The difference of antibacterial properties extract seeds Papaya and Papaya leaves (Carica papaya L) against Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that causes caries. Various attempts have been made to treat caries such as restoration and the use of toothpaste/mouthwash made from antibacterial substances such as triclosan and chlorhexidine, but these efforts have weakness such as the occurrence of secondary caries and tooth discoloration. Based on this, we need an alternative material that can solve the problem without causing side effects, as is the case with natural ingredients from papaya leaves and seeds. Papaya leaves and seeds have antibacterial substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols and tannins.

This study aims to prove the distinguish of antibacterial activity of papaya seed and leaves extract (Carica papaya L) against Streptococcus mutans.

Experimental study with a post test only control group design. Tests carried out with phytochemical tests, dilution, and diffusion.

Phytochemical test showed that papaya leaves contained flavonoids (6.10%), alkaloids (3.97%), saponins (4,95%), phenols (6,52%), and tannins (3,28%); while in papaya seeds flavonoids (3,05%), alkaloids (4,18%), saponins (2,98%), phenols (3,10%), and tannins (2,90%). The dilution test showed that papaya leaves had MIC (10% concentration) and MBC (20% concentration), while papaya seeds had MIC (20% concentration) and MBC (40% concentration). The diffusion test showed that the diameter of the inhibition zone of papaya leaves was larger than that of papaya seeds.

There are differences in the antibacterial activity of papaya seeds and papaya leaves (Carica papaya L) against Streptococcus mutans. Papaya leaves have greater antibacterial activity than papaya seeds.