Jurnal Ilmiah Medicamento

Analytical Methods for Revealing the Composition of Fruit Flavor E-Cigarette E-Liquid: A Review

Aghnia Nabila, Mochammad Yuwono, Mochammad Taha Ma'ruf, Shalsa Septia Zulni — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The use of e-cigarettes is increasing, one of which is due to fruit-flavored e-liquids. The chemical compounds that make up these flavors play a role in providing flavor characteristics, but if inhaled, they can potentially negatively affect health. Understanding what chemical compounds are found in e-liquid flavors is very important to determine the toxicity effects of e-cigarettes. This article aimed to review the analytical methods that had been carried out by previous studies in identifying e-liquid flavor compounds. Literature was collected through searches in reputable scientific databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using relevant keywords. From the initial search, 35 relevant articles were found and then selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 10 articles for further analysis. The selected literature consisted of research focusing on chromatographic methods, specifically Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC). Further developments, such as the combination of GC with Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), as well as LC with MS/MS and Electrospray Ionization (ESI), were shown to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis. These findings emphasize the importance of choosing the right analytical method for the compounds to be identified. The results also discuss the advantages and challenges, which can guide in choosing the right analytical method to promote the development of better safety standards.

Effectiveness and Side Effects in the Management of Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): A Narrative Review

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) leads to a reduced cure rate for tuberculosis treatment. The global number of MDR-TB cases remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2020 but increased in 2021. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 437,000 MDR-TB cases worldwide, which rose to 450,000 cases in 2021. Various treatment regimens recommended by the WHO require a review of the literature on the efficacy and side effects of drug use in MDR-TB. This review aims to provide updated information that can be used as a reference for the early identification and management of side effects. The article was a narrative review that collected and analyzed information from various international articles on databases such as PubMed, PlosOne, and ScienceDirect from January 2014 to June 2024. A total of six relevant articles were synthesized from 609 articles. The effectiveness of MDR-TB therapy with WHO-recommended drugs has shown a high cure rate (cured>50%). The incidence of side effects in MDR-TB therapy is smaller compared to the effectiveness of treatment. However, a study conducted at Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital in China from July 2019 to December 2020 showed that all study subjects experienced side effects. This included nausea and vomiting from protionamide, gatifloxacin, and ethambutol; hyperuricemia from pyrazinamide, and hyperpigmentation from clofazimine. It is recommended that a therapy regimen be selected based on culture test results, patient conditions, and drug availability in each country.

The Nature of Opioids Used as Pain Management in A Public Hospital in Bali

Desak Ketut Ernawati, Agata Widatama — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Opioids are the mainstay of pain management, particularly in chronic pain-related and nonrelated cancer. Studies have shown that the number of opioids used globally varies. It was used excessively in some parts, while in others, it was underused. Little study is known on how opioids are used in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify indications of opioids prescribed and types of opioids used, as well as assess the nature of opioid therapy as pain management for chronic and non-related cancer. This retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Bali, Indonesia. Data was collected from all inpatients who received opioids in the hospital from 2018 to 2020. Patients’ age, gender, as well as opioid information such as types of opioids and used for treatment for cancer or non-cancer patients, were pooled and analyzed descriptively. This study found that fentanyl injection was the most opioid prescribed by anesthesiologists as preoperative medications. Opioids were prescribed mostly for non-cancer patients, and limited opioids were prescribed for cancer patients. Future research is required to evaluate factors that influence opioid prescriptions in hospitals.

Carrageenan from Balinese Red Seaweed (Gracilaria sp). as Antibacterial against Eight Pathogenic Bacteria

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The increase in infection cases every year, coupled with the rise in resistance cases, increases the urgency of exploring antimicrobial agents. Gracilaria sp. is a red seaweed that is widely known as one of the potential producers of active metabolites, sulfated polysaccharides. Carrageenan is one form of sulfated polysaccharide that has antimicrobial activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of carrageenan derived from Gracilaria sp. against several pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhi. Carrageenan was extracted from Gracilaria sp. samples obtained from the South Denpasar area (Bali) using KOH. An antibacterial activity assay of carrageenan was carried out using an agar well diffusion method with nutrient agar media. Tests were conducted at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/mL (E. coli and S. epidermidis), 20, 30, 40 mg/mL (S. aureus, S. pyrogenes, E. faecalis, and S. typhi), 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL (P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae). Incubation was carried out for 24 hours at ± 37 °C. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that carrageenan extracted from Gracilaria sp. exhibited significant antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria, especially gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity produced in this study was proportional to the increase in concentration, where the inhibitory activity produced increased as the concentration of carrageenan increased. It can be concluded that carrageenan has the potential to be an antibacterial.

Factors Associated with Length of Stay of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Patients at a Regional General Hospital in Bali

Nyoman Budiartha Siada, Rr Asih Juanita — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported one to five million dengue infections from 2020 to 2022. According to Indonesian Health Profile data in 2020, the province of Bali had the highest Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) Incidence Rate (IR), 273.1 morbidity, and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.2%. The longer the patient's stay, the greater the costs are incurred for hospital treatment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the factors influencing the length of stay of DHF patients with complications and comorbidities. This study was an observational study. Medical record data of DHF patients with complications and comorbidities were collected using a retrospective technique from January 2020 to December 2020 during hospitalization at a regional public hospital in Bali. The independent variables in this study include age, the severity of DHF, complications and comorbidities, and the amount of fluid therapy patients use during hospitalization. The dependent variable in this study is the patient's length of stay. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was analyzed using logistic regression with a significance level set at p<0.05. There were 115 hospitalized DHF patients with complications and comorbidities, consisting of 52% males and 48% females. Most patients were in the age range of 6-11 years (43%). Based on the analysis that has been carried out, there is a factor that is significantly related to the length of stay of DHF patients, namely the use of the amount of fluid therapy (p=0.02). The findings of this study support the evaluation of DHF therapy, particularly in selecting the type and volume of fluids.

Topical Analgesic Activity of 70% Ethanol Extract Gel of Mint Leaves (Mentha piperita) on White Mice (Mus musculus) with Hot Plate Method

Sirilus Deodatus Sawu, Wibowo Wibowo, Fransisca Elsia One Irawan — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Pain is one of the most common health problems, affecting approximately one-third of the global population. Pain management is generally carried out through the administration of analgesic drugs, which are classified into two major groups: opioid and non-opioid analgesics. However, the use of these drugs is associated with adverse side effects and a risk of dependence. One potential alternative is the development of natural-based analgesics, such as mint (Mentha piperita) leaves. To date, there have been no studies evaluating the effectiveness of ethanol extract of mint leaves as a topical analgesic. This study aimed to assess the topical analgesic activity of ethanol extract of mint leaves formulated into a gel dosage form. Analgesic activity was evaluated using a hot plate-induced pain model in male white mice. Gels containing 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations of the extract were tested and compared with a negative control (gel base) and a positive control (Voltaren® gel). Observations at 30 minutes post-application revealed that the mean latency times of the 10% and 15% extract groups, as well as the positive control group, were significantly different from the negative control group (p-value < 0.05). The difference in the percentage of maximal possible effect (%MPE) between the 10% and 15% extract groups was relatively small, suggesting that the 10% concentration was sufficient to produce an optimal analgesic effect. In conclusion, the 10% ethanol extract of mint leaves in gel form exhibited topical analgesic activity and holds potential for development as a topical analgesic gel formulation.

In-Vitro Cholesterol Reduction Using Three Dosages of Chitosan from Mangrove Crab Shells (Scylla serrata) in Effervescent Granules Suspension

Erna Sri Novyanti, Fateha Rizka Andina, Laura Andrea Subekti, Hilya Nur Imtihani — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Changes in human lifestyle—such as smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor dietary habits—have contributed significantly to the increasing incidence of hypercholesterolemia. Most cholesterol-lowering drugs currently available are chemically synthesized and may be associated with undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing safer, natural alternatives. Indonesia produces a large volume of crab shell waste, which presents an opportunity for the sustainable production of chitosan, a biopolymer known for its cholesterol-lowering potential. However, chitosan has limited solubility in water, which can hinder its absorption and usability. To address this limitation, chitosan was formulated into an effervescent granule suspension to enhance solubility and improve patient compliance through easier consumption in liquid form. The effervescent granule suspensions were prepared using the wet granulation method. This study aimed to evaluate their cholesterol-lowering effects using the in vitro Lieberman–Burchard method, employing three different chitosan doses: F1 (45 mg), F2 (55 mg), and F3 (75 mg), in order to determine the optimal dosage. The average cholesterol reduction percentages were F1 = 14.66% ± 2.12, F2 = 22.39% ± 6.06, F3 = 13.37% ± 2.99, and simvastatin = 19.02% ± 0.74. Although F2 exhibited the highest cholesterol-lowering activity, the differences among the three formulations were not statistically significant (p = 0.156).

The Effect of White Turmeric Extract (Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.) on Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels in White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Cigarette smoke generates free radicals that induce oxidative stress and damage various biomolecules in the body. An increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels is a key marker of oxidative stress. The body’s antioxidant mechanisms rely on compounds capable of neutralizing free radicals. White turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.) contains antioxidant compounds predicted to prevent oxidative damage, though its in vivo potential remains to be proven. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of white turmeric ethanol extract on MDA levels in male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) exposed to cigarette smoke. A post-test only control group design was employed. The rats were divided into five groups: healthy control (P1), smoke-exposed control (P2), extract-treated groups receiving 100 mg/kgBW (P3) and 200 mg/kgBW (P4), and a positive control group receiving vitamin C (P5). Cigarette smoke exposure was administered for 14 days, and blood samples were collected from the orbital vein on day 15. MDA levels were measured using the ELISA method. The mean MDA levels (mmol/ml) for P1 to P5 were 0.118, 0.121, 0.094, 0.059, and 0.089, respectively. ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests (α = 0.05) showed a significant difference between P2 and P4 (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found between P3, P4, and P5. In conclusion, white turmeric extract at 200 mg/kgBW significantly reduced MDA levels and demonstrated antioxidant activity comparable to that of vitamin C.

Bioactivities and Molecular Identification from Marine Sediment-Derived Fungi Isolated from Amed and Tulamben Beaches

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Marine fungi have demonstrated the ability to produce promising new bioactive compounds. This study aims to isolate fungi from the marine sediments collected from Amed and Tulamben Beaches, Bali, Indonesia and investigate the bioactivity of the fungal extracts. Following fungal isolation, pure isolates were obtained and fermented on rice media containing salt and without salt. Next, secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate, then separated by liquid-liquid extraction using methanol containing 10% water and n-hexane. The resulting MeOH extracts were analyzed for their phytochemical content and tested for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities using the disc diffusion and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. In total, three fungal isolates were obtained. Molecular identification from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of the isolates showed the closest relationship to Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus tamarii, and Trichoderma sp. Phytochemical analysis showed all fungal extracts contained alkaloids and polyphenols. Moreover, extract from Trichoderma sp. SED-TU (1) (NS) inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus mutans with inhibition zone diameters of 4.69±0.16; 3.51±0.01, and 3.49±0.25 mm, respectively. Extract from Aspergillus tamarii RM-S-SED-AM (S) inhibited Candida albicans with an inhibition zone of 7.04±0.22 mm and also had strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 62.00±0.35 µg/mL. This study indicates that fungal isolates from marine sediments have great potential as a source of bioactive natural products.

Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol Extracts from Mangrove (Xylocarpus granatum J.Koenig) Seed Coat and Fruit by DPPH and FRAP Assays

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Free radical compounds are molecules that possess reactive and unstable properties, which can damage biomolecules by disrupting the integrity of DNA, proteins and lipids. This condition can trigger oxidative stress, which can result in degenerative diseases. Humans require antioxidant intake from external sources when their own endogenous antioxidants are insufficient to counteract free radicals. Previous studies have demonstrated the high antioxidant activity of mangrove seeds. However, the antioxidant potential of mangrove seed coats and fruits remains underexplored, particularly when assessed using the DPPH and FRAP methods. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of seed coat and fruit extracts of Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig using the DPPH and FRAP methods. This research is quantitative research with laboratory experimental approach. Antioxidant activity testing using DPPH and FRAP methods. Gallic acid was used as a comparison standard for antioxidant activity. The results obtained from the antioxidant activity testing of the ethanol extracts of seed shell, fruit and gallic acid were IC₅₀ values of 10.83 mg/mL, 4.91 mg/mL and 0,793 mg/mL (DPPH) and RP₅₀ of 4,455.63 mg/mL, 15,556.32 mg/mL and 34.04 mg/mL (FRAP). It is acknowledged that discrepancies in testing methodologies can influence the antioxidant activity of each extract, contingent on the nature of the free radical, the solvent, steric accessibility, and the pH of the medium.

Effectiveness of Brochures in Improving the Knowledge of PKK Mothers in South Danguran on Self-Medication Drug Use and Disposal

Ismah Rahmadhani, Nur Atikah, Dwi Subarti — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Limited health knowledge increases the risk of improper use and disposal of self-medication drugs. Educational interventions, such as brochures, are expected to enhance public awareness. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of brochures in improving the knowledge of PKK (Family Empowerment and Welfare) mothers in RT 01 RW 10, South Danguran, regarding the appropriate use and disposal of self-medication. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed, involving 37 purposively selected respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Univariate analysis was used to describe respondent characteristics, knowledge levels, and survey responses, while bivariate analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that most respondents were aged 46–65 years (64.9%), had a high school education (56.8%), and worked as housewives or laborers (67.6%). Before the intervention, 51.4% of respondents had a moderate level of knowledge, whereas after the intervention, 81% demonstrated a good level of knowledge. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a significant improvement, with a p-value of <0.001 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, brochures were effective in increasing knowledge regarding the use and disposal of self-medication drugs among PKK mothers in RT 01 RW 10, South Danguran.