Antibacterial Activity Test, Evaluation of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Screening of Some Extracts of Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)

Abstract

Indonesia is a rich biodiversity country where various medicinal plants have existed. One species of medicinal plants is Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa, Amaranthaceae). This species is native to Central America and has been widely spread to the tropics. To date, the species can be easily found in the home gardens as an ornamental plant. Medicinal plants have been used for generations by traditional people. It was empirically proven that medicinal plants have the ability to cure certain diseases such as dysentery. All parts of this plant can be used as medicine. However, only the flower of the species was used in this study. The objective of the study was to identify the highest antimicrobial activity of Gomphrena globosa flower extract using ethanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol solvents. Gomphrena globosa flower was extracted using 96% ethanol and then was by partitioned using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol respectively. The extracts were then evaporated using a rotapavor until condensed extract was obtained. Phytochemical screening was done on both of the flower powder and extract. The result of Pharmacognosy evaluation of the Globe Amaranth flower as follows: water content 8.17%, total ash content 9.11%, acid-insoluble ash 1.50%, acid-soluble ash 6.43%, watersoluble extract 10.79%, ethanol-soluble extract 3.51% and dr y content 10.19%. The condensed extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella dysenteriae. Result of antibacterial activity test by agar diffusion method showed that the higher concentration of the extract led to higher bacterial inhibition zone. The highest antimicrobial activity was obtained from n-butanol extract as indicated by a significant inhibition zone around the paper disk.