Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Jeringau (Acorus calamus)

Abstract

Increased resistance of pathogenic bacteria due to the use of antibiotics has become a major concern in the aquaculture industry. Environmentally friendly products are urgently needed to replace antibiotics for the treatments of fish diseases. This study aims to determine the activity of extract of Jeringau (Acorus calamus) as an antibacterial towards Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio alginolyticus. The A. calamus extract was obtained by maceration using ethanol as a solvent. This extract was tested for its phytochemical content and its antibacterial activity was tested using the agar diffusion method. The treatments used were concentrations of A. calamus extract 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg mL-1. Phytochemical test results of A. calamus extract produced alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, terpenoids and flavonoids. The results of the inhibition test showed that A. calamus extract with a concentration of 200 was able to inhibit the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria by 13.9 mm, 300 (14.4 mm), 400 (14.8 mm), 500 (16.2 mm), 600 (16.5 mm). On Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the concentrations were 200 (13.9 mm), 300 (14.5 mm), 400 (15.2 mm), 500 (15.5 mm), 600 (16.2 mm). On Vibrio alginolyticus, the concentrations were 200 (15.5 mm), 300 (15.7 mm), 400 (16.4 mm), 500 (18.7 mm), 600 (19 mm). In conclusion, A. calamus extract can be used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in fish.