ITB Students Offer Alternative Therapy for Dermatitis from Cassava Leaves: 1st Place in Pharmaland 2025
By Andre Otniel Panggabean - Mahasiswa Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2022
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Students of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Study Program, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) made a proud achievement. A team consisting of Mary Triana, Tiffany Winata Jingga, and Fortuna Aurellia Sandra Dewi (from the class of 2022), under the supervision of Dr. apt. Rika Hartati, a faculty member at the Ƶ of Pharmacy, secured 1st place in the Pharmaland 2025 event for the scientific paper category held on May 18, 2025.
Pharmaland is an annual competition organized by the Universitas Islam Malang. This event includes a series of activities such as an olympiad, educational poster competition, and scientific paper competition. For the scientific writing category, the participants are diploma and undergraduate students from various universities across Indonesia.
This year, Pharmaland brings the theme “Exploring the Potential of Natural Ingredients in Treating Skin Diseases”. Based on this theme, the ITB team brought up the idea of utilizing cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta) as an alternative therapy for atopic dermatitis, especially in infants and children. They highlighted the content of rutin, a compound that has potential as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant, as a substitute for corticosteroids that have been widely used but have the risk of side effects.
“We chose this topic because we felt the need to look for safer and more effective solutions, especially for babies and children whose skin is still highly sensitive,” said Mary Triana, the Team Leader.
The topic selection process was done through discussions and brainstorming sessions on various skin diseases and relevant natural ingredients. The team also consulted with lecturers to get some advice on their ideas. From there, they developed a scientific paper focused on developing a nanoemulsion-based formula.
According to Mary, their success stemmed from strong collaboration and open communication. We always gave each other constructive feedback without taking it personally. We also paid close attention to detail, particularly in selecting ingredients and ensuring scientific validity,” she explained.
She also shared a few advice for fellow students interested in joining similar competitions. “Make sure every team member is involved in the ideation process, conduct thorough research, and create original work. If possible, seek feedback from lecturers and practice your presentation skills extensively,” she said. “Most importantly, fully understand your scientific paper so you can present it confidently and answer questions fluently.”
This achievement proves that collaboration, creativity, and perseverance can lead to outstanding results. The team hopes that this achievement can inspire other students to be bold in exploring and developing innovative ideas in the field of pharmacy.
Reporter: Andre Otniel Panggabean (Urban and Regional Planning, 2022)
Translator: Halwa Syazwina Khairani (Postharvest Technology, 2022)
