Hydrogel formulation, antimicrobial action, and cytotoxicity of eurycoma longifolia flower and leaf extracts against ORL-48 oral cancer cells

Mohmad Sabere, Awis Sukarni and Malau, Fransiska and Arzmi, Mohd Hafiz and Sadikan, Muhammad Zulfiqah (2026) Hydrogel formulation, antimicrobial action, and cytotoxicity of eurycoma longifolia flower and leaf extracts against ORL-48 oral cancer cells. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, 16 (5). pp. 619-632. ISSN 0975-4415

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Abstract

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a Southeast Asian medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, yet its flowers and leaves remain understudied despite their potential bioactivity. This study aimed to extract, characterize, and evaluate methanolic extracts from the flowers and leaves of E. longifolia, and to incorporate these extracts into hydrogel formulations for potential wound healing applications. The flower extract produced a considerably higher yield than the leaf extract and contained measurable levels of phenolics and flavonoids. It also demonstrated strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 11.604 ppm. Hydrogels formulated using alginate, PVP, and PEG exhibited acceptable physical and chemical characteristics, including appropriate viscosity, spreadability, water content, and pH values suitable for dermal application. Stability assessments showed that all formulations maintained colour and structural integrity for 21 days. Antimicrobial evaluation revealed strong inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans across all hydrogel formulations. A multi attribute selection method identified the alginate:PEG (75:25) hydrogel containing leaf extract as the optimal formulation based on its balanced physicochemical properties and antimicrobial performance. In vitro scratch assays conducted on ORL-48 cancer cells showed that both flower and leaf extracts inhibited cell migration and proliferation, indicating cytotoxic effects. These results support the feasibility of incorporating E. longifolia extracts into hydrogel systems while highlighting the need for further studies using non-cancerous cell models to assess true wound healing potential.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Eurycoma longifolia, Wound healing hydrogel, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial properties, Orl48 cancer cell
Subjects:	R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica > RS192 Materia Medica-Pharmaceutical Technology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Depositing User:	Dr Awis Sukarni Mohmad Sabere
Date Deposited:	15 May 2026 11:04
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 11:04
Queue Number:	2026-05-Q3338
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128967

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