Uji Daya Hambat Ekstrak Daun Biduri (Calotropis gigantea) terhadap Pertumbuhan Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is a normal flora that exists in the oral cavity to maintain the health of mucous membranes but is also capable of producing dextran or sticky polysaccharides that trigger the appearance of dental plaque. Simple prevention that can be done is usually using mouthwash (chlorhexidine). However, there were many complaints some time after using chlorhexidine, so an alternative from natural ingredients was needed, namely Biduri (Calotropis gigantea). Biduri plants grow abundantly on the coast of Watu Ulo Jember but are still not utilized properly. Biduri leaves contain active compounds, namely flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins which have the potential to have antibacterial activity. This research aims to determine the inhibitory power of biduri leaf extract against Streptococcus mutans. Biduri leaves were extracted by maceration using 70% ethanol with varying concentrations of 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%. Determination of inhibitory power was carried out using the disc diffusion method. The results showed that the diameter of the positive control, concentrations of 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% were 22,43; 8,94; 9,05; 9,65; and 9,79 mm. The conclusion of this research is that biduri leaf extract (Calotropis gigantea) at all concentrations has inhibitory power against S. mutans in the medium inhibition zone category.