2025 iJURECON

Commercial dental care products often include synthetic chemicals that may provoke allergic responses in sensitive individuals. This study evaluates Brucea javanica, Solanum lasiocarpum, and alum stone as natural oral care alternatives, using Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to compare their functional groups with those found in industrial formulations. The samples are inspired and selected based on a traditional recipe from The Old Book of Turath. Plant materials were dried at 60 °C for 24 h, ground to fine powder, and extracted using ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hexane, with acetone added during preparation. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed peaks at 1045, 879, and 1746 cm⁻¹ in Brucea javanica, 1235, 1043, and 2870 cm⁻¹ in Solanum lasiocarpum, and 1235, 2978, 1746, and 1049 cm⁻¹ in alum stone. These correspond to C–F stretching (~1000–1400 cm⁻¹) and C–H bending (~885–900 cm⁻¹; ~2870–2978 cm⁻¹) modes. The presence of these functional groups is strongly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in oral care applications. ATR-FTIR has long been recognized for its accuracy in identifying molecular functional groups and is suitable for biological samples. These findings support the viability of Brucea javanica, Solanum lasiocarpum, and alum stone as safe, sustainable, and effective alternatives to synthetic oral care agents, reinforcing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern analytical methodology

Our study focuses on identifying and extracting chemical compounds from Elettariopsis curtisii and Brucea amarissima, two medicinal plants. Elettariopsis curtisil, a medicinal plant from the Zingiberacee family, also known as ‘pokok pepijat’ due to its strong bed-bug odor when its leaves and roots are crushed. It has been chosen for its ability to dissolve bioactive compounds, safety, and biodegradability. Brucea Amarissiima, on the other hand, is a type of herb-type plant that is nutritious and easy to grow in the area around the house. This plant, also called ‘lada pahit’ or ‘embalau’ is a type of shrub from the Simaroubaceae family. The plant contains anti cancer compounds, thus we conducted advanced spectroscopic techniques, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) to analyze the functional groups of these compounds. The results showed the presence of important bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have potential health benefits such as anti cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory. In addition, we incorporated the saponification process using extracted oil from Elettariopsis curtisii and Brucea amarissima. Saponification process is a chemical reaction that converts oils into soap and glycerol, playing a key role in hygiene by helping to remove bacteria. This process not only enhances the practical applications of the extracted compounds but also demonstrates the potential of these plants in natural soap production. This research enhances our understanding of the chemical composition of these plants and supports future studies on their medicinal and hygienic applications.

In this era of globalisation, many individuals with sensitivities to industrial medications and synthetic chemicals are increasingly seeking organic and environmentally friendly alternatives. This growing trend reflects a shift towards sustainable and eco-conscious choices in personal and healthcare products. This study investigates Citrus hystrix and Lagenaria siceraria, two plants traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as potential natural alternatives for oral healthcare. The plant materials were dried at 60°C for 24 hours and ground into fine powder. Extracts were prepared using ethyl acetate combined with ethanol and hexane. Analysis using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) identified several key functional groups linked to therapeutic effects. In Citrus hystrix, significant peaks were observed at 1733 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretch, esters), 1380 cm⁻¹ (NO₂ stretch, nitro compounds) . In Lagenaria siceraria, prominent peaks appeared at 1718 cm⁻¹, 1380 cm⁻¹, and 3309 cm⁻¹, reflecting similar bioactive groups. These functional groups are commonly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Literature supports their role in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation, making them suitable for natural oral care formulations. In conclusion, the combination of traditional medicinal knowledge and modern analytical methods provides scientific support for the use of Citrus hystrix and Lagenaria siceraria as safe, plant-based alternatives to chemical oral treatments. This research emphasises the potential of natural bioresources in promoting sustainable, effective solutions for contemporary health challenges