PCJN: Pharmaceutical and Clinical Journal of Nusantara

Antihyperuricemia Effectiveness Test of Ethanol Extract of Kedondong Pagar Leaves (Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.) Against Male White Rats (Ratus norvegicus)

Irma Suryani Nasution — 2025-11-30

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder caused by elevated serum uric acid levels that may progress to gout and other complications. Although synthetic drugs such as allopurinol are effective, their long-term use may cause adverse effects, thus alternative therapies derived from natural products are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperuricemic activity of the ethanol extract of kedondong pagar leaves (Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.) in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus). An in vivo experimental study was conducted using potassium oxonate–induced hyperuricemic rats. The animals were divided into five groups: negative control (0.5% CMC), positive control (allopurinol 10 mg/kgBW), and three treatment groups receiving the ethanol extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kgBW. Serum uric acid levels were measured before induction, after induction, and hourly up to six hours following treatment. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids/triterpenoids, and glycosides in the extract. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract of Lannea coromandelica leaves significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the 300 mg/kgBW dose showing the greatest effect and approaching the efficacy of allopurinol. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of kedondong pagar leaves has potential as a natural antihyperuricemic agent.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa Rhizome in Rodent Models

Aminah Syarifudin — 2025-11-30

Inflammation is a biological response to tissue injury or infection that often requires long-term management. Although synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs are effective, their prolonged use may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer natural alternatives. Curcuma longa L. has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. An in vivo experimental study was conducted using male white rats (Rattus norvegicus). The animals were divided into five groups: negative control (0.5% CMC), positive control (diclofenac sodium 10 mg/kg BW), and three treatment groups receiving the ethanolic extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan injection, and paw diameter was measured at 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours. Anti-inflammatory activity was expressed as the percentage of inflammation. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa significantly reduced inflammation compared to the negative control at all observation times. The 200 mg/kg BW dose exhibited the most effective and consistent anti-inflammatory activity, while a higher dose did not provide additional benefit. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity, with an optimal effect observed at 200 mg/kg BW, supporting its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Comparative Study of Separation Techniques for Multi-Component Organic-Inorganic Mixtures Using Extraction, Distillation, and Evaporation

Jidapha Dokduea — 2025-11-30

The separation and purification of chemical compounds from multi-component mixtures is a fundamental process in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. This study evaluated the effectiveness of liquid-liquid extraction, simple distillation, evaporation, recrystallization, and acid-base extraction techniques for separating four different ternary mixtures: (i) chloroform, methanol, and sodium acetate; (ii) salicylic acid, diethyl ether, and sodium chloride; (iii) benzoic acid, distilled water, and diethyl ether; and (iv) salicylic acid, ethanol, and distilled water. Each mixture was systematically separated using appropriate techniques based on differences in polarity, boiling point, and solubility. The results demonstrated that the percent error values varied considerably across different compounds and methods, ranging from 2.30% to 93.60%. Recrystallization and distillation showed higher accuracy for non-volatile solids and low-boiling-point liquids, respectively, while liquid-liquid extraction efficiency was influenced by polarity differences and procedural factors. These findings provide a comprehensive comparison of classical separation techniques applicable to pharmaceutical and chemical laboratory practice.

Cytotoxicity Test of Black Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) Ethanol Extract Using BSLT Method (Brine Shrimp Lethality Test)

Raudhotul Falah Rambe — 2025-11-30

Cancer is an abnormal condition of cells or a group of cells experiencing uncontrolled growth. In the last decade, the use of medicinal plants has tended to increase in line with the development of the herbal or traditional medicine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food and beverages. There are various kinds of plants that can be used as anti-cancer treatments, one of which is black garlic. Black garlic is an ingredient made from garlic at a certain temperature and humidity. The objective of this research was to determine the phytochemical content of black garlic and to evaluate its toxicity level (LC50) using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method, by calculating the number of deaths of Artemia salina Leach larvae with Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) as the parameter. Black garlic extract variation, chemical content, characterization, and cytotoxicity tests were variables in the research. Black garlic contains several secondary metabolite compounds namely alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and steroids. The regression equation obtained was y = 1.5939x + 0.919, with an LC50 value of 363.2453 μg/mL. These results concluded that black garlic ethanol extract had a toxic effect on Artemia salina larvae.

Antibacterial Activity of n-Hexane Extract of Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) Peel Against Escherichia coli

Juni Yanti Peronika Siregar — 2025-11-30

Jengkol peel (Archidendron pauciflorum) is a plant with medicinal potential, as it contains bioactive compounds such as saponins, tannins, and flavonoids known to inhibit bacterial growth. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with gastrointestinal tract infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of n-hexane extract of jengkol peel against Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones formed around the paper discs. The results demonstrated that the inhibition zone at a concentration of 500 ppm had a diameter of 15.47 mm (Strong category). These findings confirm that n-hexane extract of jengkol peel (Archidendron pauciflorum) possesses the ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans

Hariman Hariman — 2025-11-30

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a cultivated plant with medicinal properties, containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins that are known to exhibit antibacterial activity. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus mutans pose significant clinical challenges due to antibiotic resistance and their association with nosocomial infections and dental caries, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate extract of beetroot against MRSA (ATCC 43300) and Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) using the disc diffusion method. Simplicia characterization revealed a water content of 13.15%, water-soluble extract of 42.5%, ethanol-soluble extract of 44.8%, total ash of 12.56%, and acid-insoluble ash of 1.81%. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, and tannins. Antibacterial testing at concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/ml showed inhibition zones of 8.3, 8.7, and 11.5 mm against MRSA, and 7.5, 8.4, and 10.3 mm against S. mutans, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be 125 mg/ml for both bacterial strains. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of beetroot possesses promising antibacterial activity ranging from moderate to strong category.

Determination and Validation of Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Drinking Water from Various Sources in Medan City Using Visible Spectrophotometry

Chienley P Malau — 2026-02-27

The maximum allowable concentrations of nitrite and nitrate in drinking water are regulated by the Regulation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 492/Menkes/Per/IV/2010. Variations in environmental conditions and agricultural activities may influence the levels of these contaminants in different water sources. This study aimed to determine nitrite and nitrate concentrations in drinking water obtained from several sources in Medan City. Eight samples were collected, consisting of municipally treated water from two drinking water companies, two well water samples, two commercially bottled water brands, and boiled well water. Quantitative analysis was performed using visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 536 nm with a Shimadzu UV mini-1240 spectrophotometer. Nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.0273 to 0.6452 mg/L, while nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.0148 to 3.9431 mg/L. All measured levels were below the maximum permissible limits. The validated analytical method demonstrated acceptable accuracy and precision, indicating its suitability for routine monitoring of drinking water quality. Differences in water source and management practices were found to influence nitrite and nitrate concentrations.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Ethanol Extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile. against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus by Disc Diffusion

Amalia Eka Putri — 2025-11-30

Diarrhea remains a major global health challenge caused by pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. African leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile.) contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids with recognized antibacterial properties. This study determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ethanol extract of V. amygdalina prepared by Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) at three extraction times (5, 15, and 30 minutes) against four diarrhea-causing bacteria using the disc diffusion method. Extraction yields were 8.8%, 10.45%, and 11.9% for UAE at 5, 15, and 30 minutes, respectively. Antibacterial testing at concentrations ranging from 300 to 1.56 mg/mL demonstrated predominantly moderate inhibition zones (5–10 mm), with some concentrations reaching the strong category (10–20 mm). The MIC for B. cereus and S. aureus was 1.56 mg/mL across all extraction times. For S. typhi, the MIC was 1.56 mg/mL (5 and 30 min UAE) and 12.5 mg/mL (15 min UAE). For E. coli, the MIC was 6.25 mg/mL (5 min UAE) and 1.56 mg/mL (15 and 30 min UAE). One-way ANOVA confirmed statistically significant differences among concentrations (p < 0.05). The 30-minute UAE produced the highest yield and generally superior antibacterial activity, supporting its selection as the optimal extraction condition. These findings highlight the potential of V. amygdalina ethanol extract as a natural antibacterial agent for diarrheal disease management.