Perbandingan Efektivitas Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Kayu Manis (Cinnamomum burmannii) dan Daun Pandan Laut (Pandanus tectorius) sebagai Anti Mikroba terhadap Escherichia coli dan Klebsiella pneumoniae dalam Uji Cakram

Abstract

Introduction: Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae remain one of the most common health problems, particularly in cases of urinary tract infections and nosocomial infections. The uncontrolled use of synthetic antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, thus encouraging the search for natural-based alternative treatments. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ethanol extracts of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) and beach pandan leaves (Pandanus tectorius) as antimicrobial agents against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Methods: This research employed an experimental laboratory approach using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and dilution test to determine the inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract. The plant samples were dried, powdered, and extracted using 70% ethanol. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that the ethanol extract of cinnamon bark exhibited a greater inhibition zone compared to the extract of beach pandan leaves against both tested bacteria. Active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon bark play a crucial role in inhibiting the growth of these Gram-negative bacteria. Descriptively, the cinnamon bark extract demonstrated stronger antibacterial activity, although statistical analysis showed no significant difference among the tested concentrations. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of cinnamon bark was more effective than that of beach pandan leaves in inhibiting the growth of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, suggesting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.