Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Daun Sirih (Piper betle L.) terhadap Bakteri Gram Positif dan Gram Negatif (Tinjauan literatur)

Abstract

Due in large part to the rise in antibiotic resistance, bacterial infections continue to be a serious worldwide health concern caused by irrational drug use. This condition encourages the exploration of natural antibacterial agents, including betel leaf (Piper betle L.), which contains bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. This study aims to analyze the antibacterial activity of betel leaf extract against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through a literature review approach. Data  was gathered from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect within the last 5–10 years, using relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were examined descriptively by comparing extraction methods, concentrations, bacterial types, and inhibition zone diameters. The outcomes indicate that betel leaf extract exhibits antibacterial activity against both types of bacteria, with greater effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria, as indicated by larger inhibition zones. The antibacterial activity increases with higher extract concentrations and is influenced by extraction methods and solvents used. The active compounds in betel leaf work by damaging bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting enzymes, and disrupting cellular metabolism. This study offers empirical support for the possible application of betel leaf as a natural antibacterial agent and complementary therapy, However, more research is needed to validate its clinical efficacy and safety.