Evaluating the use of andaliman extract (zanthoxylum acanthopodium dc) as antimicrobial agent against staphylococcus aureus bacteria causing fish disease

Antimicrobial agent is any substances with ability to inhibit or decline the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. Antimicrobial agents commonly found in the market are chemicals in the form of antibiotics, hence alternative of natural substances that is environmentally-friendly is necessary to reduce the long-term impact of antibiotics. One of natural substances with antimicrobial potency is Andaliman, a type of spice plant widely grows in North Sumatra. Study on in vitro test of Andaliman as antimicrobial agent is therefore required. Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus was selected as the object of this study. S. aureus is pathogenic bacteria frequently cause disease in common carp (Cyprinus carpio), particularly the eye disease which affects fish brain and optic nerves. In vitrotest by applying 4 (four) dosages of treatment, namely Extract of Andaliman 0% (chloramphenicol as control), 2%, 4%, and 6% was done in this study. Parameter observed included biochemical test for bacteria and diameter of inhibition zone. Result of study showed that Andalimanextract at dosage 2%, 4% and 6% had similar ability (P>0,05) to Chloramphenicolin inhibiting antimicrobial growth. Hence, Andaliman extract is possibly applied as substance to prevent or treat fish diseases caused by S. aureus.