Assessment of the Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Short-Term Physicochemical Stability of Soul Wedang (Sodang)

Sodang is an Indonesian herbal drink composed of lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, lime, palm sugar, and salt. Each constituent is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, no studies had previously evaluated the combined activity of these ingredients. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Sodang, as well as its physicochemical stability during storage. The research consisted of several stages, including concentration of the Sodang extract, moisture content analysis, phytochemical screening, antibacterial testing using the microdilution method, antioxidant testing via the ABTS method, and stability evaluation over a 7-day period. Concentration of 2 Liters of Sodang produced 155 g of thick extract, with a moisture content of 3.98 ± 0.0036%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, and polyphenols. The extract did not exhibit antibacterial activity against B. cereus and E. coli (MIC > 128 mg/mL). The antioxidant activity of Sodang, indicated by an IC₅₀ value of 7,976.67 ± 95.70 ppm, was classified as very weak compared to vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 27.42 ± 0.47 ppm). The physicochemical properties of Sodang remained stable through day 7, as evidenced by consistent organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, and TLC profile for flavonoids and triterpenoids.