Preparation of skin gel with antibacterial effect containing aqueous Betel leaf extract (Piper betle L. Piperaceae)

Abstract

     Nowadays, people tend to use natural medicinal herbs in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Betle leaf (Piper betle L. Piperaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine because it contains many active ingredients with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. To diversify the products derived from Betel leaves, our research aims to develop a gel formulation from aqueous Betel leaf extract with antibacterial properties to support disease treatment and skincare. The gel was formulated using Betel leaf extract with antibacterial activity and Na CMC as the gelling agent. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. The gel formulation met quality standards with a smooth, homogeneous texture, brownish-yellow color, translucent, characteristic Betel scent, and pH of 6.02 ± 0.03. Gel had a spreadability of 38.50 cm² and stability. The antimicrobial activity showed that the product was effective against five bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes.