Antimicrobial Activity of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. (Purple Wandering Jew) Leaf Extract

This is an experimental research that tested 70% ethanolic extract of Tradescantia zebrina for the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) on the test bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). T. zebrina extract samples were collected from Zayas Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, where they are abundant. The samples were washed with tap water and rinsed to remove dirt and dust. They were air-dried, chopped into small pieces, soaked with 70% ethyl alcohol for 24 hours, and then wrung with a cheesecloth. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract against selected microorganisms were determined, and was streaked on Tryptecasein Soy Agar (TSA) for the determination of bactericidal concentration, which provide information whether the substance is bacteriostatic or bactericidal. The study revealed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) on E. coli and S. aureus was not determined since all the tubes shows turbidity. So the extract was not bacteriostatic or bactericidal against E. coli and S. aureus. Hence, determination of MBC was not performed.

 

Keywords: Tradescantia zebrine, Antimicrobial activity, Leaf extract