Efektivitas Tablet Effervescent Ekstrak Kulit Buah Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) Sebagai Pembersih Gigi Tiruan terhadap Pertumbuhan Candida albicans pada Lempeng Nilon Termoplastik

Abstract

Denture stomatitis is an oral health problem commonly observed in denture users. It can occur due to fungal infections caused by C. albicans. Denture cleanser in the form of an effervescent tablet is a type of chemical denture cleanser that can reduce plaque and microorganism accumulation including C. albicans. The addition of natural ingredients such as cocoa pod husk extract, which contains chemical compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and tanins, has shown antifungal activity against microorganisms such as C. albicans. Objective: To determine the effect of cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.) effervescent tablets in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans after a 15-minute soaking period. Method: The treatment groups were polident effervescent tablets, aquadest, and effervescent tablets containing cocoa pod husk extract at concentrations of 20% and 25%. The samples were thermoplastic nylon discs with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. The discs were immersed in the treatment solutions for 15 minutes and vibrated for 30 seconds using vortex, spreading 0,1ml Saboraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) on Saboraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. The number of C. albicans colonies grown on the SDA medium was counted using a colony counter. Results: The results showed that the cocoa pod husk effervescent tablets with a 25% concentration were more effective than the 20% concentration, with average colony counts of 231.8 and 372.6, respectively. The highest average C. albicans colony count was observed in the negative control group (694.8), while the lowest count was observed in the positive control group (0). Conclusion: Effervescent tablets containing cocoa pod husk extract at concentrations of 20% and 25% are effective in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans colonies on thermoplastic nylon denture bases within a 15-minute soaking time.