Effect of Gel Formulation of Methanolic Extract of Leucaena leucocephala Leaves on Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

White lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf extract includes antibacterial phytochemical compounds such as lupeol and flavonoids. The study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of white lead tree methanolic extract and gel formulation against acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, also the physical quality of the preparation. The treatments included a methanolic extract of the White lead tree and extract gel formulations. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. ANOVA analyzed data at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05) by SPSS software. Gel formulations were used in five concentrations (3.12, 6.25, 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 %). The antibacterial activity test utilized was the agar diffusion method. The results showed the white lead tree leaf extract contains flavonoids with TFC as much as 12.33 + 0.02 mgQE.g^-1. The antibacterial activity test of white lead tree leaf extract at all concentrations showed the most effective antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis with a zone of inhibition of 2.17 cm², with no inhibitory zone against P. acnes. The gel preparation extract at all concentrations had no inhibitory activity against P. acnes, but the gel formulations inhibit S. epidermidis effectively at 50.00 % concentrations with a zone of inhibitions 0.82+0.30 cm². The gel quality parameters looked homogeneity for 28 days; ph and stickiness were matched to the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia (NSI); however, the dispersibility and viscosity were not matched to NSI. In conclusion, plant leaf methanolic extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against the acne-causing bacterium S. epidermidis. Further study is needed on the potential of white lead tree leaves as a natural anti-acne.