Formulation and Physical Evaluation of Ethanol Gel Extract of Okra Fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) From Parepare City

Abstract

The use of herbal plants as alternative active ingredients in topical pharmaceutical preparations is growing, along with the increasing trend of using natural-based medicines. Okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is known to contain active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, so it has the potential to be used in topical gel formulations. This study aims to formulate a gel preparation from ethanol extract of okra fruit from Parepare City and evaluate its physical characteristics, including organoleptic tests, pH, homogeneity, and spreadability. The extract was obtained through the reflux method using 70% ethanol and formulated in four concentration variations: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Physical evaluation was carried out during four cycles of extreme temperature storage. The results showed that all formulas had good organoleptic stability, with minimal changes in shape, color, and aroma. The pH value was within the physiological range of the skin, although there was a slight decrease at higher extract concentrations. The formula with a concentration of 5% showed the best stability in terms of pH, homogeneity, and spreadability, so it can be considered as the optimal formula for the development of herbal- based topical gels.