Antibacterial Activity of Ceremai Leaf (Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels) Extract Against the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for various infectious diseases. The widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for alternative antibacterial agents derived from medicinal plants. Ceremai (Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels) leaves contain several bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids, which are reported to possess antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ceremai leaf extract against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923.  A true experimental study employing a post-test-only control group design was conducted. Seven extract concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, and 1.56%) were tested using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Erythromycin (15 μg) and sterile distilled water served as the positive and negative controls, respectively. Each treatment was performed in triplicate, and the inhibition zone diameters were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.  Serological test results showed that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection was 58%. Chronic toxoplasmosis infection occurred in 62% of owners with poor hygiene of drums, and 91% occurred in owners with poor personal hygiene. As a preventive measure against the risk of infection, breeders of cats need to always maintain the sanitation of the cage, such as frequent cleaning of the cage, cat feces, and cleaning the floor around the cage so that infective oocysts do not multiply around the cage area. Also, must use personal protective equipment and wash your hands after contact with cats.  Ceremai (Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels) leaf extract exhibits concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, with the strongest inhibitory effect observed at the 100% concentration. These findings support the potential use of ceremai leaves as a natural source of antibacterial compounds and warrant further investigation to isolate and characterize their active constituents.