Sains Malaysiana 34(1): 17-20 (2005)

Potential of Malaysian Local Honey as an Antibacterial Agent

(Potensi Madu Tempatan Malaysia sebagai Agen Antibakteria)

Ainul Hafiza A.H. & Yusof, N.

Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT)

43000 Kajang, Selangor D.E.,Malaysia

Maimon, A.

School of Environment & Natural Resource Sciences

Faculty of Science and Technology

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

ABSTRACT

A laboratory study was carried out to study the microbiological quality of local honey and its potential as an antibacterial agent. Five local honeys namely, Belimbing, Gelam (Sample 1,2, and 3), Durian (Sample 1 and 2), Kelapa and Tualang were studied. Microbial colony count of each sample was determined using filtration method. Screening for antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus was carried out using agar diffusion method. The result showed that all samples had low colony counts ranging from 37 cfu/ml in Kelapa honey to 161 cfu/ml in Durian honey (Sample 2). All samples showed a very clear zone of inhibition for bacterial growth and there was significant difference (ANOVA, p<0.05) among the samples. Belimbing honey showed the biggest diameter (2.1cm) and Gelam honey – Sample 3 had the smallest (1.7 cm).

Key words: honey, antibacterial, colony count

ABSTRAK

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji kualiti mikrobiologi madu tempatan dan keupayaannya sebagai agen antibakteria. Lima madu tempatan iaitu Belimbing, Gelam (Sampel 1, 2, dan 3), Durian (Sampel 1 dan 2), Kelapa dan Tualang telah dikaji. Bilangan koloni mikrob ditentukan menggunakan kaedah turasan. Sifat antibakteria terhadap Staphylococcus aureus pula dikaji menggunakan kaedah serapan agar. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa semua sampel mempunyai bilangan koloni yang rendah sekitar 37 cfu/ml dalam madu Kelapa hingga 161 cfu/ml dalam madu Durian – Sampel 2. Semua sampel menunjukkan kesan rencatan pertumbuhan bakteria dan terdapat perbezaan ketara (ANOVA, p<O.05) di antara sampel. Madu Belimbing menunjukkan ukuran diameter terbesar (2.1cm) dan madu Gelam -Sampel 3 yang terkecil (1.7 cm).

Kata kunci: madu, antibakteria, bilangan koloni

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