Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Etanol 96% Herba Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) terhadap Bakteri Streptococcus mutans dan Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Background: Meniran herb (Phyllanthus niruri L.) is one of the plants that has long been known in Indonesian society and possesses various pharmacological activities. Meniran herb has been researched and proven to contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and tannins that are beneficial as antibacterial agents. Objective: This study aims to determine the chemical compound groups and characteristics of Meniran herb simplisia, as well as the antibacterial activity of Meniran herb against Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Methods: This research was conducted experimentally, starting with the extraction process using the maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent, characterization of Meniran herb simplisia, phytochemical screening test, and antibacterial activity testing using agar diffusion method with filter paper soaked in various concentrations. Results: Examination of the characteristics of Meniran herb simplisia powder revealed a water content of 3.99%, water-soluble extract content of 21.54%, ethanol-soluble extract content of 15.99%, total ash content of 2.06%, and insoluble ash content in acid of 0.78%. Secondary metabolites found in simplisia and ethanol extract of Meniran herb include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and steroids. The research results showed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ethanol extract of Meniran herb at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml with inhibitory zone diameters of 6,63±0,5293 mm against Streptococcus mutans and 6,73±0,5928 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Meniran herb (Phyllanthus niruri L.) has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.