UJI ANTIBAKTERI GEL EKSTRAK BATANG PEPAYA (Carica Papaya Linn.) SECARA IN VITRO TERHADAP Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli bacteria are pathogenic microorganisms that cause diarrhea, meningitis, and other infections. The case of antibiotic resistance resulted in the need for alternative therapies for antibacterial agents derived from plants with high potential as antibacterial agents, namely papaya stems. This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of papaya stem extract gel against Escherichia coli. The research method uses experimental methods. The research sample was the papaya stalks which were macerated extraction with 96% ethanol solvent. The extract was made into a gel dosage with a concentration of 5%. Papaya stem gel was tested for antibacterial with positive control, namely erythromycin and negative control, namely gel without extract. The results of the papaya stem gel antibacterial activity test showed that the papaya stem gel had antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The papaya stem extract gel preparation with a concentration of 5% had an average inhibition zone diameter of 19,23±0,50 mm. The antibacterial activity is thought to come from the flavonoids, tannins, and saponins contained in the papaya stem fraction. .