The antimicrobial activity of ginggiang (Leea aequata L.) leaf extract as preservative and antiseptic

Ginggiang (Leea aequata L.) leaf is widely recognized for its traditional applications in wound healing and palm sap preservation. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the potential of ginggiang leaf as a preservative or antiseptic agent, focusing on evaluating its antimicrobial properties. Flavonoids, tannins, saponins, quinones, terpenoids, and steroids were detected in the leaf's ethanol extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE). In vitro assessments included the evaluation of AE and EE, as well as ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and 20%-methanol fraction of EE, to test inhibitory effects on the microbial test. The results showed that EE and AE, including ethyl acetate and 20%-methanol fraction, provided antimicrobial activity against several foodborne pathogens and skin disease microbes. However, only EE showed a significant antimicrobial effect against a spectrum of test microbes and the most potent antimicrobial activity, including Staphylococcus aureus with MIC 66.67±18.85 μg/mL, MRSA (160.00±0.00μg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis (168.0±102.14μg/mL), Propionibacterium acnes (426.67±122.67), Bacillus subtilis (426.67±150.85μg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (133.33±37.71 μg/mL), Escherichia coli (426.67±150.85μg/mL), Candida albicans (53.33±18.85μg/mL), and Aspergillus flavus (2560.00±0.00μg/mL). Based on this research, it can be concluded that EE from ginggiang leaf showed promising potential for further development as a preservative and antiseptic.