<![CDATA[Malassezia furfur is a normal fungal flora on human skin and can act as a pathogen under certain conditions, causing skin disorders such as pityriasis versicolor. Conventional anti-fungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, may lead to adverse effects and contribute to the development of anti-fungal drug resistance. Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring anti-fungal compounds from natural plant sources as potential alternative treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fungal potential of ethanol extracts of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) leaves against M. furfur. The research utilized a quantitative true experimental approach with a post-test only control group design. Bitter melon leaf extracts were prepared using the maceration method with 96% ethanol as the extraction solvent. Anti-fungal activity was assessed using the well diffusion method on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) at extract concentrations of 0% (negative control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% (w/v). The inhibition zones were measured to determine anti-fungal activity of each concentration. One-way ANOVA analysis showed a significant effect of extract concentration on M. furfur growth [F(5,18) = 6.022, p = 0.001], with distinct inhibition zone diameters observed among the treatment concentration groups. The highest anti-fungal activity was observed at a concentration of 2.5% extract, producing an average inhibition zone of 3.30 mm. These findings indicate that bitter melon leaf extract has potential as a natural alternative anti-fungal agent against M. furfur. However, as this study was conducted in vitro and cannot fully represent the pharmacological effects in vivo conditions, further studies involving animal models are necessary.]]>
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