UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK AIR LENGKUAS PUTIH (Alpinia galanga L. Willd) TERHADAP BAKTERI Escherichia coli DAN Staphylococcus aureus

Antibacterial resistance, side-effects from antibiotics, and the high cost of treatment highlight the urgent need for research into new antibacterial compounds, especially natural ingredients. One such ingredient, commonly used for both medicinal and culinary purposes by the people of Indonesia, is the white galangal plant. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effects of a water extract of white galangal against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study was designed as an experiment, with antibacterial activity tests conducted using the disc method on water extracts of white galangal rhizome at concentrations of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. The results showed that the average diameter of inhibition zones produced by white galangal water extract against Staphylococcus aureus were 7.36mm, 8.31mm, 8.93mm, and 9.94mm at concentrations of 25%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, for Escherichia coli, these figures were 7.35mm, 8.07mm, 8.73mm, and 9.80mm at concentrations of 25%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. This study concludes that white galangal water extract has antibacterial properties that are effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.