Antibacterial effect of celery leaf extract (Apium graveolens L.) against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes various oral infections. Infections caused by S. aureus are difficult to treat because they are susceptible to becoming resistant to antibiotics. Oral infection caused by S. aureus can be prevented by preventing plaque buildup with mouthwash, one of which is chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is reported to have side effects in the short and long term. Therefore, it is necessary to search for natural ingredients that are easy to obtain and cheap as an alternative mouthwash in the prevention of oral plaque, one of which is celery leaf. Celery leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, and tannins which are antibacterial compounds. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of celery leaf extract against the growth of S. aureus . Methods: Celery leaves were extracted using maceration method with 96% ethanol. Inhibition test using disc diffusion method on MHA media that has been overgrown with S. aureus . The concentrations used were 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%. The research data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The study showed that there was an inhibition zone formed around the paper disk at a concentration of 20% and 40% celery leaf extract. The results of data analysis showed that there were significant differences ( p >0.05) in all treatment groups except between negative control, 5% celery leaf extract group, and 10% celery leaf extract group. Conclusion : Celery leaf extract ( Apium graveolens L.) has antibacterial activity against S. aureus and the extract with 40% concentration has the greatest antibacterial activity against S. aureus but still lower than chlorhexidine.