Stevin F. L. Situmorang, Janno B. B. Bernadus, Juliatri Juliatri
Abstract: The prevalence of oral and dental diseases in Indonesia is relatively high, including infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to complications in the oral cavity. The use of natural ingredients such as Sonneratia alba mangrove leaf extract is being explored as an alternative antibacterial agent. This study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of Sonneratia alba mangrove leaf extract on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This was a laboratory experimental study using the disk diffusion method. The extract was prepared at concentrations of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Clindamycin was used as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured using a caliper and analyzed statistically. The results showed that Sonneratia alba leaf extract inhibited the growth of S. aureus at all tested concentrations, with the largest inhibition zone observed at the 100% concentration. In conclusion, Sonneratia alba mangrove leaf extract has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and shows potential as a natural antibacterial agent. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus bacteria; mangrove leaf Sonneratia alba Abstrak: Prevalensi penyakit gigi dan mulut di Indonesia cukup tinggi, salah satunya ialah kasus infeksi bakteri Staphylococcus aureus yang dapat menyebabkan komplikasi pada rongga mulut. Penggunaan bahan alami seperti ekstrak daun mangrove Sonneratia alba sebagai antibakteri potensial menjadi alternatif pengobatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui daya hambat ekstrak daun mangrove Sonneratia alba terhadap pertumbuhan bakteri S. aureus. Jenis penelitian ialah eksperimental laboratorium dengan metode difusi cakram. Ekstrak daun Sonneratia alba dibuat dalam beberapa konsentrasi yaitu 40%, 60%, 80%, dan 100%. Kontrol positif menggunakan klindamisin, sedangkan kontrol negatif menggunakan akuades. Pengukuran zona hambat dilakukan dengan jangka sorong dan data dianalisis secara statistik. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan ekstrak daun mangrove Sonneratia alba menunjukkan kemampuan menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri S. aureus pada berbagai konsentrasi, dengan zona hambat terbesar pada konsentrasi tertinggi yaitu 100%. Simpulan penelitian ini ialah ekstrak daun mangrove Sonneratia alba memiliki daya hambat terhadap pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dan berpotensi sebagai agen antibakteri alami. Kata kunci: bakteri Staphylococcus aureus; daun mangrove Sonneratia alba