Formulasi dan Evaluasi Sediaan Spray Gel Ekstrak Daun Gatal (Laportea Decumana (Roxb.) Wedd) dengan Variasi Gelling Agent

Daun gatal (Laportea decumana (Roxb.) Wedd.) is a traditional plant known for its potential as an analgesic due to its secondary metabolite compounds, yet its development into modern pharmaceutical dosage forms remains limited. This study aims to formulate a spray gel preparation of stinging nettle leaf extract with varying concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a gelling agent and to evaluate the physical quality and stability of the resulting preparation. This study was an experimental research where stinging nettle simplisia was extracted using the maceration method with 96% ethanol, yielding an extract of 4%. The spray gel was formulated using an extract concentration of 5% and HPMC variations of 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, followed by physical quality evaluations including organoleptic tests, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spray pattern, adhesion, and irritation tests. The results showed that all formulas were successfully formulated into stable spray gel preparations during storage, possessing a dark green color, characteristic odor of stinging nettle leaf, homogeneity, and meeting physical quality requirements, while human volunteer irritation tests showed no signs of irritation such as redness, itching, or swelling across all formulas. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that stinging nettle leaf extract can be formulated into a spray gel preparation using HPMC variations of 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, producing a preparation that meets physical quality requirements and is safe for topical use.