FORMULASI SEDIAAN GEL HANDSANITIZER EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PANDAN WANGI (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. Ex. Lindl) DALAM MENGHAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI Staphylococcus aureus SECARA In vitro

Transmission of infectious diseases through hands contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus remains a public health concern. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective, prolonged use may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for natural alternatives. Fragrant pandan leaves contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial potential. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of hand sanitizer gel containing ethanol extract of fragrant pandan leaves against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.
A quasi-experimental study was conducted using ethanol extract concentrations of 0% (negative control), 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%, while a 70% alcohol hand sanitizer served as the positive control. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U test.
The 0.5% and 0.75% formulations produced no inhibition zones, whereas the 1% formulation showed an inhibition zone of 7.29 ± 0.71 mm. The positive control produced a 21 mm inhibition zone, while the negative control showed no antibacterial activity. Significant differences were observed among the groups (p < 0.05).
In conclusion, ethanol extract of fragrant pandan leaves has potential as an antibacterial agent in hand sanitizer gel, with the 1% formulation demonstrating the greatest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro