Abstract:
Karamunting (Melastoma malabathricum Linn) is native spesies from Borneo. This plant is easily found in
Borneo as shrub. M. malabathricum L has not been used optimally, only considered a pest. M.
malabathricum L contains flavonoid, saponin, tanin and alkoloid, which serve as antibacterial agents. In this
study we tested the antibacterial activity of M. malabathricum L leaves and flowers against bacteria
Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923.
Testing of antibacterial activity using diffusion method by measuring the inhibition zone formed around the
paper disk. The results of phytochemical scheming of ethanol extract of the leaves indicates M.
malabathricum L to contain flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and alkaloid, and flowers to emit flavonoid, saponin
and tannin. Profoundly, its ethanolic exttract of the leaves have the antibacterial agents respectively lead to
the most effective inhibitory effect 28.2 mm in diameter on Salmonella typhi, and that of its flowers of 27.2
mm on Escherichia coli.
