Development and Evaluation of a Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogel from Moringa Leaves Extract: Standardization, Biological Activity, and Formulation

Moringa oleifera, known for its rich phytochemical profile, has garnered attention for its potential in skin health applications, particularly concerning antihyperpigmentation and anti-acne effects. The objective of this study investigated the antioxidant, antityrosinase, and antibacterial activities of standardized Moringa leaf extract (MLE) formulated into a nanoemulsion-based hydrogel for topical application. The ethanolic extract was prepared and standardized following the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The antioxidant, antityrosinase, and antibacterial properties of the extracts were assessed to confirm their biological efficacy. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) was used to characterize the chemical composition of the nanoemulsion, which was formulated using six different oil preparations. The nanoemulsion was characterized using several parameters, including percentage of transmittance, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The stability of the nanoemulsion-based hydrogel was tested while paired and unpaired student t-tests were used for data analysis of hedonic test, with p