THE FORMULATION OF TOOTHPASTE FROM COMBINATION OF TORCH GINGER FLOWERS (Etlingera elatior JACK) AND BANANA PEELS

Abstract

Currently, many toothpastes are sold in the market for cleaning and dental care, but they contain synthetic chemicals which can cause health problems, such as fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These ingredients can irritate the gums and mouth, cause a burning sensation in the gums, tooth sensitivity, and tongue discomfort. Traditionally, the inner part of ripe banana peels has been used for teeth whitening, by rubbing it on the teeth for about 10 minutes. Kepok banana peels were collected from fried banana sellers along Jalan Gatot Subroto, Medan, and fresh torch ginger flowers were purchased from the traditional Petisah market in Medan city. They were then pulverized and dried on a water bath at a temperature of approximately until a dry powder was obtained. The toothpaste preparation was formulated using a combination of torch ginger flower at concentrations of , , and and dried banana peel replacing calcium carbonate with ratios of (75:25); (50:50); and (25:75). The preparation was evaluated for organoleptic properties using a preference test (hedonic test), homogeneity, pH, stability, cleaning power, and irritation test on volunteers' skin. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that the fresh torch ginger flower, fresh banana peel, and the dried product at contained the same chemical groups, namely flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, glycosides, and essential oils. The toothpaste preparation containing the combination of dried torch ginger flower and banana peel powder was favored by the panelists, was stable upon storage, possessed good cleaning power, and caused no irritation. The best formula was the one containing a 75:25 ratio of torch ginger flower and banana peel, which produced a toothpaste that provides benefits for cleaning and dental care, is safe, and is economical.