Formulation and Characterization of Mucolytic Nanosuspension of Iler Leaf Extract (Coleus atropurpureus L. benth.) with Sodium Alginate as a Suspending Agent

Iter leaves (Coleus atropurpureus L. Benth.) are known for their mucolytic properties, which help to thin phlegm. However, poor absorption and bioavailability of some active components in herbal extracts, due to their large molecular size and inability to penetrate lipid membranes, limit their therapeutic potential. This research aimed to develop a nanosuspension formulation with fine particles to improve dissolution rate and bioavailability. An experimental method with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design was used. Nanosuspensions were formulated using iler leaf extract with sodium alginate as the suspending agent. Characterization tests included organoleptic evaluation, pH, density, viscosity, redispersion, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and sedimentation volume. The results showed that all formulations met the required quality standards. pH ranged from 6.06 to 6.14 (p < 0.001), density ranged from 1.015 to 1.044 g/ml (p < 0.01), viscosity ranged from 38.2 to 93.8 cPs (p < 0.001), and redispersion testing confirmed 100% redispersion without clumping after three treatments. Particle size distribution ranged from 69.2 to 898.8 nm (p < 0.001), zeta potential ranged from -33.15 to -37.38 mV (p = 0.35), and sedimentation volume ranged from 0.95 to 0.98 ml. This research has implications implying that nanosuspensions of iler leaves, optimized with varying concentrations of sodium alginate, offer a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of mucolytic herbal preparations. These results open up opportunities for further research regarding in vivo evaluation, development of combination therapies, and production scale-up to enable industrial application and commercialization in the pharmaceutical market.