ARTIKEL REVIEW: POTENSI BERBAGAI TANAMAN DI INDONESIA SEBAGAI ANTISEPTIK DAERAH KEWANITAAN

Feminine health problems, such as vagunal discharge and urinary tract inections, are common conditions experienced by women. In Indonesia, about 75% of women have experienced vaginal discharge, and 38.2% of them have pathological discharge. This infection is generally caused by microorganisms such as Candida albicans. The use of natural antiseptics is a safer alternative to chemical antiseptics. This study aims to assess the potential of Indonesian plants as antiseptics of the feminine area through the Systematic Literature Review method of journals or scientific articles sourced from publications in national and international journals that have previously met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that nine plants, including coriander, red and green betel, rosella, turmeric, soursop, sembung rambat, cloves, and bitter melon, have active compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and polyphenols that effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Preparations such as decoctions, infusions, and extracts are considered practical and safe to use. In conclusion, local herbal plants can be an effective and safe alternative to natural antiseptics, and have the potential to be developed in feminine hygiene pharmaceutical preparations.