Kencur is a plant that has stem roots embedded in the ground, commonly used
for spices and medicinal herbs, this plant is one type of empon-empon or medicinal
plants belonging to the gathering tribe. Kencur contains flavonoid compounds,
saponins, and essential oils which are believed to have antibacterial properties.
The purpose of this study was to determine the activity in inhibiting the growth
of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, to determine the best concentration in this
inhibition, and to determine the compounds contained in the ethyl acetate extract
of kencur (Kaempferiae galanga L.) leaves. This type of research is experimental research. Kencur leaves were extracted
by remaceration method using ethyl acetate as solvent. The extract was tested for
its active compound content by tube test and confirmed again by Thin Layer
Chromatography (TLC). The extract was also tested for its antibacterial activity
using the paper disc diffusion method with concentrations of 7, 9, 11, and 17%.
Positive control used clindamycin disk and negative control was DMSO 10%. The
results were seen in the clear zone formed around the disc and the diameter was
measured using a caliper. The data obtained were statistically tested with one way
ANOVA.
Ethyl acetate extract of kencur leaf had antibacterial activity at concentrations
of 7, 9, 11, and 17% with an inhibition zone diameter of 9.8 mm, respectively;
11.26; 11.70; and 12.56 mm. The compounds contained in the extract include
flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Data analysis showed that the data were
normally distributed and homogeneous (>0.05), while the results of the one-way
ANOVA test stated that there was a significant difference between concentration
with positive control and negative control (