HARNESSING THE SYNERGY OF NANOEMULGEL OF CURCUMA XANTHORRHIZA AND CURCUMA ZEDOARIA FOR ENHANCED ANTI-MRSA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51771/fj.v6i1.1832Keywords:
Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Curcuma zedoaria, MRSA, antibacterial synergy, NanoemulgelAbstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most concerning resistant bacteria, often causing infections that are increasingly difficult to treat. The rapid rise of antibiotic resistance has pushed researchers to seek new strategies, including exploring herbal medicines as alternative or complementary therapies. Among Indonesian medicinal plants, Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma zedoaria have long been recognized for their therapeutic value. Both are rich in bioactive compounds such as xanthorrhizol, curcuminoids, and essential oils, which have shown promising antibacterial activity. Yet, their clinical application is limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability, reducing their effectiveness when applied directly.
Nanoemulgel systems provide a way to overcome these barriers. By combining the benefits of nanoemulsions with the convenience of gels, they represent a smart delivery platform for herbal extracts. This study aimed to harness the synergy of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma zedoaria in a nanoemulgel system and evaluate its potential against MRSA. Extracts were prepared by ethanol maceration, incorporated into a nanoemulsion through ultrasonication, and then formulated into a carbopol-based gel. The nanoemulgel was assessed for physicochemical properties and tested against MRSA using microdillution, MIC, and MBC assays.
The results demonstrate that single extracts of Curcuma zedoaria and Curcuma xanthorrhiza exhibit stronger antibacterial activity against MRSA compared to their combined formulations. The nanoemulgel also demonstrated stable physicochemical characteristics suitable for topical application.
In summary, this dual Curcuma nanoemulgel shows encouraging potential as a natural-based therapeutic approach to combat MRSA infections, bridging traditional herbal wisdom with modern nanotechnology.
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