PHARMADEMICA : Jurnal Kefarmasian dan Gizi

Sunscreen Lotion Formulation Optimization, Physical Stability, and Irritation Testing Combining Benzophenone-4 with Octocrylene

Yuli Ainun Najih — 2026-03-16

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure necessitates the creation of sunscreen formulas that are stable, safe for the skin, and photoprotective. Although benzophenone-4 (BZP-4) and octocrylene (OCT) are widely used as chemical UV filters, studies on the physical stability and irritation of optimizing the combination of the two in lotion formulations are still limited. The purpose of this study is to improve the physical stability, formulation, and irritation testing of a sunscreen lotion that combines BZP-4 and OCT. Variations in single and combination concentrations (1–5%) were included into five formulations. Organoleptic testing, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, emulsion type, physical stability using centrifugation and six cycles of testing, and irritation testing based on a non-animal alternative method using the Hen's Egg Test–Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) were all used to evaluate the preparations. A paired t-test was used for statistical analysis to compare parameters prior to and during the physical stability test. The combination formula of 1% BZP and 1% OCT produced the best physical properties (pH 6.44; viscosity 2793 cP), was stable in centrifugation and cycle tests (p>0.05), and did not irritate the skin (HET-CAM score 0.98±0.04). Conversely, single formulas and high concentrations showed moderate to strong irritation. The results of this study contribute scientifically to the conclusion that the combination lotion formulation of BZP-4 1% and OCT 1% has good physical stability and does not cause irritation.

Proximate and Crude Fibers Analysis of Black Rice, Tempeh, and Broccoli Instant Cereals for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Arindra Nirbaya — 2026-03-10

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin dysfunction. Dietary support is essential to control blood glucose levels, prevent malnutrition, and reduce complications. Black rice is rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants that help regulate blood glucose and reduce oxidative stress. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, contains essential and bioactive amino acids that contribute to glycemic stability. Broccoli provides chromium, which improves insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional quality and crude fiber content of BTB instant cereal (black rice, tempeh, and broccoli) for patients with T2DM. The research employed a quantitative laboratory experimental approach using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three treatment levels (P1, P2, and P3) based on different proportions of black rice, tempeh, and skim milk. All formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, proximate composition, and crude fiber content. The results showed that variation in ingredient proportion significantly affected protein (α = 0.003) and carbohydrate (α = 0.015), while there were no significant differences in fat (α = 0.148), water (α = 0.153), ash (α = 0.202), energy (α = 0.274), and crude fiber (α = 0.271). Based on the dietary standards of the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI), the P2 formulation demonstrated the most optimal nutritional profile, with protein of 10.48 ± 0.67%, fat of 24.64 ± 1.98%, carbohydrate of 58.31 ± 0.93%, energy of 489.68 ± 9.59 kcal, and crude fiber of 2.52 ± 0.29 g. Therefore, it was concluded that BTB instant cereal has potential as an alternative breakfast option for individuals with T2DM.

Evaluation of Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence Using a QR Code–Based Digital Adherence Technology (Q-Monte)

Farid Zulkarnain Nur Syah — 2026-03-12

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence is a critical determinant of therapeutic success; however, monitoring adherence remains challenging in primary healthcare settings. Digital adherence technology (DAT) offers an alternative approach to monitor patient adherence more efficiently. This study aimed to evaluate the initial feasibility of implementing a QR code–based DAT system (Q-Monte) for monitoring TB treatment adherence in primary healthcare centers. This study employed a pilot feasibility design with a prospective observational approach involving 30 outpatient TB patients from two primary healthcare centers in Malang Regency. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling with the following inclusion criteria: TB patients aged ≥12 years, receiving oral anti-tuberculosis therapy, owning an Android-based smartphone and an active WhatsApp number, and being willing to be monitored for 30 days. Patients with HIV co-infection or multidrug-resistant TB (TB-MDR), those who transferred healthcare facilities during the observation period, or those with stroke comorbidity were excluded. Most participants were male (56.7%), aged 45–54 years (30.0%), had completed senior high school education (50.0%), and had no comorbidities (80.0%). Adherence was measured as the percentage of days with QR code scanning, while system usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The results showed an average QR code scanning adherence rate of 90.3% over 30 days, with 46.7% of patients reporting having taken medication without performing the QR code scan. The usability evaluation yielded a mean SUS score of 75.7 (grade B). These findings indicate that Q-Monte is feasible as a tool for monitoring TB treatment adherence in primary healthcare settings, although further optimization of technical support and user education is needed to improve the reliability of digital adherence recording.

Identification of Off-Label Drug Use in Geriatric Patients with Degenerative Diseases at Sugio Health Center

Berliana Putri Nabella — 2026-03-13

Prescribing medications that do not comply with the official information stated on the drug label and marketing authorization, such as dose, age, route of administration, contraindications, and indications, is known as off-label drug use. Elderly patients may experience undesirable adverse effects due to off-label medication use. This study aimed to evaluate off-label drug use among elderly individuals with degenerative diseases at Sugio Primary Health Center. This study collected data retrospectively from the medical records of elderly patients with degenerative disorders at Sugio Primary Health Center using a descriptive non-experimental design. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling method. The inclusion criteria were geriatric patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed with degenerative diseases who received outpatient care during the period of January–August 2024. Data were collected using an observation sheet and analyzed using univariate analysis. The findings from 150 patients showed that 69 (46%) were categorized as off-label dose and 58 (38.7%) as off-label age. These findings indicate that off-label drug use still occurs among elderly patients, highlighting the need to evaluate the rationality of prescribing practices.

Formulation of Nanoencapsulated Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. (Huth.)) Extract as an Antidiabetic Agent

Rifkarosita Putri Ginaris — 2026-03-14

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. (Huth.)) contains flavonoids that exhibit potential antidiabetic activity through the inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme. The main limitation in the application of flavonoid compounds is their low solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation using chitosan–TPP via a simple ionic gelation method can enhance the stability and bioactivity of active compounds. This study aimed to develop a nanoencapsulation formulation of pigeon pea extract and to evaluate its physical characteristics, stability, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The research was conducted using variations in nanoencapsulation extract concentrations: F1 (0.2%), F2 (0.4%), and F3 (1%). Physical characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential, along with a freeze–thaw stability test for five cycles. Antidiabetic activity was assessed by measuring α-glucosidase inhibition and determining the IC₅₀ value. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). The results showed that particle size decreased from 290.40 nm (F1) to 198.30 nm (F3), with polydispersity index values below 0.3 for F2 and F3. The zeta potential ranged from −28.10 to −36.10 mV. F3 demonstrated the highest stability and the strongest antidiabetic activity with an IC₅₀ value of 68 ppm (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, the nanoencapsulation formulation of pigeon pea extract produced small-sized, stable particles with effective α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The optimal formulation was F3, which shows potential for further development as a natural-based antidiabetic nanoencapsulation system.

A Treatment Patterns and Side Effects of Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta

Niken Luthfiyanti — 2026-03-15

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. One of the main treatment modalities for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer is Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy (AET), particularly tamoxifen, either as monotherapy or in combination. This study aimed to evaluate patient characteristics, treatment patterns of hormonal and chemotherapy regimens, as well as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among breast cancer patients at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta. This study employed a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. A total of 64 breast cancer patients who had received tamoxifen therapy for at least one month were included. Data were collected from medical records and questionnaires, and analyzed using the Chi-Square test to determine associations between variables. The results showed that most patients were <50 years old (60.9%) and diagnosed at advanced stages (III–IV, 57.8%). The most frequent treatment was a combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (51.6%), while hormonal therapy alone was administered in 48.4% of patients. The most commonly prescribed chemotherapy regimen was Cyclophosphamide & Epirubicin, whereas the most frequent hormonal regimen was Tamoxifen + Zoladex. Bivariate analysis indicated significant associations between age and treatment type, as well as between cancer stage and treatment type (p<0,05). However, no significant associations were found between age, stage, or type of therapy and ADRs (p>0.05). The most commonly reported adverse effects were fatigue, hot flushes, nausea, and bone/joint pain, with a small proportion reporting endometrial cancer.