ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF SINTRONG LEAVES (Crassocephalum crepidioides) AGAINST Staphylococcus aureus BACTERIA

Abstract

Crassocephalum crepidioides (sintrong) leaves have traditionally been used as a herbal remedy for the treatment of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases remain a major public health concern in Indonesia due to the country's tropical climate, which contributes to a high prevalence of microbial infections. Globally, approximately 1.27 million deaths each year are associated with antimicrobial-resistant infections. One of the most common pathogenic bacteria responsible for these infections is Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of C. crepidioides leaf extract against the growth of S. aureus. The leaves were extracted by maceration using 96% ethanol. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, with inhibition zone diameter as the primary parameter. The extract was tested at concentrations of 30%, 40%, and 50% (w/v). Sterile blank paper discs were impregnated with the extract, placed on agar media inoculated with S. aureus, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The results demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with mean inhibition zone diameters of 16.26 mm, 17.22 mm, and 18.06 mm at extract concentrations of 30%, 40%, and 50% (w/v), respectively. These findings indicate that the ethanol extract of C. crepidioides leaves possesses antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with the highest inhibitory effect observed at the 50% (w/v) concentration.