Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus from Leaf Extracts of Talus (Homalomena philippinensis) and Boracan (Merremia peltata L. Merr.): Ethnobotanical Plants

Adrienne Martha Barrientos1, Jason Miraflores1, Reeza Shane Serisola1 and Catherine Joy Mediodia1
1Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract
Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between man and plants. An Ati tribe located at Brgy. Nagpana, Barotac Viejo used plants from their vicinity against 23 ailments, such as boils. Boils is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Homalomena philippinensis (talus) and Merremia peltata L. Merr. (boracan) are the plants used by the tribe against boils. This study, specifically, aims to compare the antibacterial effects of talus, boracan and the antibiotic, Ampicillin, and determine the minimum concentration of both plant extracts that can kill Staphylococcus aureus. The plants were collected from the Brgy. Nagpana, Barotac Viejo and identified and confirmed by an expert from University of the Philippines – Visayas. The bacteria was obtained from the Clinical Laboratory of University of San Agustin, where the experiment was also conducted. In conclusion, Talus and Boracan crude extracts showed no antibacterial inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Only Ampicillin showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Talus and Boracan also showed no minimum inhibitory concentration that can kill Staphylococcus aureus.

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