Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal Films from Green Betel Leaves (Piper betle L.), Red Seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii), and Black Marlin Fish Skin (Istiompax indica) as Topical Therapy for Abrasions

<p><em><span>Bali is renowned for its traditional healing practices known as Bali Usada, which utilize natural herbs and spices. The Balinese people have long used betel leaves and seaweed as traditional remedies for wound healing. Untreated wounds can lead to complications like infections and chronic inflammation, potentially causing scars. While conventional medical drugs can have side effects and often target specific issues, this research aims to develop a new practical therapy that promotes wound healing and tissue repair through collagen.</span><span> </span><span>Contains various useful secondary metabolites from green betel leaves (Piper betle L.), black marlin skin (Istiompax indica), and seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, collagen, and others. These molecules facilitate wound healing through antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. These three materials are made in the form of thin filaments applied by placing them on the wound. The filaments disappear after a short time and absorbed into the skin locally to provide minimal side effects. The film evaluated using antibacterial tests, DPPH tests, organoleptic and thickness tests, dissolution time tests, and wound development and histopathology tests.</span><span> </span><span>The results state the film is able to provide better wound healing and inhibit the growth of S. aureus bacteria, has a number of antioxidant activities, has no odor, is not sticky, is not thick, and dissolves quickly. Wound healing occurred better by administering film with formulation 1, namely a ratio of betel leaf extract, black marlin collagen extract, and red seaweed extract 1:1:1. Overall, this study provides a preliminary information of the aplication of betel leaves, red seaweed and black marlin collagen as an alternative potential to be applied for wound healing.</span></em></p>