Development of Gel Dossage Form From Mulberry Fruit Extract as A Facial Treatment
Skin care is very important in cosmetics, especially facial treatments. Black mulberry is rich in phenols and is therefor usable in the treatment of acne. It also contains anthocyanin, a well-known antioxidant and a potential source of sun protection. This research aimed to develop a gel dossage from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extracts that would function as an antibacterial, antioxidant and sun blocking facial treatment. This research started with black mulberry fruit extracted through the maceration method by using ethanol (96%). Then, the antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by the disc-diffusion method, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using the 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) method with vitamin C as a comparison. Furthermore, the extracts were formulated into gel formulas with variations of HPMC, Na-CMC, carbopol 934 and extract concentrations. The products were then physically evaluated for organoleptics, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and dispersion as well as undergoing a hedonic test, an irritation test, an antioxidant activity test and determining the SPF value of the preparation. The results showed that the black mulberry fruit extract has antibacterial activity with MIC value of 0,025 g/mL against S. epidermidis and P. acnes, while MBC values were 0,025 g/mL and 0,05 g/mL, respectively. The black mulberry extract had antioxidant activity with IC50 value, i.e 146,73 μg/mL vitamin c i.e. 3,17 μg/mL. Formulation with best physical evaluation results showed ina formula containing a carbopol gel base of 934 0,015 g/mL with an extract cconcentration of 0,075 g/mL. This formula resulted in antioxidant activity with an IC50 value, i.e 1004,6 μg/mL, antibacterial activity with inhibition zone 6.83 ± 1.4 mm against and 6.76 ± 0.9 mm against S. epidermidis and P. acnes respectively and an SPF value of 1.9.