Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy

Anti-Acne Mushrooms: A Review

Ika Kurnia Sukmawati — 2025-09-22

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease in which the skin pores are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne is the second most common skin disease after dermatitis. Many factors influence the appearance of acne, such as skin disease, environmental hygiene, lifestyle, androgen hormones, inflammation, and stress, including the surface microflora of the skin and the colonization of acne-causing bacteria. Mushrooms are now offered as an alternative and complementary therapy for acne. This review aimed to evaluate natural sources of fungal origin for preventing and treating acne caused by bacteria. This review presents the application of several mushrooms in the management of acne. Electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were reviewed to identify the anti-acne effects of mushrooms. Based on the literature review results, it can be concluded that mushrooms have good potential as anti-acne by providing barriers to the growth of acne-causing bacteria, namely S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. acnes. The ethanol extract of Shitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) showed activity on P acnes and S epidermidis bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 13.4 mm and 15.33 mm, and was the most sensitive with a MIC value of 256 πg/mL. Warm water extract and Tris buffer extract of the Black Ear fungus Auricularia polytricha) showed activity on S. aureus bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 11.66 mm and the most sensitive with a MIC value of 5 πg/mL. At the same time, the hexane extract and methanol extract of red ear mushrooms (Auricularia auricula Judei) showed activity on S. aureus bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 28.6 mm and 25.3 mm and a sensitive MIC value of 0.78 mg/mL. In conclusion, several fungi can be used to manage acne caused by bacteria.

An Emerging of Essential Oils with Antifungal Activities as Anti-dandruff in Formulation

Iyan Sopyan — 2025-09-22

Dandruff could be an exceedingly disturbing scalp condition to most people. It has various causes, from fungus, bacteria, scalp irritation due to excessive sun exposure or even excessive shampoo exposure. As the world of beauty moves towards natural cosmetics, alternative anti-dandruff agents that use essential oils are quite popular these days. Essential oils such as tea tree, lemongrass, and lavender can act as antimicrobial agents against the causes of dandruff. This review describes the anti-dandruff potential of various essential oils on several dandruff-causing microorganisms such as Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans. The review method includes comparative research methods from research journal sources obtained from the internet, covering articles from 2013 to 2022, with topics that focused on essential oils with anti-dandruff and antifungal activity. The results of this review indicate that various essential oils, especially those highlighted in this article, show strong potential to inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing microorganisms and may be developed into stable anti-dandruff formulations.

Recent Options for COVID-19 Treatment: Conventional Therapy, Herbal Medicine, and Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Maftuchah Rochmanti — 2025-09-22

A range of pharmacological therapies have been explored for COVID-19 patients, yet substantial practical and clinical gaps persist. Current COVID-19 treatments remain largely pharmacologically driven and are primarily based on empirical data. Common therapeutic agents include histamine antagonists, antibiotics, antivirals, and monoclonal antibody therapies. However, the specific mechanisms of action and potential long-term side effects of these agents remain insufficiently understood. This narrative review examines the efficacy and safety profiles of promising novel therapeutic approaches for COVID-19, including herbal medicines and stem cell therapies, based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research. We utilized PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, applying search terms such as “COVID-19” AND “Herbal Medicine” OR “Stem Cell Therapy” OR “recent therapy” AND “efficacy” OR “safety” to identify relevant studies. This review presents clinical findings on the efficacy, safety, and indications of select recent therapies. Our results indicate that newer pharmacological therapies, herbal medicines, and stem cell therapy demonstrate high potential efficacy and safety for managing active COVID-19 infection and may also help prevent multi-organ damage post-infection. Further in-depth studies are required to assess additional therapeutic modalities that may serve as compelling candidates for future COVID-19 treatments.

Radiolabelling and In Silico Evaluation of 131I-Pentagamavunone-0 for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Compounds

⁠Muhamad Basit Febrian — 2025-09-22

Cancer is the most common cause of death, with the burden increasing in recent years. Conventional treatments have caused cancer cells’ resistance to drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a radio-labeled theranostic compound such as penta-gamma-vunone (PGV), which significantly suppresses cancer cell growth. In this experiment, the synthesis of [¹³¹I]I-PGV-0 compound was done by using the standard Chloramine-T (CT) iodination method with some parameter optimizations, such as the quantity of CT oxidizer and sodium metabisulfite reducing agent, time and temperature of reaction. The radiochemical purity of these compounds was determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, and the stability of the radiolabeled compound was also assessed in HBSS medium. Results showed that the highest radiochemical purity (RCP) of [¹³¹I]I-PGV-0 (99.83%) was obtained at the CT amount of 25 µg. Stability study revealed that, at the high RCP, this compound was stable for 16 days in cold storage. Molecular docking studies indicated that the radioiodination of PGV-0 enhances binding affinity by interacting with crucial amino acids within the kinase domains of EGFR, HER2, AURKA, and PLK-1.

Extraction Method and Solvent Effect on Antioxidant and Anti-lipase Activities of Nostoc sp. MRB-1 from the Peatlands in Oxbow Hanjalutung Lake, Indonesia

Noor Hidhayati — 2025-09-22

The increasing utilization of microalgae as a natural resource of bioactive compounds encourages finding efficient and cost-effective ways to extract those compounds. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate two solvents and two extraction methods to obtain extracts of microalgae Nostos sp. MRB-1. The extracts were evaluated regarding phenolic content, antioxidant, and anti-lipase activities. The results showed that maceration using ethanol obtained the highest phenolic content (11.77±1.47 GAE mg/g dry extract) and anti-lipase activity with the value of 23.01±1.66% at 0.38 mg/mL. While the extract obtained from the ultrasound using hexane exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with a value of 39.68±0.07% at 0.8 mg/mL. These results demonstrate that maceration using ethanol is more effective for phenolic extraction from microalgae. In microalgae, phenolic content positively correlates with anti-lipase activity, but the opposite was verified, phenolic compounds are not contributors to the antioxidant activity of Nostoc sp. MR-1 extract

Moringa Oleifera Lam Leaves Extract and Its Compounds Effect on The Intracellular Calcium Release in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Zohreh Shirdashtzadeh — 2025-09-22

Moringa oleifera leaves have been scientifically shown lower blood pressure but the mechanism of action on this is achieved has not been fully explored. Intracellular calcium release is a fundamental cellular process linked to vascular function and modulation of this process can have significant implications for cardiovascular health. The blocking effects of calcium influx and release by Moringa oleifera Lam leaf extract and its compounds on the human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) were studied. The cell viability assay was carried out to determine the concentrations of M. oleifera Lam leaf extract and its compounds for the assay. Test compounds (amlodipine, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, M. oleifera leaf extract, quercetin and vicenin-2) were incubated with Quin-2-AM in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) and with the addition of caffeine and potassium (K⁺) in HAoSMCs. Following treatments with the test compounds, the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ into the cytosol of HAoSMCs was significantly inhibited (p <0.001). The test compounds significantly (p <0.001) decreased the concentration of cytosolic Ca²⁺ induced by K⁺ depolarisation. The test compounds also significantly (p <0.001) affected the intracellular Ca²⁺metabolism, regulated by the caffeine-sensitive storage site in HAoSMCs. No synergistic effect on the decreasing of cytosolic Ca²⁺level was observed when the test compounds were used in combination with amlodipine. M. oleifera Lam leaf extract and its compounds may act as Ca²⁺channel blockers (CCBs) and there is also a possibility of interactions between the test compounds and amlodipine.

Optimization of HPMC and Carbopol 940 as Gelling Agents on The Physical Properties and Stability in Anti-Acne Gel of Binahong Leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis Extract

Farida Nur Aziza — 2025-09-22

Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) steenis) is recognized as a widespread plant species in Indonesia and is known to possess strong antibacterial properties against P. acnes. This study aims to determine the effect and optimum proportion of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carbopol 940 as the gelling agent on the physical properties of binahong anti-acne gel. The Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) method was performed to optimize the gel base with Design-Expert® version 13.0.0 with a total run of 8 formulas. The evaluated parameters were organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, stability, and irritation test. The independent variables in SLD were the amount of HPMC and carbopol 940, while the responses included pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion. The optimal formula proposed by SLD is a combination of 1.96% HPMC, and 0.53% carbopol 940 that showed no significant difference when compared to the test results. The optimal formula has a pH of 6, a viscosity of 18,130 cP, a spreadability of 4.7 cm, and an adhesion of 10 second. The optimum formulation proved to be physically stable after three freeze-thaw cycles and showed no irritation after in vivo application.

The Effectiveness of Tempuyung Leaves' (Sonchus arvensis) Water Fraction in Preventing Inflammation in a Rat Model of Acute Gouty Arthritis

Nita Parisa — 2025-09-22

Gouty arthritis is inflammation of the joints that occurs in conditions of chronic hyperuricemia resulting in the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. The management of gout arthritis will emphasize both the acute and chronic phase and the initial drug options for gouty arthritis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and colchicine. However, administering chemical drugs can cause various risks and side effects, so alternative treatments are needed, one of which is using herbal medicine. Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis) is a plant that is often found and easily cultivated in Indonesia, the water fraction of tempuyung leaves contains flavonoids, which can inhibit the pathogenesis of gout arthritis Therefore, this study examined the role of tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis) in preventing gouty arthritis by analyzing the effectiveness of tempuyung leaf fractions in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. Both the quantitative and qualitative research were done. This research was carried out from March to December 2023 in the Animal House Laboratory, Basic Medical Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Special Laboratory for Anatomical Pathology, Barokah Palembang, Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, and PT Laboratory. Garuda Malang Wing Mission. This research is an experimental study using experimental animals (in vivo) with a post-test control group design. Just as well as colchicine, the water component of tempuyung leaves can reduce inflammation in gouty arthritis. It is desired that more research on the toxicity test of tempuyung leaf water fractions can be conducted in the future to ascertain the safety of these fractions.

Identification and Determination of Methylisothiazolinone and Chloromethylisothiazolinone in Cosmetics by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Yustina Yustina — 2025-09-22

Broad-spectrum preservatives known as isothiazolinone biocides are frequently found in cosmetic, industrial, and household products. Certain isothiazolinones (methylisothiazolinone, MIT, and chloromethylisothiazolinone, CMIT) might result in eczema, edema, or allergic contact dermatitis by dermal contact or inhalation. This study aims to develop and validate the identification and determination method of a single MIT and MIT/CMIT mixture utilizing UPLC fitted with tandem mass spectrometry quadrupole time of flight (QTOF) for various beauty products.

Several evaluations, including specificity, linearity, recovery, stability, precision, accuracy, determination of detection limit (LOD), and quantitation limit (LOQ) were conducted after some optimization processes by using LC-MS/MS QTOF. The MRM transition ion of MIT was m/z 116.0165 → 99.0091, 101.0215, and 84.9954. Meanwhile for CMIT was m/z 149.9775 → 134.9977, 86.9906, and 115.0447. MIT and CMIT were successfully distinguished and identified. The retention times of MIT and MCIT were detected at 4.53, and 5.25 min, respectively. Good selectivity was achieved by using the approach with resolution value greater than 1.5. The linearity range for single MIT was 375-1125 ng/mL, meanwhile for MIT/CMIT mixture resulted in 107.68-323.04 ng/mL for MIT and 295.36-886.08 for CMIT, respectively. Furthermore, the calibration curve approach was used to determine LOD acquired. In addition, LOQ over the LOD value was 0.00003%. These findings proved the suitability of the developed method to quantify MIT and CMIT in cosmetics. Samples of 21 cosmetic products, including soaps, shampoos, lotions, lipstick, and liquid cosmetics, from local markets and pharmacies were analysed using the developed method. Three of them were found to contain both single MIT or MIT/CMIT mixture. The technique and the data will help the Indonesian FDA to regulate the compounds used in cosmetics.

Comparison of Antiemetic Use Ondansetron and Metoclopramide, Evaluation of Effectiveness and Adverse Effects

Nelly Kurniawati — 2025-09-22

Ondansetron and metoclopramide are the most often used antiemetics in clinics. According to the Indonesian National Formulary, ondansetron is exclusively approved for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) are a side effect of metoclopramide that both patients and professionals less preferred. This research aimed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of ondansetron with metoclopramide in adult internal medicine patients. This is a prospective cohort observational research with inclusion criteria of internal medicine patients aged ≥ 18 years who received ondansetron or metoclopramide as antiemetics. A difference test was carried out between the 2 groups on the variable effectiveness and side effects. From a total of 194 patients, 107 received IV ondansetron and 87 received IV metoclopramide. The result showed a significant reduction in nausea before and 30 minutes after drug administration in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in effectiveness of anti-nausea and anti-vomiting in the two groups (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was also found in headache side effects after 30 minutes between the 2 groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ondansetron and metoclopramide are effective in treating nausea and vomiting in adult internal medicine patients.

Safety and efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray extract gel on keloid patient

Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih — 2025-09-22

Keloid is a benign form of dermis tumor formed due to imbalance of collagen deposition and degradation during wound healing. Preclinical studies showed Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray (T. diversifolia) potency as keloid treatment by inhibiting keloid fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, TGFβ1 and VEGF expression. This study aims to examine the safety and efficacy of T. diversifolia extract gel for keloid treatment in keloid patient. Fourteen keloid patients were included in the study with ratio 1:1. The participants received either T. diversifolia extract gel 2% or triamcinolone acetate cream 0.025% for 12 weeks. Evaluation of efficacy was done every 4 weeks until week 12 using Vancouver Scar Score, the patient and observer Scar assessment. Vancouver scar total score was improved in week 12 from baseline in both groups. Improvement from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment also found in patient and observer scar assessment total scale. Those scores on week 12 were similar between those on T. diversifolia extract gel 2% and triamcinolone acetate cream 0.025% treatment. Conclusions: T. diversifolia extract gel 2% is efficacious and safe for keloid treatment.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Ludwigia Species: Potential Applications in Acne Treatment

An Binh Huynh — 2025-09-22

Acne vulgaris is a current issue of concern due to its negative impact on the patient's life. Therefore, discovery of new safer treatment with fewer side effects based on natural materials is urgent. Current efforts focus on the exploration of natural medicinal sources to identify bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The genus Ludwigia, belonging to the family Onagraceae has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of hormonal imbalances. However, the investigation on its bioactivities, phytochemistry and pharmaceutical applications remains limited, especially in Vietnam. In this study, five ethanol extracts (L. octovalvis, L. adscendens, L. hyssopifolia, L. prostrata and L. peruviana) were screened for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed that the ethanol extract of L. octovalvis (LOE) exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy against all three tested strains with MIC values of 450 μg/mL, 550 μg/mL and 600 μg/mL, respectively. This extract also showed high antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 18.98 ± 0.09 μg/mL, as determined by the DPPH assay. A preliminary phytochemical study on the bioactive ethanol extract of L. octovalvis revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, tannins, glycosides, carotenoids, fixed oil, amino acids and proteins. The quantitative phytochemical analysis displayed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 305.94 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) 51.42 ± 0.27 mg QE/g. Our report considers the first to investigate the in vitro anti-acne and potential application of L. octovalvis in producing natural skin care products with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities.

Nanoparticles Formulation of Begonia medicinalis Extract Using PLGA-Alginate-PVA Polymers for Immunomodulation and SARS-CoV-2 Protease Inhibition

Muhammad Sulaiman Zubair — 2025-09-22

The study explores the formulation of nanoparticles containing Begonia medicinalis extract using a blend of PLGA (Poly-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid), sodium alginate, and polyvinyl alcohol. This formulation aimed to investigate its physicochemical properties and potential immunomodulatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Immunomodulation was evaluated through phagocytosis activity measurement, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels, while anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was assessed through in vitro testing on the SARS-CoV-2 protease enzyme. Nanoparticles were prepared via the solvent evaporation method with various PLGA:alginate:PVA ratios (1:3:3, 1:3:6, 1:6:3, and 1:6:6). Characterization included organoleptic examination, particle size measurement (179.3-250.7 nm), thermal degradation at 190°C, and analysis of phytochemical content (phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin total) ranging from 18.66-21.028 mg GAE/g, 1.862-2.492 mg QE/g, and 191.975-307.897 mg EE/g, respectively. The formulations exhibited notable immune-stimulating effects by increasing phagocytotic percentage and TNF-α/IFN-γ levels and demonstrated inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 3Cl protease enzyme. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) for phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin fell within the ranges of 17-19%, 16-22%, and 60-96%, respectively. Among the formulations, nanoparticle 3 (1:6:3) emerged as the optimal choice due to its superior physicochemical attributes. This particular nanoparticle exhibited immune-stimulating properties and inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus, suggesting its potential application in SARS-CoV-2 treatment. In conclusion, nanoparticle formulation 3 (1:6:3) displayed promising characteristics, showcasing immunomodulatory effects and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. This research paves the way for potential therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 using nanoparticle-based B. medicinalis extract formulations.

Pharmacoeconomic Modelling In An Assessment of Acute Respiratory Disease Treatment Under Etiological Uncertainty

Serhii O. Soloviov — 2025-02-04

The rising of medical innovative treatment costs, combined with limited resources, have resulted in an explosion in the number of pharmacoeconomic assessments currently being conducted. In parallel with the escalating prices of novel pharmacological entities, pharmacoeconomic assessments have become increasingly relevant in decision-making. The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical justification and develop the scientific and methodological underpinnings of the efficacy of pharmacotherapy of viral infections using a mix of pharmacoeconomic analysis and mathematical modelling methodologies. The general concept of modelling was based on patient recovery or death using various pharmacotherapy technologies in the presence and absence of a viral infection, as well as using speed of recovery as a favourable prognostic sign and criterion for the effectiveness of the applied pharmacotherapy technology. Two alternative approaches were compared on the basis of decision trees, with the derivation of a universal criterion for the cost-effectiveness of introducing an additional treatment. The practical implementation of the proposed model was shown using the example of inclusion of the drug vitaglutam as an additional antiviral pharmacotherapy for patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Modelling of the normalisation of clinical and laboratory parameters combined and the duration of hospitalisation showed that the cost-effectiveness of additional pharmacotherapy for community-acquired pneumonia of viral-bacterial etiology could be reduced by an average of 29 %, based on the dynamics of normalisation of clinical and laboratory parameters compared with days of hospitalisation. This indicates that resource savings can be made by introducing this method to analyse the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy.

The Use of DLBS3233 Bioactive Fraction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management in Indonesia: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Real-World Evidence

Didik Setiawan — 2025-02-05

Diabetes has a significant clinical and economic impact to the society. Inlacin (DLBS3233 bioactive fraction) is a phytopharmaceutical for diabetic patients that can be used as an additional therapy for maintenance purposes. Therefore, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) for Inlacin needs to be done to provide an overview of its potential. Aims of this study was to define the cost-effectiveness of phytopharmaceuticals on type 2 diabetes mellitus management in Indonesia. This study was performed using societal perspectives with observational-based cost-effectiveness analysis.The clinical and economic data were retrospectively collected (2007-2022) from a total of 137 participants, of whom 66 were Inlacin Group and 71 were Non-Inlacin Group. The clinical data consisted of HbA1c level, effectiveness, utility, and Visual Analogue Score (VAS), while the economic data consisted of Direct Medical Cost, Direct non-Medical Cost, and Indirect Cost. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained was estimated to determine the cost-effectiveness. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of parameter uncertainty. In the base case, inlacin provided a more economic and more effective treatment than non-inlacin with a total cost of IDR 6,837,195 (USD 434.42 ) vs IDR 7,870,056 (USD 5004.17) and a total QALYs of 0.490 vs 0.464. The ICER of IDR 39,535,349 (USD 25,259.62 ) is considered cost effective according to the willingness to pay threshold (2021 3x Indonesian GDP is Rp.201,504,163 = USD 12,813.45). The most influential drivers of cost-effectiveness in deterministic sensitivity analysis were the changes of the total cost of Inlacin, the price of medicine on non-Inlacin group, and the direct medical cost of non-Inlacin group. Based on the current price in Indonesia, inlacin can be considered a cost-effective option, although this depends heavily on the willingness to pay threshold. Further Markov Modeling studies with inlacin are needed to inform the decision-making process.

Community Pharmacist’s Perception of the Benefits, Patient’s Needs, Readiness, and Barriers to Implementing Telepharmacy Services

Muvita Rina Wati — 2025-09-22

Telepharmacy has shown a beneficial impact on delivering pharmacy service yet still has some limitations that discourage pharmacists from using it. The perceptions of pharmacists towards telepharmacy are required to map the strategy to develop telepharmacy. This study was aimed at ascertaining the pharmacists’ perception and analyzing factors associated with perception towards telepharmacy services of community pharmacists in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study using a validated 29-item questionnaire was carried out in Yogyakarta during March-July 2023. The survey was conveniently distributed to the community pharmacists using paper-based and Google form links shared to WhatsApp groups and individual contact numbers. Of the 273 pharmacists, 87.5% (N=239) were female, most of them had experienced less than 5 years working in community pharmacy, 44.7% (n=122) and had been implementing telepharmacy, 79.9% (N=218). All the pharmacists showed a positive perception of telepharmacy. Testing the demographic characteristics associated with pharmacists’ perception, showed that the type of pharmacy showed a significant correlation to benefit (p=0.022), readiness (p=0.000), and barrier to implement telepharmacy (0.036), while the availability of telepharmacy has been significantly associated with the perception of benefit (p=0.000), patients’ need (p=0.004), readiness (p=0.000) and barriers to implementing telepharmacy (p=0.0002). The positive perception of community pharmacists in Indonesia regarding telepharmacy service needs to be optimized with comprehensive regulations, guidelines, and technical infrastructure support.