JURNAL FARMASIMED (JFM)
Vol 9 No 1 (2026): Jurnal Farmasimed (JFM)

In Vitro Acute Toxicity Evaluation as an Approach to Developing a Safe Feminine Hygiene   Product Containing Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Yosi Darmirani (Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam)
Yanna Rotua Sihombing (Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam)
Preety Sinthya (Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam)
Restina Br Samosir (Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam)
Yohana Friska Ana Liduina Marbun (Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Oct 2026

Abstract

Background: Natural-based Feminine Hygiene   products have the potential to serve as an alternative for intimate cleansing preparations. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus L.) is one potential ingredient due to its secondary metabolites and antimicrobial activity. However, its application to sensitive areas requires safety evaluation to ensure that it does not cause toxic effects at the cellular level. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acute in vitro toxicity and viability of Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDF) cells exposed to a Feminine Hygiene   preparation containing citronella grass extract. Methods: An experimental in vitro design was employed. The preparation was formulated into four formulas: F1 without extract as the negative control, F2 containing 2% extract, F3 containing 3% extract, and F4 containing 4% extract. Toxicity was evaluated using HDF cells by measuring cell viability using the MTT assay. Each treatment was performed in triplicate, and the results were expressed as cell viability percentages.Results: F1 showed a cell viability of 97.81 ± 0.35%, while F2, F3, and F4 showed viabilities of 94.18 ± 0.45%, 91.34 ± 0.43%, and 87.67 ± 0.54%, respectively. All formulas showed cell viability above 70% and were categorized as non-toxic under the test conditions.Conclusion: The Feminine Hygiene   preparations containing 2–4% citronella grass extract demonstrated high HDF cell viability and no significant acute cytotoxicity. Formulations containing up to 4% extract have potential for further development as natural-based Feminine Hygiene   preparations with good cellular compatibility.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JFM

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Jurnal FARMASIMED (JFM) Volume I Nomor 1 Periode Mei - Oktober Tahun 2018. Jurnal ini memberikan ruang bagi akademisi, peneliti dan pengguna hasil penelitian dan pengabdian untuk mendiseminasikan, menginformasikan, mendiskusikan dan menggunakan hasil penelitian dan pengabdian sebagai upaya ...