<![CDATA[Background: Dental caries is associated with cariogenic microorganisms, particularly Streptococcus mutans. Stelechocarpus burahol leaves contain bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activity, but their incorporation into an optimized toothpaste formulation remains insufficiently investigated. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of S. burahol leaf fractions against S. mutans and to optimize a toothpaste formulation containing the most active fraction using Carbopol 940, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and glycerin. Method: his laboratory experimental study included ethanolic extraction, solvent fractionation, antibacterial screening, and toothpaste optimization using Simplex Lattice Design. Antibacterial activity against S. mutans was evaluated using diffusion and dilution methods. The toothpaste formulations were assessed for pH, viscosity, homogeneity, and antibacterial activity. Model adequacy and numerical optimization were analyzed using Design-Expert version 13. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 19.39±1.50 mm, a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.562%, and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 3.125%. The optimum formulation contained 1% Carbopol 940, 1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and 5% glycerin, with a desirability value of 0.819. The optimized toothpaste had a pH of 8.25, viscosity of 258.33±7.64 dPa·s, and an inhibition zone of 13.32±0.29 mm. The experimental responses were within their respective prediction intervals. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of S. burahol leaves was successfully incorporated into an optimized toothpaste formulation while maintaining antibacterial activity against S. mutans. Further studies are needed to assess formulation stability, active-compound release, antibiofilm activity, and safety.]]>
