Abstract

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, serving as a protective barrier against various environmental factors, including sunlight, chemical agents, and pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and moisturizing properties of a body lotion containing extracts of Stemona tuberosa and Aloe vera (BSAE) on human skin, as well as to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of the lotion against skin-infecting pathogens. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in the average water content of the epidermis was observed after volunteers used BSAE for 14 and 28 days, with values of 84.47 ± 1.28 and 100.82 ± 1.22, respectively. Additionally, transepidermal water loss at day 14 and day 28 was measured at 8.31 ± 1.31 and 6.83 ± 0.89, respectively. The melanin content in the volunteers significantly decreased after using BSAE for 14 days, showing a value of 269 ± 1.89 compared to a baseline value of 278.43 ± 1.03 at day zero (before use). Furthermore, Stemona tuberosa extract demonstrated an inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity in vitro. The BSAE also exhibited antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value as 16 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis identified 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural as the primary phytochemical in Stemona tuberosa extract, followed by Hexadecanoic acid. These results suggest that BSAE may enhance water retention in the epidermis, reduce transepidermal water loss and melanin content, and inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa.