Phytochemical Potentials And Antibacterial Activity Of Pineapple Peel Extract (Ananas Comosus L Merr) Against Streptococcus Mutans

Abstract

The main cause of dental caries is Streptococcus mutans. The growth of S. mutans can be controlled by antibacterial agents. Antibacterial materials can be obtained from natural or synthetic materials. Pineapple skin contains bromelain enzymes and tannins which have antibacterial effects. This study aims to determine the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of pineapple peel extract against the growth of S. mutans. The phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the crude extract. The results showed that the pineapple peel extract at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% have a strong zone of inhibition against the growth of S. mutans, while povidone-iodine 1% has a weak zone of inhibition. Pineapple peel extract has antibacterial activity against S. mutans with an effective concentration of 25%. Further studies of isolation of antibacterial compounds from Ananas comosus L Merr against S. mutans should be conducted.