Antibacterial Activity From Temulawak Extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) On Growth Inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis In Vitro

Background: Infection is the main causes of disease in tropical regions like Indonesia. Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic bacterium that attacks when the body's immune system is weak. The incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics already exists, so that it requires an alternative treatment. One of potential alternative treatment is the use of temulawak rhizome extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb). Temulawak rhizome extract have a variety of chemical contents as active compounds in the form of essential oils, for example xanthorrhizol and curcumin, which can affect the rate of bacterial growth. Methods: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of temulawak rhizome extract on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria in vitro. The method used in this study is the true experimental with post-test only control group design. Samples were divided into four treatment concentrations such as the extract concentration of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of temulawak rhizome, which was tested by agar diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Result: The results of the analyze of variant (ANOVA) test showed a significant difference in various concentrations of the temulawak rhizome extract (p = 0,000). The temulawak extract could inhibit bacterial growth with a medium inhibitory response (5-10 mm). Temulawak rhizome extract showed the greatest inhibition at 100% concentration with an average inhibition zone diameter of 9.20 mm. Conclusion: The extract of temulawak rhizome has antibacterial activity. It can be concluded that the higher concentration of temulawak rhizome extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb), the greater ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Keywords: Antibacterial; Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb; Staphylococcus epidermidis; in vitro; growth inhibition