut leaves using four treatment groups, namely positive control (sodium diclofenac), negative control (Na-CMC), n-hexane fraction (200 mg/KgBW), and ethyl acetate fraction (200 mg/KgBW). Leg edema volume measurements were carried out periodically for up to 6 hours using a digital caliper. The results showed that the percentage of edema inhibition in the negative control group reached 64.13%, positive control 38.91%, n-hexane fraction 39.99%, and ethyl acetate fraction 39.82%. Although the ethyl acetate fraction showed better anti-inflammatory activity than the n-hexane fraction, its inhibition percentage was still lower than that of the positive control. These findings suggest that candlenut leaves have potential as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly the ethyl acetate fraction. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy and mechanism of action.

The production of pharmaceutical sterile products requires strict procedures to minimize the risk of microbial, particulate and pyrogen contamination that can be harmful to the user's health. The selection of the right sterilization method is the key to achieving the desired stability of the final product. Filtration sterilization is one of the oldest methods used for pharmaceutical sterile products. There are two types of feed flow in the method, namely through flow filtration and tangential flow filtration. This review article is prepared through literature search and download of national or international journals with inclusion or exclusion criteria that have been set. Literature sources are accessed online from various sites such as Google Scholar and Pubmed in the range of 2014-2024. The keywords used for journal searches are sterilization, through flow filtration, and tangential flow filtration. This review article reviews and compares the two methods to understand the differences, mechanism of action, and research objectives based on the review article on membrane filtration sterilization. This review aims to provide a better insight into the advantages and disadvantages of each membrane filtration sterilization method, as well as guidance in choosing the appropriate method based on the characteristics of the product to be sterilized. The results showed that through flow filtration is more commonly used in small volume and batch processes because of its simple design, but has limitations in reducing membrane fouling. In contrast, tangential flow filtration allows for continuous processing of larger volumes, with the advantage of minimizing particle build-up on the membrane surface, thus extending membrane life. The choice of method is also influenced by factors such as particle size, viscosity of the solution, sensitivity to heat, as well as operating costs. An in-depth understanding of the Working Principle and application of each method is essential for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of the production process. Thus, this review is expected to be a reference for researchers and practitioners in determining the optimal filtration sterilization strategy according to product needs.

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological process experienced by every woman, but it can be accompanied by various discomforts, both physical and psychological. In the third trimester, hormonal, physical, and emotional changes often trigger complaints such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and discomfort. These conditions, if not managed, can negatively impact the health of the mother and fetus, including increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. One non-pharmacological approach that is increasingly in demand to address these problems is aromatherapy, namely the use of essential oils from plants as a complementary therapy. Objective: This literature study aims to explore the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality in pregnant women, especially in the final trimester. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted by analyzing ten national journal articles published between 2014–2024. Articles were selected through a purposive sampling method based on the suitability of the topics with aromatherapy, pregnancy, anxiety, and sleep quality. Results: Most studies show that aromatherapy, especially with lavender, orange, and chamomile essential oils, has a positive effect in reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality. The mechanism of action of aromatherapy is thought to involve stimulation of the limbic system in the brain via the olfactory pathway, which plays a role in regulating emotions, inducing relaxation, and reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. These effects help reduce tension and facilitate better sleep in pregnant women. Conclusion: Aromatherapy has been shown to be a safe, easy-to-implement, and effective complementary intervention for addressing anxiety and sleep disturbances in pregnancy. Healthcare providers, particularly midwives, are advised to integrate this therapy into holistic antenatal care to support the overall well-being of pregnant women.

This study aims to analyze the perspectives of mathematics students on mixing aloe vera extract with weak acid solution for hair health and softness. The research method used is descriptive quantitative through the distribution of questionnaires to 43 mathematics students at Medan State University and other universities in North Sumatra. The questionnaire consists of 19 statements covering aspects of knowledge (12 items), environmental awareness (4 items), and psychomotor (4 items) with a Likert scale of 1-5. The results showed that the majority of respondents had good knowledge about the benefits of aloe vera for hair care (mean = 4.02), but the understanding of weak acid solution and its mechanism of action was still moderate (mean = 3.12). The environmental awareness aspect showed a high value (mean = 3.76) which reflects the tendency of students to choose natural products. Meanwhile, the psychomotor aspect showed a moderate value (mean = 3.44), which indicates the limitations of respondents' skills in applying hair care products optimally. This study found a positive correlation between knowledge about natural ingredients and the tendency to use natural-based products for hair care. The results of this study are expected to be the basis for developing hair care product formulations based on natural ingredients that suit the needs and preferences of students.

Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a plant traditionally used in the South Pacific for its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Its active compounds, kavalactones, are known to have potential as natural anesthetics, with a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines and general anesthetics. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Kava as an anesthetic through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using relevant keywords. Meta-analysis results indicate that Kava significantly enhances anesthetic effects compared to placebo, primarily through modulation of GABA-A receptors. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety.

Breast Milk (ASI) is the primary source of nutrition for infants and provides long-term health benefits. However, some mothers experience insufficient breast milk production. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are known as a natural galactagogue that can enhance breast milk production. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of moringa leaves in increasing breast milk production through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Literature searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using relevant keywords. The meta-analysis results showed that moringa leaf supplementation significantly increased breast milk volume and prolactin levels compared to the control. However, further research is needed to evaluate its mechanism of action and long-term safety.

Vegetable ingredients are natural sources of active compounds that have the potential to be used as control agents for pathogenic microorganisms in various fields, including health and agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the synergistic effect between aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) and bandotan (Ageratum conyzoides L.) extracts on inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria in different media. Aloe vera extract is obtained using the infundation method, while bandotan extract is obtained using the maceration technique. The concentrations tested were 30%, 45%, and 60% for each extract, as well as a combination of both. Testing was carried out on two main applications: as an antiseptic hand sanitizer by testing germ colonies using Plate Count Agar (PCA), and as a bacteria control Erwinia carotovora, the cause of carrot tuber rot, using the Path Ways Analysis test. The results showed that the combination of aloe vera and bandotan extracts had more significant inhibitory effectiveness than single extracts in both applications. A combination concentration of 60% gave the best results with a reduction in bacterial colonies of up to 90%. The mechanism of action of active compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics and saponins in this vegetable extract plays an important role in damaging bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting the metabolism of microorganisms. This research confirms the potential of using local plant materials as an environmentally friendly and economical solution for controlling pathogenic bacteria in the health and agricultural sectors.