EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK DAUN SIRIH SEBAGAI BAHAN AKTIF ANTIBAKTERI DALAM GEL HAND SANITIZER NON-ALKOHOL
This research aims to study the effectiveness of betel leaf extract as a substitute for antibacterial active ingredients in hand sanitizer. Betel leaf extract is obtained by maceration of betel leaves for 3x24 hours in 70% alcohol solution. The alcohol content in the betel leaf extract from maceration was evaporated in the vacuum evaporator (T = 60<sup>o</sup>C) until the remaining extract volume was around 15%. This extract is used as an active antibacterial ingredient in making hand sanitizer gel. The basic chemicals of making gels such as carbomer (gelling agent), propylene glycol (stabilizer), glycerin, nipagin and triethanolamine / TEA (alkalizing agent) are mixed and stirred in distilled water (about 85 ml) with compositions of 0.3 g, 4 ml, 3 ml, 0.02 g and 0, 2 ml, respectively. The volume of extract added in the gel was varied 8, 10, and 12 ml. Finally, the volume of hand sanitizer was added distilled water to adjust its volume 100 ml. The effectiveness and quality of this hand sanitizer were analyzed its active compounds, gel acidity (pH), organoleptic, the inhibitory ability of bacterial growth, and gel dispersion. <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> was chosen as the bacteria tested because it found in the hands. The presence of saponin, tannins, and flavonoids is detected qualitatively in the product. The results showed that adding 12 ml extract of betel leaf (sample III) has the best performance in the studied range of extract concentration (8-12 ml). Sample III has the acidity (pH) and the inhibitory zone about 5 and 9.78 mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively. This inhibitory area is higher than that of the commercial hand sanitizer, which has an area of 2.98 mm<sup>2</sup>. However, the spreadability of this hand sanitizer is slightly lower than that of the commercial one (about 167% and 180%). Organoleptic tests depict that this product is acceptable in the community because it does not irritate in use. This product is safer as hand sanitizer than the similar products that use alcohol as an active ingredient.