Potential of Alkaloids Isolated from Benzoin Resin (<i>Styrax benzoin</i>)

Benzoin resin (Styrax benzoin) is a natural product that contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, which have potential antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of alkaloids obtained from benzoin resin against Staphylococcus aureus. Benzoin resin was extracted using the maceration method with 96% ethanol, followed by alkaloid screening using Mayer, Wagner, and Dragendorff reagents. Alkaloids were isolated through chromatographic separation and tested for antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 40%. The extraction process yielded 92.13 g of crude extract with an extraction yield of 76.77%. Alkaloid screening showed positive results for all tested reagents, indicating the presence of alkaloid compounds in the extract. The alkaloid isolate exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zone diameters of 8.23 ± 0.38 mm, 8.93 ± 0.32 mm, and 12.43 ± 1.33 mm at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 40%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that variations in alkaloid concentration significantly affected antibacterial activity (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that alkaloids derived from benzoin resin possess promising antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus and may serve as a natural source of antibacterial agents.