Identification of Bioactive Compounds and Antibacterial Activity Fragrant Pandan Leaf Extract (Pandanus Amaryllifolius Roxb.) as an Antibacterial Growth Inhibitor Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract

Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. is recognized for its potential as a natural antibacterial agent due to its bioactive constituents. This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in fragrant pandan leaves and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Ethanol extracts were fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Bioactive compounds in the most active fraction were analyzed using GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was assessed by the disk diffusion method at concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s post-hoc test. GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction tentatively identified 19 compounds with relative area percentages above 1%, predominantly terpenoids, with major constituents including 2(5H)-Furanone, 3-methyl- (6.82%), (-)-Globulol (4.87%), and Caryophyllene (4.12%). All extracts and fractions exhibited inhibitory activity against both test bacteria. The highest inhibition zone against P. aeruginosa (10.42 mm) was observed in the n-hexane fraction, while against S. aureus (10.00 mm) it was found in the ethanol extract. Statistical analysis showed that concentration and sample type significantly influenced inhibitory activity (p < 0.05). This study highlights the novelty of correlating GC-MS-identified compounds in the n-hexane fraction with antibacterial activity, suggesting its potential as a source of natural antibacterial agents.