Uji Aktivitas Ekstrak Buah Belimbing Wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Streptococcus mitis Secara In Vitro

Abstract

Streptococcus mitis is one of the causes of alveolar osteitis through its ability to produce plasminogen activator streptokinase, which induces fibrinolytic activity. Alveolar osteitis is a complication of tooth extraction characterized by inflammation of the alveolar bone. Starfruit contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins that can inhibit the bacteria that cause alveolar osteitis. This study aimed to determine the activity of starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) fruit extract on the growth of Streptococcus mitis bacteria in vitro. This in vitro study used the Kirby-Baurer disc diffusion method. Starfruit extract was prepared using maceration with ethanol as a solvent. This study consisted of seven treatment groups: starfruit with concentrations of 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125%, as well as a positive control and a negative control, with four treatments in each group. Bacterial inhibition is indicated by the formation of a clear zone of bacterial inhibition. The diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured using a digital caliper. The ANOVA test results showed a significant effect (p=0.000) on the growth of Streptococcus mitis, almost equivalent to 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate. The 50% starfruit extract treatment group had the largest inhibition zone diameter and a higher mean concentration compared to the other treatment groups. In conclusion, starfruit extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mitis bacteria, almost equivalent to 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate.