Activity of Ethanol Extract of Songga Wood (Strychnos lucida) as an Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agent Against Bacillus species, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans

Background and Objective: The extensive use of antibiotics has created selective pressure leading to antimicrobial resistance, with biofilm formation serving as a major defense mechanism. Nearly 80% of infections involve biofilm-producing microorganisms that conventional antibiotics fail to eradicate. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of ethanol extract from songga wood (Strychnos lucida) against Bacillus sp., Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of S. lucida ethanol extract were assessed using the microdilution assay at graded concentrations (0.0625-1%). Biofilm inhibition was examined during both intermediate and maturation phases. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance (p<0.05). Results: At the highest tested concentration (1%), the extract demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, inhibiting 83.89% of Bacillus sp., 80.03% of S. typhi and 82.43% of C. albicans. Pronounced antibiofilm activity was also observed, with inhibition rates of 75.36, 75.58 and 71.82% during the intermediate phase and 61.16, 61.76 and 61.14% during the maturation phase, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: Strychnos lucida ethanol extract exhibited significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, indicating its potential as a natural candidate for developing alternative therapeutic agents. Further studies on its active compounds and mechanisms are warranted to support clinical applications.