Antifungal activity test of Dewandaru leaf extract (Eugenia uniflora L) against Candida in otomycosis

Background: Tropical climate conditions and a lack of public awareness about maintaining environmental cleanliness mean that infectious diseases are still a major health problem in Indonesia. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are pathogenic organisms that cause infections. Fungal infections receive less attention because they are rarely fatal for the sufferer. Fungal infections in the ear, known as otomycosis, are often caused by Candida fungi. The Dewandaru plant (E. uniflora L) as a type of plant that is widely used for traditional medicine in the community is known to have antifungal potential. This plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and tannins which have antifungal properties.

Method: The method used in this research was experimental research with a post test only control group design on C. albicans test material. The positive control was 1% Clotrimazole suspension and the negative control was 96% ethanol solution.

Result: Research showed that there was an inhibitory effect of E. uniflora L leaf extract in concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% against the Candida albicans fungus. Average diameter of the inhibitory area of leaf extract E. uniflora L concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% respectively were 22.2 mm; 19.0mm; and 18.0 mm, while the average diameter of the 1% Clotrimazole inhibition area was 31.8 mm.

Conclusion: There is an inhibitory effect of Dewandaru leaf extract (E. uniflora L) in concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% against the Candida albicans fungus.