Abstract

Introduction: Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus
epidermidis cause various types of infection in human. Due to increased incidence of
antibiotic-resistant Staphylococci, natural products were proposed as an alternative to combat
this problem. Melicope ptelefolia (M. ptelefolia) or tenggek burung, a local herb found in
Malaysia, is traditionally used for various medical purposes including the treatment of
inflammation and infection. Previous studies have shown that M. ptelefolia exhibited limited
anti-bacterial properties. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the anti-bacterial
properties of M. ptelefolia extract and gel formulation against S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
Methods: Different concentrations of methanolic extract of M. ptelefolia were used in the
disc diffusion method for determining their anti-bacterial properties. Various concentrations
of gel were formulated using different amount of extraction from 100%v

/v concentration. The gels were then evaluated physically and chemically.
Results: Both extract and gel formulations showed good anti-bacterial activity. All gel
formulations showed acceptable physical properties and were stable at various temperatures
after prolonged storage.
Conclusions: In conclusion, M. ptelefolia is a promising candidate as active ingredient to be
developed as a gel for the treatment of infection caused by S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
Further studies in establishing the full spectrum of anti-bacterial activity of M. ptelefoliaand
optimizing of the gel formulation are necessary.