Phytochemical screening and antibacterial properties of Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack.) leaf extract and fraction

Abstract

Abstract Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack.) is a natural ingredient used as a traditional treatment for diarrhea, fever, toothache, mouthwash, and antiseptics. The objective of the study was to assess the antibacterial properties of Sungkai leaf extracts and fractions against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella thypimurium) and to identify chemical compounds with antibacterial properties. The investigation starts with extraction and then continues with liquid-liquid fractionation with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water as solvents. Extracts and various fractions of Sungkai leaf were analyzed using phytochemical screening. The antibacterial property assay used the microdilution and paper disc method. The active component of the extract or fraction was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The phytochemical screening results indicated that the ethanol extract included flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids. Both the n-hexane fraction and chloroform fraction consist of alkaloid and steroid compounds. The ethyl acetate fraction contains phenolic compounds, while the n-butanol and water fractions contain flavonoid compounds. The microdilution method revealed that the chloroform fraction had the highest performance, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of 1000 µg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the paper disc approach demonstrated that both the extract and the fraction did not produce an inhibitory zone against the four tested bacteria. The GC-MS analysis identified 17-Octadecynoic acid in the chloroform fraction as the most effective chemical compound against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chloroform fraction of Sungkai leaf contains active compounds that have the potential for antibacterial activity.