Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Crude Extracts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction method for R. tomentosa and C. zeylanicum leaves and the evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of crude extracts. The results of the study showed that the active ingredients of crude extracts were clearly separated by Thin-layer chromatography and the presence of rhodomyrtone in R. tomentosa crude extract and cinnamaldehyde in C. zeylanicum crude extract. R. tomentosa crude extract was antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with 13.1 mm of inhibition zone, but is not effective against Salmonella Typhimurium. C. zeylanicum leaf extract did not show antibacterial activity on both S. aureus and S. Typhimurium. At a dilution of 1/2 of the R. tomentosa crude extract can completely inhibit S. aureus growth. This study also indicated the presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols and terpenoids in C. zeylanicum and R. tomentosa crude extracts. The results showed that R. tomentosa and C. zeylanicum crude extracts should be used as a biotherapy alternative to antibiotic therapy. However, further study would be needed to investigate the antibacterial activity of crude extracts in vivo.