Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Chromolaena odorata (Balakacida)
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Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health concern, prompting the search for alternative sources of
antimicrobial agents. Endophytic bacteria, which inhabit plant tissues without causing harm, have emerged as promising
candidates due to their ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. This study aimed to explore the antimicrobial
potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from different tissues (roots, stems, and leaves) of Chromolaena odorata
(Balakacida), a medicinal plant native to Indonesia. Surface-sterilized plant segments were processed to isolate seven
endophytic bacterial strains, which were characterized morphologically and biochemically. Antibacterial and antifungal
activities were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus
epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, Candida albicans, and Pityrosporum ovale. Among the isolates, ABE6 exhibited
the highest antibacterial activity, particularly against S. epidermidis (17.83 ± 4.79 mm), while ABE3 showed the strongest
antifungal activity against C. albicans (29.15 ± 2.83 mm). Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences between
isolates (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that endophytic bacteria from C. odorata may serve as a potential source of
novel antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens.
Keywords: Endophytic bacteria; Chromolaena odorata; antimicrobial resistance; antibacterial; antifungal