In Vitro Testing of the Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Lontar Leaves (Borassus flabellifer) Against Staphylococcus aureus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36408/mhjcm.v12i3.1228Keywords:
Borassus flabellifer, antibacterial activity, Staphylococcus aureus, herbal extract, in vitro studyAbstract
BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that frequently causes infections and often develops resistance to antibiotics. Efforts to identify alternative treatments using herbal remedies are increasing. In Indonesia, a country rich in biodiversity, lontar leaves (Borassus flabellifer) have been traditionally used and show potential antibacterial activity.
AIMS: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of lontar leaves against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.
METHOD: This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design. Antibacterial activity was tested using the well diffusion method. Extracts were obtained through maceration with 96% ethanol and tested at 75%, 50%, and 25% concentrations. Ciprofloxacin was used as the positive control, and 10% DMSO as the negative control.
RESULTS: The inhibition zone diameters were 21.86 mm (75%), 19.64 mm (50%), and 18.37 mm (25%). The positive control (ciprofloxacin) measured 24.43 mm, while the negative control (DMSO) showed 0 mm.
CONCLUSION: The 96% ethanol extract of lontar leaves demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with higher concentrations yielding stronger inhibition.
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