Development of Activated Carbon Tablet Formulation of Kayu Gelam (Melaleuca Sp) as an Alternative Antidiarrheal Treatment / Pengembangan Formulasi Tablet Karbon Aktif Kayu Gelam (Melaleuca Sp) sebagai Alternatif Pengobatan Antidiare

Background: Diarrhea remains a major global health problem requiring effective and safe therapeutic interventions. The utilization of natural activated carbon presents a promising alternative for antidiarrheal therapy. Objective: This study aimed to develop an activated carbon tablet formulation derived from Kayu Gelam (Melaleuca sp.) and to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of the resulting tablets. Methods: Activated carbon was obtained through carbonization and chemical activation processes, then formulated into three tablet formulas with varying concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a binder: 2% (Formula 1), 3% (Formula 2), and 4% (Formula 3). Tablet quality evaluation included pH measurement, weight uniformity, hardness, friability, and disintegration time. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The pH values of Formulas 1, 2, and 3 were 6.15, 6.65, and 6.85, respectively, all within the neutral range (5.8–7.4) and safe for biological systems. The average tablet weights were 157.0 mg, 153.5 mg, and 158.5 mg, respectively, meeting weight uniformity requirements. Hardness values were 6.47 kg, 6.83 kg, and 7.67 kg, indicating adequate mechanical strength. Friability values were 0.664%, 0.763%, and 0.502%, all below the acceptable limit of 1%. Disintegration times were 13.01 min, 13.65 min, and 13.85 min, respectively, satisfying the requirement of less than 15 minutes. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in pH, hardness, friability, and disintegration time among the three formulas, while weight uniformity showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: All formulated Kayu Gelam activated carbon tablets met the required physical and chemical quality parameters, demonstrating their potential for further development as an alternative antidiarrheal tablet preparation.

Latar Belakang: Diare merupakan masalah kesehatan global yang memerlukan penanganan efektif dan aman. Pemanfaatan karbon aktif alam menjadi alternatif potensial dalam terapi antidiare. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan formulasi tablet karbon aktif Kayu Gelam (Melaleuca sp.) serta mengevaluasi mutu fisik dan kimia tablet yang dihasilkan. Metode: Karbon aktif diperoleh melalui proses karbonisasi dan aktivasi kimia, kemudian diformulasikan menjadi tiga formula tablet dengan variasi konsentrasi polivinilpirolidon (PVP) sebagai pengikat, yaitu 2% (Formula 1), 3% (Formula 2), dan 4% (Formula 3). Evaluasi mutu tablet meliputi uji pH, keseragaman bobot, kekerasan, kerapuhan, dan waktu hancur. Data dianalisis menggunakan one-way ANOVA. Hasil: Nilai pH Formula 1, 2, dan 3 masing-masing sebesar 6,15; 6,65; dan 6,85, yang berada dalam rentang netral (5,8–7,4) dan aman bagi sistem biologis. Rata-rata bobot tablet berturut-turut adalah 157,0 mg; 153,5 mg; dan 158,5 mg, memenuhi persyaratan keseragaman bobot. Nilai kekerasan tablet masing-masing 6,47 kg; 6,83 kg; dan 7,67 kg, menunjukkan kekuatan mekanik yang memadai. Nilai kerapuhan berturut-turut 0,664%; 0,763%; dan 0,502%, semuanya di bawah batas akseptabel 1%. Waktu hancur tablet adalah 13,01 menit; 13,65 menit; dan 13,85 menit, memenuhi syarat kurang dari 15 menit. Uji one-way ANOVA menunjukkan perbedaan signifikan (p < 0,05) pada pH, kekerasan, kerapuhan, dan waktu hancur antar formula, sedangkan keseragaman bobot tidak menunjukkan perbedaan signifikan (p > 0,05). Kesimpulan: Seluruh formula tablet karbon aktif Kayu Gelam memenuhi parameter mutu fisik dan kimia yang dipersyaratkan, sehingga berpotensi untuk dikembangkan lebih lanjut sebagai sediaan tablet antidiare alternatif.