MEDISAINS
Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026)

Optimization of toothpaste containing the ethyl acetate fraction of Stelechocarpus burahol leaves and its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans

Zhicizha Estara Suyit (Master’s Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Setia Budi, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)
Titik Sunarni (Master’s Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Setia Budi, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)
Ilham Kuncahyo (Master’s Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Setia Budi, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Aug 2026

Abstract

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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medisains

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

MEDISAINS: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-ilmu kesehatan merupakan sarana penyebarluasan ilmu pengetahuan, riset, teknologi dan inovasi dibidang kesehatan yang diterbitkan tiga kali dalam setahun (April, Agustus dan Desember). Jurnal Medisains adalah jurnal peer reviewed dan Open-Access yang dikelola oleh ...