Phytochemical Screening and Bacterial Activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton and Rose Peel against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose fruit is a tropical plant that is popular and widely cultivated due to its qualities and advantages and high nutritional content. Some substances in Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose are plant sources rich in nutrients and minerals, namely vitamin B complex and vitamin C, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, flavonoids, niacin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, phenolics, betacyanins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. This study aimed to assess the bacterial activity of the 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel against the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus using the well diffusion method. Maceration was used as an extraction method, and a phytochemical screening procedure was carried out according to the process from Harbone. The bacterial activity was conducted by the well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening yields from 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, polyphenols, and saponins. The findings of the bacterial activity test of 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel with a concentration of 20%, 60%, and 80% (b/v) indicated intense antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.