Antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of senduduk leaves (Melastoma malabathricum L.) against staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes

Abstract The senduduk plant ( Melastoma malabathricum L.) contains secondary metabolites of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and terpenoids that are potent antibacterial and can be used for skin diseases caused by bacteria such as acne. This research aims to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of the senduduk leaves (EESL) against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes . EESL is made by concentration variations of 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5%. Antibacterial activity testing is done with the agar well diffusion method using disc paper. The results of the antibacterial activity test of the EESL against S.aureus bacteria at a concentration of 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% have an inhibition zone diameter of 26.5 mm, 27.3 mm, and 30 mm, while against the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is 23.9 mm, 21.7 mm, and 30 mm. The results show that the EESL has antibacterial activity against S.aureus and P.acnes with a powerful inhibitory category. Statistical tests using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test found that the variation of extract concentration had a significant effect (P<0.05) in inhibiting the activity of Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria .