Figure 1. Dr. apt. Ari Widayanti, M.Farm.
Depok, July 8, 2026 – The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia (FFUI) has graduated another doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. apt. Ari Widayanti, M.Farm., successfully earned her doctorate after defending her dissertation in the Open Doctoral Promotion Defense held on Tuesday (7/7/2026) in the Main Meeting Room, FFUI Postgraduate Building.
In the session, Dr. Ari presented the results of a study entitled "Development of a Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Peel Dichloromethane Fraction as an Antihyperglycemic Agent." This study developed a nano-based delivery system to increase the potential of mangosteen peel fraction as an antihyperglycemic agent.
The trial was led by Prof. apt. Silvia Surini, M.Pharm.Sc., Ph.D. as Chair of the trial and Co-promoter 1. Ari's research was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Dr. apt. Mahdi Jufri, M.Si. as Promoter and Prof. Dr. apt. Berna Elya, M.Si. as Co-promoter 2. The Doctoral Promotion Trial of Dr. Ari Widayanti also presented a team of examiners consisting of Dr. apt. Sutriyo, M.Sc.; Prof. Dr. apt. Fadlina Chany Saputri, M.Sc.; apt. Roshanur Cahyan Forestrania, M.Sc., Ph.D.; and Dr. apt. Tommy Julianto, M.Sc.
Figure 2. Chair of the Session, Prof. apt. Silvia Surini, M.Pharm.Sc., Ph.D.
In her remarks, Prof. Silvia stated that doctoral research is not only required to be scientifically novel, but also needs to address relevant issues in the development of pharmaceutical science.
"This research demonstrates how pharmaceutical science and technology can be used to optimize the potential of Indonesian natural ingredients. The developed formulation approach is crucial in addressing the challenges of delivering active compounds with limited physicochemical properties," said Prof. Silvia.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) rind is known to contain alpha-mangostin, a compound with biological activities, including antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential. However, its low water solubility poses a challenge in the delivery and absorption of this active compound.
To address this issue, Dr. Ari developed a Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) using the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of mangosteen rind. This system is designed to spontaneously form nano-sized emulsions, thereby improving the delivery characteristics of active compounds.
In vitro testing results showed that the DCM fraction of mangosteen peel had antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 34,66 μg/mL and was able to inhibit the alpha-glucosidase enzyme by 61,69 percent. Through optimization using Design Expert software, the optimum SNEDDS formula was obtained with a ratio of isopropyl myristate, Tween 20, and propylene glycol of 1,64: 7,34: 1,02.
The formula produced a droplet size of 50,6 nanometers, a Polydispersity Index value of 0,206, a zeta potential of -15,35 mV, a transmittance percentage of 70,12 percent, an emulsification time of 72,67 seconds, and a pH of 5,8.
In the dissolution test, the SNEDDS formula was able to release the active substance up to 89,58 percent over eight hours, showing an increase in release compared to the DCM fraction not formulated in the SNEDDS system.
In vivo testing on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats also showed differences in blood glucose-lowering effects. The mangosteen rind fraction without the SNEDDS formulation resulted in a 22,67 percent reduction, while the SNEDDS formulation produced a 43,29 percent reduction. In comparison, glibenclamide resulted in a 52,49 percent reduction.
These findings indicate that the development of the SNEDDS delivery system can enhance the antihyperglycemic effect of mangosteen rind fraction in animal models. These results open up opportunities for further research to evaluate the potential of this system in the development of natural product-based preparations.
Figure 3. Dr. Ari presents a summary of the research results in his dissertation.
Dr. Ari explained that the research was based on the potential of mangosteen peel to have biological activity, but still faces challenges in delivering its active compounds.
"This research stems from the potential of mangosteen rind as a natural ingredient with biological activity, but it still faces challenges in delivering its active compounds. Through the development of SNEDDS, we are trying to optimize this potential for better effects. The results obtained will serve as the basis for further research towards the development of effective, evidence-based natural ingredient preparations," said Dr. Ari.
He hopes that this research can continue to be developed through further studies, particularly regarding material standardization, safety aspects, and formulation development towards the next research stage.
Figure 4. Promoter, Prof. Dr. apt. Mahdi Jufri, M.Si.
Promoter, Prof. Dr. apt. Mahdi Jufri, M.Sc., assessed that Dr. Ari's research demonstrated the importance of formulation technology in improving the performance of natural active ingredients.
"Indonesian natural ingredients have enormous potential, but the challenge is how we can develop the right delivery system so that the active compounds can work optimally. This research provides scientific data on the application of SNEDDS to mangosteen rind fractions and serves as a basis for further research," said Prof. Mahdi.
Figure 5. Promovenda with the entire Promoter Team, Co-promoters, and Examiners.
Through this research, Dr. Ari demonstrates that utilizing pharmaceutical technology can be an approach to optimizing the potential of Indonesian natural ingredients. The development of SNEDDS for mangosteen rind fractions is expected to serve as a foundation for further research on natural ingredient delivery systems and the development of candidate antihyperglycemic preparations.