Formulation and Evaluation of Antidesma bunius Gel: Antibacterial Activity, Stability, and Skin Irritation

Nur Khairi (Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universitas Almarisah Madani, Makassar, 90242, South Sulawesi)
Maulita Indrisari (Department of Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, 73118, Central Kalimantan)
Maria Ulfa (Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universitas Almarisah Madani, Makassar, 90242, South Sulawesi)
Fhahri Mubarak (Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitas Almarisah Madani, Makassar, 90242, South Sulawesi)

Indonesian Journal of Jamu
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2026): Jurnal Jamu Indonesia

Acne is associated with the proliferation of acne-related bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity, physical stability, microbiological quality, and skin irritation potential of an Antidesma bunius extract gel. The extract was tested against both bacterial species using an agar diffusion method, and a gel containing 2.5% extract was prepared with different Carbopol concentrations. The extract produced inhibition zones of 13.31–23.64 mm, whereas the gel formulations produced inhibition zones of 17.51–19.69 mm. The formulations remained homogeneous and showed acceptable organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion after stability testing. Total plate and yeast and mold counts met the applicable microbiological limits. No erythema or edema was observed in albino rabbits. These findings indicated that A. bunius extract gel has potential as a topical anti-acne formulation.