Development of Acne patch Containing Centella Asiatica L. Urban Extract as Anti-Acne Preparation / Pengembangan Acne patch Ekstrak Pegagan (Centella asiatica L. Urban) sebagai Sediaan Anti-Acne

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where prolonged use of synthetic antibacterials can lead to bacterial resistance, necessitating natural alternatives. Centella asiatica extract, rich in triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, exhibits antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria. Objective: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the physical properties and in vitro penetration of an acne patch containing C. asiatica extract using a combination of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 and ethyl cellulose polymers. Methods: The extract was obtained by 96% ethanol maceration and formulated into three patch formulas with varying polymer ratios (PVP K30:ethyl cellulose = 100:300, 200:200, and 300:100 w/w). All patches were prepared using the solvent casting method. Evaluations included organoleptic properties, homogeneity, thickness, folding endurance, moisture content, weight uniformity, and in vitro penetration using a Franz diffusion cell. Results: All formulations produced homogeneous, transparent patches with uniform thickness (approx. 1 mm). However, all formulas exhibited poor mechanical properties, with folding endurance values (<30 folds) far below the required standard (>300 folds). Moisture content (21.7-23.3%) exceeded the recommended limit (<10%), indicating potential instability. Furthermore, the cumulative in vitro penetration of the active compound through rat skin was very low (0.001-0.004 µg/cm²) over 180 minutes. Conclusion: The C. asiatica extract acne patches demonstrated acceptable basic physical characteristics (homogeneity, thickness). However, they require significant optimization to improve mechanical strength, reduce moisture content, and enhance drug penetration before being considered a viable anti-acne preparation.

Latar Belakang: Akne vulgaris merupakan penyakit kulit inflamasi kronis. Penggunaan antibakteri sintetis jangka panjang dapat menyebabkan resistensi bakteri, sehingga diperlukan alternatif bahan alam. Ekstrak pegagan (Centella asiatica) mengandung saponin triterpenoid dan flavonoid yang beraktivitas antibakteri. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memformulasikan acne patch ekstrak pegagan menggunakan polimer polivinilpirolidon (PVP) K30 dan etil selulosa, serta mengevaluasi sifat fisik dan penetrasi in vitro-nya. Metode: Ekstrak diperoleh dengan maserasi etanol 96% dan diformulasikan menjadi tiga formula patch dengan perbandingan polimer PVP K30:etil selulosa yang berbeda (100:300, 200:200, dan 300:100 b/b). Seluruh sediaan dibuat dengan metode solvent casting. Evaluasi meliputi uji organoleptik, homogenitas, ketebalan, daya lipat, kadar air, keseragaman bobot, dan penetrasi in vitro menggunakan sel difusi Franz. Hasil: Semua formula menghasilkan patch yang homogen, transparan, dengan ketebalan seragam (±1 mm). Namun, seluruh formula memiliki sifat mekanik yang buruk, dengan nilai daya lipat (<30 kali) jauh di bawah standar (>300 kali). Kadar air (21,7-23,3%) melebihi batas rekomendasi (<10%), mengindikasikan potensi ketidakstabilan. Penetrasi kumulatif zat aktif secara in vitro melalui kulit tikus sangat rendah (0,001-0,004 µg/cm²) selama 180 menit. Kesimpulan: Acne patch ekstrak pegagan menunjukkan karakteristik fisik dasar yang dapat diterima (homogenitas, ketebalan). Akan tetapi, diperlukan optimasi signifikan untuk meningkatkan kekuatan mekanik, menurunkan kadar air, dan meningkatkan penetrasi zat aktif sebelum dinyatakan sebagai sediaan anti-jerawat yang potensial.