Effectiveness of Network Leaf Extract (Urtica dioica L) to Resist Growth Streptococcus mutans Bacteria

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that causes dental caries. Dental caries is the most common dental and oral health problem in Indonesia. An alternative way to treat Streptococcus mutans is by using nettle leaf (Urtica dioica L) which is used by the community ethnopharmacologically as a traditional painkiller/analgesic drug. Nettle leaves contain compounds that are antibacterial such as alkaloids and terpenoids. The purpose of this research is to find out nettle leaf extract (Urtica dioica L) can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. This study is an experimental study using a post test only control group design with the well diffusion method with 4 treatment groups. Each petri dish was filled with MHA and inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, then 6 wells were made using a sterile stainless-steel bore (5 mm diameter). Extracts are made in various concentrations. Then it was incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and then the inhibition zone was measured using a caliper. The results of the study using the diffusion test method of the well, each treatment with various concentrations showed no inhibition of the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria on MHA (Mueller Hiton Agar) media. From this study it can be concluded that nettle leaf extract (Urtica dioica L) has no antibacterial activity because it has not been able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria.