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A group of students from the Department of Agricultural Production, Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), has successfully developed a natural toothpaste using eggshells and betel leaves. This innovation aims to offer an eco-friendly, affordable, and health-oriented alternative to conventional oral care products.
The toothpaste, named “Sirilar”, is made from a combination of powdered eggshells—rich in calcium—and extracts of betel leaves (Piper betle), which are well known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. The team formulated this toothpaste to help maintain dental health while reducing chemical exposure from synthetic toothpaste ingredients.
Eggshells, which are often discarded as kitchen waste, were processed into a fine powder to serve as a natural source of calcium carbonate. This compound is beneficial for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay. The use of eggshells not only enhances dental health but also contributes to waste reduction by upcycling biodegradable materials.
Meanwhile, betel leaves were selected for their long-standing use in traditional medicine, especially for treating oral problems. Their inclusion in the toothpaste formulation helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, freshen breath, and reduce the risk of gum disease. The combination of these two natural ingredients results in a product that is both functional and sustainable.
The student team behind Sirilar consists of Aulia Zata Arifah, Nadya Azzahra Fatharani, Dewi Eka Nuraini, and Bagus Fajar Setiawan, under the guidance of lecturer Eka Rahmawati, S.P., M.P. They developed this product as part of the Student Creativity Program (PKM) funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Currently, Sirilar has undergone several product trials and refinement stages. The team plans to continue developing the toothpaste to obtain licensing from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and expand its distribution to local communities. They hope this product can compete in the broader market and raise public awareness about the importance of natural ingredients in daily self-care routines.
The innovation not only highlights the students’ creativity and concern for environmental sustainability but also reflects Polije’s commitment to fostering research and entrepreneurship among its students. This breakthrough sets a good example of how science, technology, and local wisdom can be combined to create practical solutions for everyday problems. (rda)