ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF Impatiens balsamina (L.): LITERATURE REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

The human body contains a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. The most common bacteria and fungi caused skin pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermis and Candida albicans. Many studies have found that Impatiens balsamina (L.)  contains antibacterial and antifungal activities. Acne and Candidiasis are diseases that often arise and can interfere with comfort for sufferers. Usually, acne is caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermis and Staphylococcus aureus, and Candidiasis caused by the Candida albicans. One of the plants that is widely used as an antiacne and antifungal treatment is the Impatiens balsamina (L.). Impatiens balsamina (L.)  has antiacne and antifungal activities. The purpose of the review is to find out if the Impatiens balsamina (L.)  has activity as an antiacne, antifungal and can identify secondary metabolites that can inhibit the emergence of bacteria in acne and candidiasis in various journals. The method used is the Literature Review Article (LRA) method. A search through Google Scholar and Pubmed found 12 articles that Impatiens balsamina (L.)  contains secondary metabolites, namely flavonoids and saponins. The mechanism of action of flavonoids is by inhibiting the function of cell membranes and energy metabolism of bacteria, while the mechanism of action of saponins as antifungals is by damaging cell membranes, causing cell leakage which ultimately leads to cell death. From the two mechanisms, these secondary metabolites can have antiacne and antifungal activities.