THE ABILITY OF HYLOCEREUS POLYRHIZUS FOR GRAM POSITIVE BACTERIA AND CANDIDA ALBICANS

Gram-positive bacteria are bacteria that do not have an outer membrane but have a thick peptidoglycan layer. Some of the gram-positive bacteria that are often found in the oral cavity are Streptococcus mutans which is the main etiology of caries and a common inhabitant of dental plaque and E. faecalis which can be found in diseases of the oral cavity, such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and caries. In addition, there is also Candida albicans which is found widespread as a commensal fungus, which can transition into pathogens when the immune system is suppressed. The skin of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains antibacterial and antifungal compounds in the form of flavonoids and terpenoids. Previous research has been conducted on the ability of red dragon fruit peel extract against several gram-positive bacteria, but the antibacterial ability of red dragon fruit peel extract against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and antifungal against C. albicans has not been tested. To measure the inhibiting property of red dragon fruit to S.mutans, E.faecalis, C. albicans using variables like Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). Measuring MIC of red dragon fruit against S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans was carried out with serial dilution in BHI Media. Measuring MBC and MFC was carried out with obtaining bacterial sample from liquid media that had been used for measuring MIC in solid media. MIC and MBC value from S. mutans and E. faecalis were6,25% and 12,5%, and MIC and MFC value from C. albicans were 12,5% and 25%. Red dragon fruit skin extract has inhibiting property and is effective for S. mutans, E. faecalis, dan C. albicans.