Deteksi Keberadaan Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, dan Shigella sp pada Ekstrak Etanol 70% Buah Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties yet concerns regarding microbial contamination in plant extracts necessitate thorough testing to ensure safety. This study addresses the issue of potential contamination by Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in okra extracts. This research assessed the microbiological safety of okra extract obtained through remaceration using 70% ethanol. Okra fruits were collected from the Okra Fruit Farm in the Pulogadung Industrial Area and identified as Abelmoschus esculentus from the Malvaceae family. The simplicia was processed to a fineness level 4/18 and extracted, yielding 95.22 grams with a 9.47% yield. A distinct odor, bitter taste, and dark brown color characterized the extract. Microbiological tests using selective culture media indicated no growth of C. albicans, P. aeruginosa, or S. aureus, confirming the extract's safety from microbial contamination. These results suggest that okra extract can be further developed for use in herbal products and functional foods.