Antibacterial Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Kersen Leaf (Muntingia Calabura L.) Towards Escherichia Coli Bacteria Growth

Escherichia coli is one of the bacteria that can cause infection. The initial management of infection is through antibiotics; however, inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, alternative methods are needed to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria. One possible alternative is the use of medicinal plants, such as kersen leaves, which contain flavonoids, tannins, and saponins as antibacterial compounds. This study analyzed the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) leaves against Escherichia coli bacteria. This research employed a well-diffusion experimental design with a post-test only control group design. The study used seven groups: two control groups and five treatment groups. The treatment groups consisted of the ethyl acetate fraction of kersen leaves with concentrations of 1%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. The control groups included a positive control (K(+)) with ciprofloxacin and a negative control (K(–)) using 10% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Mann–Whitney test. The largest average inhibition zone, showing a very strong inhibitory response, was found at a 70% concentration (26.9 mm). Strong inhibitory responses were observed at concentrations of 10% (10.5 mm), 30% (13.2 mm), and 50% (19.6 mm), while the smallest average inhibition zone, indicating a weak inhibitory response, was recorded at a 1% concentration (3.8 mm). The ethyl acetate fraction of kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) leaves demonstrated inhibition against the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria, with the highest inhibition level observed at a 70% concentration, producing an average inhibition zone of 26.9 mm.