Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
Vol 15, No 1 (2026)

Effectiveness of Ketepeng Cina (Cassia alata Linn.) Leaf Powder as an Active Ingredient in Antiseptic Liquid Soap

Encik Eko Rifkowaty (Ketapang State Polytechnic)
Adha Panca Wardanu (Ketapang State Polytechnic)
Kendri Wahyuni (Ministry of Agriculuture)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cassia alata Linn. (ketepeng Cina) leaf powder as an active ingredient in virgin coconut oil (VCO)-based antiseptic liquid soap. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with three treatments consisting of 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g of leaf powder (b/v). The evaluated parameters included total flavonoid content, phytochemical screening, functional group analysis using FTIR, LC-MS, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, free alkali, foam stability, unsaponifiable fraction, and inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Malassezia furfur. The results indicated that increasing concentrations of ketepeng leaf powder positively correlated with total flavonoid levels and significantly enhanced the inhibition zone against E. coli, but showed no notable activity against M. furfur. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids and steroids in the powder, while liquid soap formulations contained flavonoids and saponins. FTIR analysis further verified flavonoid compounds, whereas LC-MS identified lauric Acid (m/z 274) and quercetin (m/z 303), contributing to antimicrobial activity. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, alpha = 0.05) showed no significant effect of leaf powder addition on pH, free alkali, unsaponifiable fraction, viscosity, specific gravity, or foam stability. The formulated liquid soap complied with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 06-4085-1996) for pH and free alkali, ensuring safety for consumer use. Overall, ketepeng cina leaf powder demonstrated potential as a natural antimicrobial agent in herbal antiseptic liquid soap formulations.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BIOMEDICH

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, & NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY, this journal is published to attract and disseminate innovative and expert findings in the fields of plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolite, and also the effect of natural product on biological system as a reference source for ...