Jurnal Farmasi Galenika (Galenika Journal of Pharmacy) (e-Journal)

Nanotechnology-Based Formulations of Curcuma xanthorrhiza for Modern Herbal Therapy: A Narrative Literature Review

Hanif Luthfiansyah Azhar — 2026-03-31

Background: Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (temulawak) is an Indonesian medicinal plant with documented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities, yet its major active compounds, curcuminoids and xanthorrhizol, suffer from poor aqueous solubility, low stability, and very limited oral bioavailability. Objectives: This study aims to review nanotechnology-based formulation strategies developed to overcome the biopharmaceutical limitations of C. xanthorrhiza and to optimise its potential as a modern herbal therapy. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using national and international articles published mainly between 2015 and 2025 that were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar with keywords related to Curcuma xanthorrhiza, nanoformulation, and drug delivery systems; data were qualitatively summarised according to type of nanoformulation, physicochemical characteristics, and in vitro or in vivo biological activities. Results: Various nanotechnology-based delivery systems were identified, including nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS), Solid-SNEDDS, nanogels, polymeric nanoparticles, and green-synthesised metallic nanoparticles; these formulations consistently reduced particle size to the nanometre range, improved solubility and chemical stability, increased entrapment efficiency, and enhanced pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities compared with conventional extracts. Conclusions: Nanotechnology-based formulations of Curcuma xanthorrhiza represent a promising strategy to improve the efficacy, safety, and practicality of temulawak as a modern herbal medicine, and further well-designed preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm their therapeutic advantages.

Nanospanlastics For Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery: Formulation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Applications

Fitria Rahmadiani — 2026-03-31

Nanospanlastic is an elastic nanovesicular drug delivery system developed to enhance skin penetration, retention, and therapeutic efficacy in topical and transdermal applications. However, variations in formulation methods, characterization parameters, and evaluation approaches across studies have limited the standardization of its performance. This review was conducted systematically in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed using international electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed, SAGE, and Taylor & Francis online, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The keywords used were "nanospanlastic,” “spanlastic,” “nanovesicles,” “transdermal,” “topical,” “characterization,” and “application.” Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 32 eligible studies were selected for qualitative meta-synthesis analysis. This article presents a cross-study comparative analysis focusing on formulation factors, physicochemical characteristics, deformability, stability, and dermatological applications. The synthesis results indicate that surfactant–edge activator composition, manufacturing methods, and component ratios significantly influence particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, and deformability index, which, in turn, determine skin penetration and retention performance. Although nanospanlastic demonstrates improved permeation and promising pharmacological effects, challenges remain regarding long-term stability, chronic safety, and scalability for GMP-based industrial production. This review highlights critical research gaps and proposes future development directions, including formulation optimization, harmonization of characterization methods, and broader clinical validation. Therefore, nanospanlastic represents a promising innovative platform for dermatological drug delivery but requires further systematic and translational development

Analysis of Factors Affecting Potential Drug Interactions in Outpatient Hypertension Patients at Dr. Iskak Tulungagung Hospital

Esti Ambar Widyaningrum — 2026-03-31

Background: The global prevalence of hypertension continues to rise, with projections indicating that approximately 29% of adults will be affected by 2025. Hypertension is often accompanied by comorbidities and complications. Hypertension treatment usually involves more than one drug or polypharmacy, increasing the risk of potential interactions. Objective: To examine the association between polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions in outpatient hypertensive patients. Material and Method: Retrospective observational study using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 96 patients were included from January-December 2023. The instruments used were medical records, the Drugs Interaction Checker application on the Drugs.com application, and Medscape. Results: Most patients were male (59.38%) and aged 56–65 years (37.50%). Polypharmacy was observed in the majority of patients, with major polypharmacy (>4 drugs) accounting for 48.96%. Potential drug interactions were identified in 65.63% of patients. Pharmacodynamic interactions were more common (58.57%) than pharmacokinetic interactions (41.43%), with moderate severity predominating (78.09%). The number of medications and comorbidities were significantly associated with potential drug interactions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The number of drugs and the number of comorbidities affect the potential for drug–drug interactions in outpatients with hypertension at Dr. Iskak Tulungagung Hospital.

Predicting the Anti-Tuberculosis Mechanism of Vitex cofassus Methanolic Extracts through Network Pharmacology Analysis

Sri Wahyuli Astian Omir — 2026-03-31

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Activity of Kelakai Leaf Extract (Stenochlaena palustris) as an Antioxidant and Antidiabetic: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

Nisa Kartika Komara — 2026-03-31

Background: Indonesia is the only country in Southeast Asia with the highest number of diabetics worldwide. In 2021, diabetes in Indonesia reached 10.6%, and it is predicted that this number will continue to increase, reaching 578 million by 2030 and 700 million by 2045. The way to overcome diabetes mellitus is by using drugs that can increase antioxidants and inhibit the activity of Î±-glucosidase; however, this method can have side effects, particularly on the digestive tract. Therefore, another alternative treatment is needed to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, which is achieved by using natural ingredients. One of the natural ingredients predicted to have antioxidant and antidiabetic activity is kelakai leaves (Stenochlaena palustris). Methods: The content of your abstract must include background, aims of the study, used method, brief result and conclusion. Results: In this study, kelakai leaf extract showed potential as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly in terms of antioxidant activity and potential inhibition of Î±-glucosidase. This is indicated by the very strong IC50 value of 9,384 ppm. The best results were found in the nictoflorin compound, with a bond energy value almost close to the native ligand value (-7.7 kcal/mol) and interacting with the same amino acids as Î±-glucosidase, including Asp 542, Phe 575, Tyr 299, Trp 406, His 600, and Met 444. Conclusions: The potential of kelakai leaf extract as an antidiabetic is indicated by the interaction between Î±-glucosidase and all test compounds, as seen from the bond energy reflecting the level of affinity.

The Pharmacokinetics of Single-Inhaler Triple Therapy in COPD: A Systematic Reviews

Sang Ayu Made Arenawati — 2026-03-31

Background: The integration of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting -agonists, and long-acting muscarinic antagonists into a fixed-dose Single Inhaler Triple Therapy (SITT) represents a pivotal strategy for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients with persistent symptomatology or frequent exacerbations. Despite the proven clinical efficacy of SITT, data regarding its pharmacokinetic properties across both healthy volunteers and the COPD population appear disjointed, warranting a comprehensive synthesis. Methods: We executed a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 framework. A rigorous search of electronic databases was undertaken to retrieve clinical and population pharmacokinetic trials examining SITT. Articles were screened against specific inclusion criteria, and methodological quality was scrutinised using standard risk-of-bias instruments. Data synthesis was performed narratively, prioritizing essential pharmacokinetic indicators. Results: The review consolidated data on key metrics, specifically peak plasma concentrations, total systemic exposure, and time to peak. The analysis revealed that systemic bioavailability of the triple combination components is bioequivalent to that of their respective mono- or dual-therapy formulations. Furthermore, no significant drug accumulation was detected following multiple doses. Variations in pharmacokinetic behavior were predominantly linked to patient demographics, disease severity, and inhaler handling proficiency. Conclusion: SITT exhibits a consistent and predictable pharmacokinetic profile characterized by low systemic exposure in both healthy individuals and patients with COPD. These insights reinforce the pharmacological stability and therapeutic viability of single-inhaler regimens in clinical practice.