Optimization of HPMC and Carbopol as Gelling Agent in Gel Formulation of Bidens pilosa L. Leaf Ethanol Extract

Abstract

Bidens pilosa L. (BPL) is one of many plants found and distributed quite widely in the Papua region. BPL leaves contain several compounds, namely phenolics and flavonoids, which have antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the optimal combination of HPMC and Carbopol base concentrations for formulation in antioxidant gel preparation of BPL leaf ethanol extract using the Simplex Lattice design (SLD) method in Design Expert software. The extraction method used in this study is the maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent. Preparation of BPL leaf ethanol extract gel was carried out by optimizing HPMC and Carbopol bases. Evaluation of the preparations was carried out to determine the physical quality of the gel. This research's results met the organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH test, spreadability and adhesion on the combination of base concentrations (HPMC 1.25%: Carbopol 0.75%). The optimum formula obtained was then tested for stability using the Freeze and Thaw Cycling method and analyzed using SPSS software. The results obtained showed a significant value of p>0.05, which means that there was no significant change in the physical quality of the gel preparation from before being given treatment (Pre-test) to after being given treatment (Post-test). This research concludes that the optimum formula has good stability and is not affected by changes in temperature during the storage period.