In Vitro Testing of the Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Lontar Leaves (Borassus flabellifer) Against Staphylococcus aureus

Ami Febriza Achmad (Department of Physiology, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Department of Surgery, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar)
Asdar Tajuddin (Department of Surgery, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar)
Rifqah Amaliah (Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar)
Rolly Riksanto Bahtiar (Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar)

Medica Hospitalia
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025): Med Hosp

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that frequently causes infections and often develops resistance to antibiotics. Efforts to identify alternative treatments using herbal remedies are increasing. In Indonesia, a country rich in biodiversity, lontar leaves (Borassus flabellifer) have been traditionally used and show potential antibacterial activity. AIMS: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of lontar leaves against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. METHOD: This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design. Antibacterial activity was tested using the well diffusion method. Extracts were obtained through maceration with 96% ethanol and tested at 75%, 50%, and 25% concentrations. Ciprofloxacin was used as the positive control, and 10% DMSO as the negative control. RESULTS: The inhibition zone diameters were 21.86 mm (75%), 19.64 mm (50%), and 18.37 mm (25%). The positive control (ciprofloxacin) measured 24.43 mm, while the negative control (DMSO) showed 0 mm. CONCLUSION: The 96% ethanol extract of lontar leaves demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with higher concentrations yielding stronger inhibition.