Formulation of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) Kombucha Gel and Burn Wound Healing Test on White Rabbits

Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Farmasi Yayasan Pharmasi Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia

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Abstract

Burns are a condition in which skin tissue is lost or damaged due to contact with a high-risk heat source, requiring immediate medical attention and proper treatment. Fermented butterfly pea flowers using Symbiotic Cultures of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY) produce kombucha that can increase total flavonoids, anti-inflammatory potential, and protection against oxidative damage. Previous studies showed that 2% butterfly pea flower SCOBY kombucha could optimally heal burns. This study aimed to determine the effect of butterfly pea flower kombucha concentration on the physical characteristics of the gel and its burn healing ability in male white rabbits, as well as to determine the best concentration. The research design used was a post-test only control group design. Dried butterfly pea flowers were fermented using SCOBY for 14 days, and the resulting kombucha was then subjected to phytochemical screening. Next, the kombucha was made into gels with concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% and tested for burn healing using white rabbits. Second-degree burns were created using the Akhoondinasab method, and gel application was done twice daily for 14 days, followed by observation of burn area reduction and healing percentage. The test results showed that butterfly pea kombucha contains flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenoid steroids. Statistical tests using two-way ANOVA showed that kombucha concentration affects the physical characteristics of the gel and burn healing ability in rabbits. A 20% kombucha concentration produced gel with the best physical characteristics and was able to heal burns by day 11, comparable to the positive control (Bioplacenton gel).