Journal Pharmasci (Journal of Pharmacy and Science)
Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Journal Pharmasci (Journal of Pharmacy and Science)

Antibacterial Activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Kombucha Soap against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis: Aktivitas Antibakteri Sabun Kombucha Serai (Cymbopogon citratus) terhadap Staphylococcus aureus dan Staphylococcus epidermidis

Zenia Nirmala Bintang (Akademi Farmasi Surabaya)
Kinanti Lestari (Akademi Farmasi Surabaya)
Rahma Faradillah (Akademi Farmasi Surabaya)
Mercyska Suryandari (Akademi Farmasi Surabaya)
Rizky Darmawan (Akademi Farmasi Surabaya)
Desy Irawati (Universitas Hang Tuah)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Jul 2026

Abstract

Bromhydrosis is commonly associated with bacterial activity on the skin surface, particularly by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Kombucha and lemongrass are known to possess antibacterial activity; however, research regarding the formulation of kombucha-lemongrass liquid soap and the effect of fermentation duration on its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis remains very limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of kombucha-lemongrass liquid soap against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis varying both fermentation duration and concentration. Natural ingredients as antibacterial agents in personal care products has gained increasing attention due to their safety and environmental friendliness. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of liquid soap formulated with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) kombucha fermented for different durations against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lemongrass kombucha was fermented for 14 and 21 days, formulated into liquid soap, and tested at concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100% using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zones after incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. The results demonstrated that all formulations inhibited the growth of both test bacteria. Increased fermentation time and soap concentration enhanced antibacterial activity. The highest inhibition zones were observed in the 21-day fermentation at 100% concentration, reaching 22.4±1.1 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and18.5±0.7 mm against Staphylococcus epidermidis. These findings indicate that a longer fermentation period improves the antibacterial properties of lemongrass kombucha soap. Therefore, liquid soap containing lemongrass kombucha has promising potential as a natural antibacterial cleansing product for inhibiting bacteria associated with skin infections and body odor..

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jps

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of Pharmacy and Science (Pharmasci) publishes full-length original articles and reviews. The scope of the journal is pharmaceutical and basic science, including its research and application. The editors, therefore, welcome contributions on the following topics: 1. Clinical pharmacy 2. ...