Uji Daya Hambat Ekstrak Biji Sirsak (Annona muricata L.) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Candida albicans Secara In Vitro

Abstract

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection commonly caused by Candida albicans. The prolonged use of synthetic antifungal agents may lead to adverse effects and antifungal resistance, highlighting the need for alternative antifungal agents derived from natural products. Soursop (Annona muricata L.) seeds contain bioactive compounds, including acetogenins, flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been reported to possess antifungal properties. Objective: This study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of soursop (Annona muricata L.) seeds on the growth of Candida albicans in vitro. Methods: This laboratory experimental study employed a post-test only control group design using the disc diffusion method on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). The samples were divided into six groups: a positive control (nystatin), a negative control (distilled water), and ethanolic extracts of soursop seeds at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, with five replicates in each group. The data were analysed descriptively. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test was performed only on the positive control group because all other groups had constant values (0 mm), making them unsuitable for inferential statistical analysis. Results: The positive control produced a mean inhibition zone of 20.82 mm and demonstrated a normal data distribution. In contrast, the negative control and all concentrations of the ethanolic extract (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) showed no inhibition zone (0 mm) in any replicate. Consequently, homogeneity testing and comparative statistical analyses could not be performed because the data did not meet the required statistical assumptions due to the absence of variability in most treatment groups. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of soursop (Annona muricata L.) seeds at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% did not exhibit any inhibitory effect against the growth of Candida albicans in vitro using the disc diffusion method.