JURNAL FARMASI DAN ILMU KEFARMASIAN INDONESIA

Design and Optimization of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Quercetin in Skin Lightening Applications

Ressa Marisa — 2025-04-16

Background: Quercetin, a potential skin-lightening agent, reduces intracellular and fungal tyrosinase activity. However, its poor water solubility and limited skin permeability hinder its application. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), composed of biocompatible and biodegradable lipids, enhance drug stability and skin penetration. Lipid type, surfactant concentration, and formulation parameters influence NLC stability. Objective: This study aimed to optimize NLC formulations for quercetin delivery by evaluating organoleptic properties, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and pH. Method: NLCs was prepared using 10% total lipids (4% solid and 6% liquid lipids) and surfactant mixtures at varying concentrations via High Shear Homogenization. Initial formulations using myristic acid and castor oil were unstable, undergoing phase separation within five days. Results: Substituting the solid lipid with a 1:3 combination of beeswax and cocoa butter produced a stable formulation during storage. The lipid and surfactant composition significantly influenced particle size and PDI. While pH remained stable, statistical analysis revealed significant changes in particle size and PDI across formulations. Conclusion: Optimized NLC formulations for quercetin delivery demonstrated improved stability and potential for effective skin-lightening applications. Further research is warranted to evaluate in vivo efficacy and scalability.

Potassium Profile in Heart Failure Patients Before and After Hospitalization at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital

Kadek Indra Aryani — 2025-04-16

Background: Hypokalemia in patients with heart failure is increasing, with an increasing incidence of 6.8% in Asia and 19.7% in Indonesia; globally, 63 million people suffer from heart failure. Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L [mmol/L], which can lead to decreased heart function, muscle weakness, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. The use of diuretic drugs such as furosemide in heart failure patients may be a risk factor for hypokalemia. Objective: This study aims to determine the difference in potassium levels before and after furosemide administration as well as the possibility of hypokalemia due to furosemide administration in inpatients diagnosed with heart failure at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective medical record collection. The minimum sample size was calculated using Lemeshow's Formula of One Proportion Estimation Method with Absolute Precision Proportion, data normality test with Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p>0.05) and parametric test with paired t-test (p<0.05). This study included 101 patients that met the inclusion criteria with 11 patients having more than one inpatient visit, so a total 114 'patients' medical records were obtained. Results: Potassium levels before and after hospitalization showed a significant difference (p<0.05). A total of 84 'patients' data showed a decrease in potassium levels, with 49 of them showing a reduction in >15% and 35 showing a decrease of ≤15%. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with a diagnosis of heart failure and furosemide therapy at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital during January 2022-December 2023 after hospitalization was 29%.

Curcuma caesia. Roxb as a Potential Inhibitor of STAT3 and EGFR: a Molecular Docking Approach in Diabetic Nephropathy

Muhammad Farid — 2025-04-16

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia, leading to various complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). The STAT3-EGFR signaling axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, with EGFR activation leading to STAT3 phosphorylation. Curcuma caesia Roxb, rich in curcuminoids, shows promise in managing DN due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aims to predict the inhibitory potential of Curcuma caesia compounds on STAT3 and EGFR in DN using molecular docking techniques. Methods: This study utilized molecular docking to evaluate the inhibitory potential of Curcuma caesia compounds on STAT3 and EGFR. Protein structures were obtained from the RCSB database and prepared using Biovia Discovery Studio. Redocking validated the method via RMSD analysis, while docking simulations assessed binding energy (ΔG). ADMET predictions analyzed physicochemical properties and toxicity, ensuring the compounds' suitability as drug candidates. Results: Redocking process validated the method, with RMSD values indicating accuracy. Curcumin (-9.71) and ar-Curcumene (-5.02) showed the lowest binding energy for both proteins, suggesting strong interactions. Visualization revealed significant amino acid interactions, particularly involving hydrogen bonds. Additionally, pharmacokinetic and toxicity analyses indicated that most compounds are suitable drug candidates, exhibiting good absorption, distribution, and safety profiles, thus supporting Curcuma caesia's therapeutic promise in diabetic nephropathy management. Conclusion: Curcuma caesia demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy, with favorable molecular interactions, strong binding affinity to STAT3 and EGFR, and promising pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.

Optimization using D-Optimal Design of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) with Variation of Surfactants and Co-surfactant

Wafa'ul Athiyyah — 2025-04-16

Background: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are topical delivery systems designed to address the challenges associated with active ingredients, such as poor solubility and limited skin penetration. NLCs incorporate surfactants, such as sorbitan monooleate and lauryl glucoside, to stabilize the system, while the addition of soy lecithin as a co-surfactant further enhances NLC stability. A D-optimal design was employed to optimize the NLC components, ensuring that the formulation achieved the desired characteristics. Objective: To determine the optimal NLC formulation. Method: Optimization was conducted using the D-optimal design method. The NLCs were prepared using the high-shear homogenization method with an Ultra-Turrax device. Characterization included measuring the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, and creaming index. Results: All formulations resulted in homogeneous emulsions with a white color, slight aroma of castor oil, smooth texture, and thick consistency. The particle sizes ranged from 200 to 500 nm, although the polydispersity index was not significantly influenced by surfactants or co-surfactants. All the formulations maintained an appropriate pH range for skin compatibility and product stability. The %creaming index demonstrated that the co-surfactant effectively reduced creaming in the NLCs. Conclusion: The optimal formulation consisted of 0.284% sorbitan monooleate, 3.429% lauryl glucoside, and 0.287% soy lecithin.