Gel formulation and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) from Aceh, Indonesia against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Abstract

Aim: Periodontitis is a chronic disease of dental tissue caused by a bacterial infection, for instance, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is caused by dominant bacteria. Currently, there are many cases regarding bacterial resistance to some antibiotics, so an alternative search for new antibiotics from herbal plants is needed. Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) is a plant that is known to contain bioactive compounds that can function as antimicrobials. So far, research on turmeric extract in the form of a gel formula used as a herbal medicine for periodontitis in Indonesia has not been reported. The aim of this research was to study the oral gel formula of the indigenous turmeric extract from Aceh, Indonesia and to evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Materials and Methods: This research was designed to test the effectiveness of C. longa gel in vitro in inhibiting the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitan. Turmeric rhizome was extracted using the maceration method with 96% ethanol; then, the extract was formulated into a gel with concentrations of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The curcuma gel was then tested for antimicrobials against A. actinomycetemcomitans bacteria. Results: The in vitro antimicrobial test showed that a 50% concentration of turmeric rhizome extracts gel was effective in inhibiting the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans with an inhibition zone of 10.8 mm, which is classified as a strong inhibition zone. Conclusion: The efficacy of the oral gel formula containing C. longa extracts as a natural antimicrobial agent has been confirmed, and the possibility of applying it as periodontitis herbal medicine has been suggested.