Activity Test of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Arabian Jujube Leaves (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Arab Bidara leaves (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) against Propionibacterium acnes, one of the main acne-causing bacteria. The disc diffusion method was used to measure inhibition zones at three extract concentrations: 2%, 4%, and 8% b/v, with 1% Na.CMC as a negative control. The results showed a positive correlation between extract concentration and inhibition zone diameter. The 8% concentration yielded an average inhibition zone of 11.09 ± 0.03 mm, while the negative control showed no activity. The antibacterial effect is presumed to be due to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the plant. These findings indicate the potential of Ziziphus spina-christi ethyl acetate extract as a natural active ingredient in topical acne treatments.