Last modified: 2025-06-07
Abstract
Benalu batu (Begonia medicinalis) is an endemic plant containing secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols with pharmacological potential as immunostimulants, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. However, its lipophilic nature limits water solubility and oral bioavailability, thereby reducing its therapeutic effectiveness. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance the solubility and pharmacological performance of benalu batu extract. The extract was obtained by maceration using 70% ethanol, yielding 13%. The SNEDDS formulation utilized Labrasol as the oil phase, Tween 80 as the surfactant, and propylene glycol as the co-surfactant. The formulation was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, thermodynamic stability, and dilution tolerance. The results indicated that the particle size was 16.53 nm, the PDI was 0.39, and the zeta potential was -30.87 mV, which means the nanoemulsion is stable. The formulation also demonstrated strong thermodynamic and dilution stability, maintaining homogeneity without phase separation. In conclusion, a stable and homogeneous SNEDDS formulation of benalu batu extract was successfully developed, suggesting its potential to enhance solubility, stability, and oral bioavailability for future pharmaceutical applications.