Phyllanthus emblica L. is known for its high phenolic and flavonoid content, which provides potent antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Acne vulgaris, caused by pathogenic bacteria, is a common dermatological condition. Natural treatments using bioactive compounds present a more desirable alternative. This study aimed to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of P. emblica extract obtained by Microwave-Assisted Extraction, assess its antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity, and formulate the extract into anti-acne nanogel and gel formulations. The nanogel and gel physical characteristics, stability, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities were studied in vitro. P. emblica fruit was extracted using microwave-assisted extraction with ethanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods, antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, and antibacterial activity against P. acnes and S. epidermidis by agar diffusion. Nanogel (3, 5, 7%) and 7% gel formulations were tested for stability and bioactivity. The extract yielded 63.23 mg GAE/g of phenolic content and 6.20 mg QE/g of flavonoid content, with strong antioxidant (IC50 = 4.16 µg/mL) and antibacterial activity (inhibition zones: 12.73 mm for P. acnes and 15.54 mm for S. epidermidis). The 7% nanogel had a pH of 5.35, viscosity of 3738.63 cP, spreadability of 5.38-6.88 cm, and IC50 of 71.20 µg/mL, with inhibition zones of 15.33 mm and 18.51 mm for P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. The 7% gel had a pH of 5.39, viscosity of 3991.13 cP, spreadability of 5.28-6.75 cm, IC50 of 93.50 µg/mL, and inhibition zones of 12.73 mm and 15.54 mm. P. emblica extract showed strong antioxidant and antibacterial effects, with nanogel and gel formulations displaying effective characteristics for natural acne treatment, supported by stability over 12 weeks.
Syahputra et al. (Thu,) studied this question.