Uji Efektivitas Ekstrak Daun Afrika (Vernonia Amygdalina Delile) terhadap Pertumbuhan Streptococcus Viridans Secara In Vitro

Abstract

Herbal plants are medicines that can be used as an alternative treatment in humans because they are proven to be able to cure various types of diseases and have minimal side effects. In addition, the price is also relatively cheaper and easy to obtain. One of the herbal plants that is considered to have great health benefits is the African leaf plant (Vernonia amygdalina Delile). African leaves have many health benefits, such as anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, antitumor, antioxidants, stabilize blood pressure, help cure insomnia, prevent stroke, prevent cancer, prevent heart disease and are antimicrobial. African leaves contain chemical compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and tannins which can act as antibacterials. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) against Streptococcus viridans bacteria. Streptococcus bacteria are the most common type of normal flora found in the oral cavity. Streptococcus is one of the bacteria that can cause plaque formation, caries, odontogenic infections, dry sockets and endocarditis infections. This research is a laboratory experimental study that begins with the preparation of African leaf extract with five concentration variations (50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25% and 3.125%). This study was conducted using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Brauer) using a positive control of 0.2% chlorhexidine and a negative control of DMSO. The results showed that the largest inhibition zone was formed in African leaf extract at a concentration of 12.5% at 11.725 ± 2.80 mm, while the smallest inhibition zone at 50% concentration was 6.325% ± 0.26 mm. Based on the results of the Kruskal wallis statistical test, Afria leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) was effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptoccocus viridans bacteria.