Ability difference of Beluntas Leaf (Pluchea indica L) ethanol extract and avocado leaf (Persea americana Mill) ethanol extract in Inhibiting caries-causing Streptococcus mutans Bacteria Growth

Beluntas Leaf (Pluchea indica L) has been shown to have antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. The leaf of avocado (Persea americana Mill) that have same active substance with beluntas leaf expected to have antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans so that the purpose of this research is to compare the ability of ethanol extract from avocado leaf and beluntas leaf in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans. This research is experimental type, using completely randomized with posttest only control group design. Samples were pure isolates of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 35668. The sample of 90 divided into four groups: beluntas leaf ethanol extract 25%, beluntas leaf ethanol extract 50%, avocado leaf ethanol extract 25%, avocado leaf ethanol extract 50% and two control groups. The data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA test followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) with a 95% confidence level. The results showed a significant inhibition differences between the control group and the treatment group with a value of p = 0.000 (p 0.05). The ability of 25% ethanol extract of beluntas leaf (Pluchea indica L) is equivalent to 50% ethanol extract of beluntas leaf (Pluchea indica L) and 50% ethanol extract of leaf of avocado (Persea americana Mill) in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans. It is recommended that further research conducted to test the mechanism of action of the active substances contained in beluntas and avocado leaf as an antibacterial and test MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) with an advanced test in determining the MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration).