Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens) As Potential Antibacterial Agent against Streptococcus mutans: Basis for Developing Instructional Material in Microbiology

Abstract

Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens) also known as moti- moti is an invasive weed that is used as a first aid herbal medicine for tooth decay. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the Phytochemical compounds of Climbing Hempvine that inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans; determine the mean average zone of inhibition between experimental and control treatments and determine the significant difference in the mean average of zone inhibition between experimental and control treatment. The study used true experimental research design and data were analysed using t-test. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Sterols, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Glycosides and Tannins. Antimicrobial test revealed that Climbing Hempvine having the mean average of 17.33mm was more active against the Streptococcus mutans, than the control treatment Amoxicillin having the mean average of 14.00mm based on the standard inference on the diameter zone of inhibition. The t-test revealed that there is a significant difference on zone of inhibitions of the Streptococcus mutans tested between the Climbing Hempvine and Amoxicillin. The information generated in this study clearly indicates that Climbing Hempvine has more potential than Amoxicillin in terms of inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Thus, an instructional material in Microbiology was developed.