LC-HRMS Profiling and Formulation of Emulgel from Olae (Etlingera calophrys) as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Etlingera calophrys, commonly known as olae, is an endemic plant in the family Zingiberaceae, traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, although scientific studies remain limited. This study aims to identify bioactive compounds in olae rhizomes using Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and to develop an emulgel formulation as a more stable and effective topical delivery system. Olae (E. calophrys) rhizome was extracted by maceration using 96% ethanol, and LC-HRMS analyzed the metabolite profile. The emulgel was prepared in concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3% and evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, adhesion, spreadability, irritation, homogeneity, and stability. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein denaturation inhibition assay. LC-HRMS analysis identified compounds yakuchinone A, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, betaine, choline, maxacalcitol, and (9-cis)-Retinal, which are known to have biological activity in inhibiting inflammatory mediators. The formulation of an emulgel was successfully produced and met the physical and stability evaluation parameters, including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, spreadability, irritation, and stability. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed that the emulgel had anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values of 70.54 mg/L, 64.86 mg/L, and 52.55 mg/L, respectively. However, these results represent preliminary acellular anti-inflammatory activity and do not establish transdermal permeability or therapeutic efficacy. Further studies involving extract-release and skin-permeation testing, cell-based anti-inflammatory models, toxicity assessment, and in vivo validation are required to determine the topical therapeutic potential of E. calophrys rhizome emulgel