Karakterisasi Simplisia, Skrining Fitokimia, dan Evaluasi Granul Ekstrak Daun Pepaya (Carica papaya L.) sebagai Tahap Awal Pengembangan Sediaan Tablet Herbal

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize papaya leaf (Carica papaya L.) simplicia, identify its secondary metabolites, and evaluate the physical properties of wet-granulated papaya leaf extract granules as an initial stage for herbal tablet development. The study used a laboratory experimental design involving simplicia preparation, organoleptic and microscopic evaluation, drying loss, ethanol- and water-soluble extractive values, qualitative phytochemical screening, and granule evaluation. Quantitative data from triplicate tests were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Papaya leaf simplicia showed a greenish-brown color, weak characteristic odor, bitter taste, and brittle texture. Microscopic observation identified upper epidermis, xylem vessel fragments, mesophyll fragments, and lower epidermis. Ethanol-soluble and water-soluble extractive values were 10.33 ± 3.06% and 30.67 ± 1.53%, respectively, while drying loss was 8.00%. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The granules showed a flow rate of 10 g/s, angle of repose of 48.8 degrees, compressibility index of 11.76%, and moisture content of 0.11%. These findings indicate that papaya leaf has acceptable initial quality characteristics and can be developed further as herbal granules; however, the flow properties and tablet compression stage still require formulation optimization (WHO, 2011; Harborne, 1998; USP, 2024; Shah et al., 2008; Sharma et al., 2022).