Antimicrobial activity of Piper betle on fish pathogenic bacteria

Objective: Leaves extract of Piper betle plant was use to determine its antimicrobial activity for the alternative treatment against fish bacteria diseases. Method & Materials: Piper betle fresh leaves plant extract was tested against four fish pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio alginolyticus, V. vulnificus, Photobacterium damsela (previously known as Pasteurella piscida) and Pseudomonas sp. using Agar Diffusion Method. Results & Conclusion: The results showed that crude alcohol extracts of betel leaves were reactive on all bacteria tested. However, weak/no antibacterial activity was observed using aqueous extraction. The most promising results were obtained in P. betle using ethanolic extract with a maximum zone of inhibition of 24mm and 25mm for V. vulnificus and P. damsela, respectively. The MIC value P. betle was found to range from 3.25 -12.5mg/ml. Whilst, the MBC value of the P. betle ranged from 6.25– 25mg/ml. The results suggested that alcohol extracts from leaves of P. betle possess significant antimicrobial activities and thus have high potential as antibacterial agent against some fish bacteria. They may become alternative sources of antimicrobial drugs to complement existing antibiotics and/or provide novel/or lead compounds to control fish pathogen.

Keywords:

betel leaves , bacterial fish pathogens , alternative treatment