Soursop Leaf Extract Gel: A Promising Solution for Skin Bacterial Infections
Nuniek Nizmah Fajriyah1, Urmatul Waznah2, Dwi Bagus Pambudi2, Eko Mugiyanto2*, Kusnul Khotimah3, Eka Jamilatur Rosyidah4, Khusnul Khotimah4, Ahmad Samsudin4, Nurul Hidayati5

1Department of Nurse, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Indonesia-
2Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Indonesia-
3 RSUD Kraton Pekalongan, Indonesia-
4 RSI PKU Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Indonesia
5 RSUD Kajen Pekalongan, Indonesia

Abstract

In many developing countries, including Indonesia, inadequate diagnostic facilities and limited pathogen epidemiology data hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Staphylococcus aureus is a prevalent pathogen causing skin infections, demanding attention.The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of a topical-gel-formula containing ethanol-extract of soursop leaves against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. The soursop leaf was extracted using the maceration method, and then it was transformed into a topical gel with concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10%. A test for microorganisms was performed using the well diffusion method. By measuring the inhibitory zone and comparing it to no extract as a negative control and povidone iodine as a positive control, the antibacterial activity was evaluated. The ANOVA test was employed to assess whether antibacterial power was effective, with a p-value of 0.05. The main finding reveals that a topical gel formulated with soursop leaf ethanol extract exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Despite being less potent than the positive control (povidone iodine), the study highlights the potential for enhancing effectiveness, suggesting further investigation and potential formulation optimization.
Implications include the potential development of effective, natural skincare products for tropical skin infections using soursop leaf extract. This study motivates ongoing efforts in pharmaceuticals and research to innovate safe, affordable, and sustainable antibacterial therapies.

Keywords: Soursop leaf extract, Topical gel, Antibacterial activity, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus

Topic: Medicine & Health Sciences