Inhibitory effect of spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) on the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of periodontal tissue as a result of complex interactions between subgingival periodontal pathogenic bacteria and the host immune system. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis are the periodontopathogenic bacteria that can increase the host inflammatory response and cause tissue damage. Antibacterial agent is needed to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria so that the periodontal tissues health in periodontitis patients is improved. Objective: To determine the inhibition of spiny amaranth extract (Amaranthus spinosus) on the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: This research is an in vitro laboratory experimental research. Spiny amaranth extraction was carried out by maceration. The metabolites content of spiny amaranth extract was analyzed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. The inhibition test was carried out by diffusion method. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured in BHIB media and then grown in MHA media. Spiny amaranth leaf extract with concentration from 100% to 1.56% was used as independent variable. The samples were incubated at 37⁰C for 24 hours and then the inhibition zone was measured. Results: Spiny amaranth leaf extract showed an inhibitory effect against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. While the extract concentrations of 25%, 12,5%, 6,25%, 3,125%, 1,56%, and negative control did not form an inhibition zone. The findings of the statistical analysis showed a significance level of 0.00000 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spiny amaranth leaf extract can inhibit the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.