https://eksakta.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/eksakta/issue/feedEKSAKTA: Berkala Ilmiah Bidang MIPA2025-06-30T00:00:00+00:00Prof. Dr Rahadian Zainul, S.Pd. M.Si. (SCOPUS Author ID: 56737195700)rahadianzmsiphd@fmipa.unp.ac.idOpen Journal SystemsEKSAKTA: Berkala Ilmiah Bidang MIPA, FMIPA UNP, Universitas Negeri Padanghttps://eksakta.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/eksakta/article/view/589Investigation of the Heating Duration in Gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) Processing on Its Phytochemical Composition and the Resulting Characteristics of Acne Balm Product2025-03-25T23:59:37+00:00Daimon Syukridsyukri@ae.unand.ac.id<p>This study investigates the effect of heating duration on the characteristics of an acne treatment balm formulated with black cube Gambier. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) with heating durations of 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, the research assessed the balm's physical, chemical, and microbial properties. Results showed heating duration significantly influenced homogeneity, spreadability, melting point, irritation potential, texture, color, pH, total phenol content, and antibacterial activity (p < 0.05). The best results were obtained at 120 minutes, producing a balm with optimal homogeneity, spreadability (4.47 cm), melting point (50°C), pH (7.44), total phenol content (54.28%), and antibacterial activity zone (16.35 mm). FTIR analysis confirmed enhanced phenolic compound content, indicating improved antibacterial efficacy. These findings suggest prolonged heating stabilizes phenolic compounds, enhancing product quality. The optimized formulation offers potential as a natural, eco-friendly acne treatment using locally sourced Gambier. Further research on storage stability, consumer preferences, and scalability is recommended.</p>Copyright (c) https://eksakta.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/eksakta/article/view/588Histopathology of Gills Fish in Rivers Contaminated by Heavy Metals from Artisanal Gold Mining Waste in Lebong District, Bengkulu Province2025-03-23T02:13:29+00:00Dian Fita Lestaridianfita@unib.ac.id<p>The aquatic environment is crucial for fish survival because fish require appropriate aquatic environment. Artisanal gold mining generates heavy metal waste in Lebong Regency, polluting the river flows. Heavy metals released into the aquatic environment generate water pollution problems due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation in organism. The aim of this study was to investigate the histology of fish gill organs in the river contamined by heavy metals. Samples in this study were taken by purposive sampling technique. Histological sections using the paraffin method and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The result of heavy metals of mercury detected in water exceeded maximum limit in river (class II water quality standard). Histopathology of gills <em>H. nemurus</em> and <em>T. Tricopterus</em> fish (HAI scores <20) showed slight alterations such as epithelial lifting, secondary lamella fusion, and hyperplasia. <em>Rasbora sp</em>., <em>M.circumcinctus</em>, and <em>O.niloticus</em> gills fish (HAI scores>100) had severe irreversible damage, marked by telangiectasis at the tips of the secondary lamella. This is due to the presence of heavy metal contaminants in the water, that causes histopathological damage to fish gills. Parasitic infections were also discovered in some fish gills, impairing their function for respiratory and excretory organs.</p>Copyright (c)