Background: Ants nest tuber (Myrmecodia beccarii Hook.f.) is a local plant from
Merauke Regency, Papua Province which has potential as an antioxidant. The
purpose of this study was to determine the effect of variations in the concentration
of ethanol extract of ant nest tubers on the physical properties, antioxidant activity
and sunscreen formulated in the emulgel preparation. Methods: Emulgel
preparations were made in 3 formulas with varying concentrations of ethanol
extract of ant nest tubers, namely FI (0.5% ethanol extract of ant nest tubers), FII
(1% ethanol extract of ant nest tubers), FIII (2% ethanol extract of ant nest
tubers). ant). Tests were carried out on each formula including tests of physical
properties (organoleptic, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion),
stability bymethod cycling test, antioxidant activity by DPPH method, and
effectiveness of sunscreen based on SPF, %Te and %Tp values. using UV-Vis
spectrophotometry. Result: The physical properties of the emulgel in each
formula showed good physical properties. During the cycling test, each formula
showed a decrease in viscosity and pH, then analyzed using the one-way ANOVA
statistical test p>0.05 where there was no significant difference in each stability
test. Emulgel preparations have strong antioxidant activity, where the ICvalue50 in
each formula FI=91,274 ppm; FII=76,980 ppm; FII=62.798 ppm. Minimum
effectiveness of sunscreen with SPF value in each formula FI=2.38; FII=2.57; and
FIII = 2.78. The %Te value in each formula is included in the extra protection
category, and the %Tp value in each formula is included in thecategory sunblock.
Conclusion: the addition of variations in the concentration of ethanol extract of
ant nest tubers in the emulgel preparation affected the physical properties,
antioxidant activity, and sunscreen.