Exploration of the Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Bacteria from Betadine Leaves (Jatropha multifida L.) against the Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus / Eksplorasi Aktivitas Antimikroba Bakteri Endofit Daun Betadine (Jatropha multifida L.) terhadap Patogen Staphylococcus aureus

Background: Antibiotic resistance has spurred the exploration of novel antibacterial agents, including endophytic bacteria from medicinal plants like Jatropha multifida L. (Betadine leaves), traditionally used as antiseptics. Objective: To assess the antibacterial activity of endophytic bacterial isolates from Betadine leaves against Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study employing the paper disc diffusion method. Endophytic isolates were cultured in Nutrient Broth, and centrifuged supernatants were tested for inhibition zones compared to positive (chloramphenicol) and negative (Na.CMC) controls. Results: The endophytic isolate produced a 16.11 mm inhibition zone (moderate activity), while chloramphenicol showed 27.63 mm (strong activity). No inhibition was observed in the negative control. Conclusion: Endophytic bacteria from Betadine leaves exhibit potential as natural antibacterial agents, though their efficacy is lower than standard antibiotics. Further development requires active compound characterization and toxicity studies.

Latar Belakang: Resistensi antibiotik mendorong pencarian senyawa antibakteri baru, termasuk dari bakteri endofit tanaman obat seperti Jatropha multifida L. (Daun Betadine) yang secara tradisional digunakan sebagai antiseptik. Tujuan: Mengevaluasi potensi antibakteri isolat bakteri endofit Daun Betadine terhadap Staphylococcus aureus. Metode: Penelitian eksperimental laboratorium menggunakan metode difusi cakram kertas. Isolat endofit dikultur dalam media Nutrient Broth, kemudian supernatan disentrifugasi dan diuji aktivitasnya dengan membandingkan zona hambat terhadap kontrol positif (kloramfenikol) dan negatif (Na.CMC). Hasil: Isolat bakteri endofit menghasilkan zona hambat 16,11 mm (kategori sedang), sementara kloramfenikol 27,63 mm (kategori kuat). Kontrol negatif tidak menunjukkan zona hambat. Kesimpulan: Bakteri endofit Daun Betadine berpotensi sebagai agen antibakteri alami, meskipun efektivitasnya lebih rendah dibanding antibiotik standar. Potensi ini perlu dikembangkan melalui identifikasi senyawa aktif dan uji toksisitas lebih lanjut.