Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Sungkai Leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) against Bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Fungus Candida albicans

Infectious diseases can be transmitted between individuals and from animals to humans. Infectious diseases are caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, which can trigger immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of an ethanolic extract of sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using the paper disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined using the microdilution method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine microbial cell damage following exposure to the extract to determine microbial cell damage due to exposure to test extracts. The disc diffusion assay showed that the sungkai leaf extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The MIC value of the ethanol extract of sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) with an MIC of 256 μg/mL and an MBC of 512 μg/mL, against Streptococcus mutans bacteria, whereas the MIC and MBC values against Staphylococcus aureus were 8,192 and 32,768 μg/mL, respectively and the MIC and MFC values against Candida albicans were both 512 μg/mL. SEM observations revealed morphological changes in Streptococcus mutans cells exposed to the ethanolic extract, including cellular deformation, irregular surfaces, and signs of lysis of sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) against Streptococcus mutans morphological changes appear deformed cells, with irregular surfaces, and indications of lysis. These findings indicate that sungkai leaf (Peronema canescens Jack) ethanol extract exhibits antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with varying levels of effectiveness, and causes morphological alterations in S. mutans cells.