Formulation and Antibacterial Activity Test of Mouthwash Preparation from Red Leaf Shoot Extract (Syzygium myrtifolium Walp) Against Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria

Abstract

Dental caries is a disease that causes tooth tissue damage, starting from the tooth surface to the pulp. Red shoot leaves (Syzgium myrtifolium Walp) are plants that contain phenol compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids that function as antibacterials and can inhibit energy metabolism. This study aims to formulate a red shoots leaf extract mouthwash that is effective against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The leaf symplisia was extracted using maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent. Four mouthwash formulas with concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% were prepared and tested for physical quality, including organoleptic, homogeneity, specific gravity, viscosity, pH, and stability. The antibacterial test results showed that all formulas had good physical quality, with bacterial inhibition zone diameters of 12.6 mm, 14.6 mm, 18.3 mm, and 22.3 mm, respectively. The formula with 8% concentration showed very strong inhibition.