Antibacterial Activity Test of Jatropha multifida L. sap against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro

Abstract

Background: Jatropha multifida L. is a plant that commonly used as a traditional treatment espescially
for wounds. It has been proven that its sap had an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistant strains named MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus). Due to this resistance development, hopefully the sap of Jatropha multifida L. can also performed
its antibacterial activity against MRSA. Objective: To determine the antibacterial activity of the sap of
Jatropha multifida L. against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. Methods: A well-diffusion method was
performed on several concentration: 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25%. From this method, the diameter
of the inhibition zone produced by the sap was measured. Results: The average of inhibition zone diameter
were 11.29 - 16.00 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and the bigger zone 12.15 - 17.61 mm for MRSA.
Conclusion:Jatropha multifida L. had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. This
plant showed higher antibacterial activity on MRSA than Staphylococcus aureus.