Investigation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Etlingera balikpapanensis Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.

<b>Background and

Objective

</b> Antimicrobial resistance has created a demand for alternative therapeutic agents derived from natural products. <i>Balikpapan ginger</i> (<i>Etlingera balikpapanensis</i> A.D. Poulsen) is an underexplored species with potential medicinal value. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of its stem extract against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>. <b>Materials and

Methods

</b> The extract was obtained through maceration using 96% ethanol. Antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2%. The diameters of inhibition zones were measured and results were analyzed statistically to assess dose-dependent effects. <b>

Results

</b> The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against <i>S. aureus</i> and notable antifungal activity against <i>C. albicans</i>. Inhibition zones increased proportionally with extract concentration, with the highest activity observed at 2%. The antimicrobial effect is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract. <b>

Conclusion

</b> <i>Balikpapan ginger</i> stem extract demonstrates promising antibacterial and antifungal potential, supporting its application as a natural antimicrobial agent in health-related fields. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate <i>in vivo</i> efficacy.