Formulation of Liquid Body Wash Containing Ethanol Extract of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia tuberosa Jack) Tuber from Central Kalimantan

Abstract

The skin is a vital organ that protects the internal body from physical and mechanical stressors, thermal variations (heat or cold), radiation or ultraviolet (UV) rays, and pathogens. Skin protection is essential and is often maintained through the use of cosmetic products such as soap. Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia tuberosa Jack), native to Central Kalimantan, is a medicinal plant widely utilized in traditional medicine. Previous studies have indicated that Sarang Semut tubers contain secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids, which possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These bioactive compounds provide significant potential for the development of liquid soap dosage forms. This study aims to formulate a liquid bath soap using the ethanol extract of Sarang Semut tuber as the active ingredient with varying extract concentrations: F0 (control/without extract), F1 (2.5 grams), and F2 (5 grams). An experimental research method was employed, focusing on physical property evaluations, which included organoleptic, homogeneity, foam height, pH, and viscosity tests. The results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of Sarang Semut tuber can be successfully formulated into a liquid soap. Furthermore, physical property evaluations confirmed that all formulations of the Sarang Semut tuber ethanol extract liquid soap met the established requirements for physical quality standards.