Potential Use of Jerangau Rhizome (Acorus calamus L.) as an Antibacterial Agent for Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aims: The empirical use of jerangau rhizomes for treating pneumonia in Indonesia should be verified through scientific research. Study design: The experimental use of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) bacteria and jerangau (Acorus calamus L.) rhizome extract (JRE). Place Study: Pharmacy Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar, Indonesia. Methodology: Antibacterial activity was assessed using liquid dilution and agar diffusion methods. Results: The antibacterial activity of JRE against SP was determined to be effective at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/v. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum kill concentration (MKC) were found to be 0.5% and 1% in HJ, >2.5% at EJ, and 0.25% and 0.5% at EAJ. Conclusion: JRE has demonstrated antibacterial properties against SP in vitro.