Modification of Anti-acne Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.)Urb.) Cream to Propionibacterium acnes

Abstract

Bawang dayak is one of the traditional medicines in Central Kalimantan, used to treat acne vulgaris. Previous research reported that a cream made with bawang dayak extract's active ingredient could inhibit Propionibacterium acnes' growth. However, bawang dayak has a pungent odor that causes discomfort, where the cream separates after 3 days of storage, which decreases its potency. This study aims to improve the quality of the anti-acne cream formulation of bawang dayak extract from previous studies with the addition of cinnamon, honey, and peppermint. The modified formula of bawang dayak extract cream was evaluated and tested for its antibacterial activity in vitro. The results showed an increase in the organoleptic test, especially the smell, which gave a more comfortable fragrance than the previous formula. The pH measurement of the cream shows the results suitable for topical applications. However, the homogeneity observations show that all the formulas are homogeneous, seen from uniform colors but contain coarse grains. The antibacterial activity test of all cream formulations against P. acnes showed inhibition zone diameter between 14.85 and 17.10 mm, all of which were moderate and larger than previous studies. It can be concluded that the modification of the cream formula with the active ingredient of bawang dayak extract showed an increase in the inhibition zone against P. acnes and improved organoleptic properties.

Keywords

• acne
• bawang dayak
• cream
• propionibacterium acnes