Erica April M. Canilang | Christopher J. Baguisa | Philip Anthony D. Tang Glydelyn Kate G. Pait | Joeana Vianca M. Ramirez | Hannie Laica R. Yamongan
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Marilou M. Saong, Adviser
Abstract
Acne is one of the most common skin problems affecting about 90% of all people at some time during their life. This motivated the researchers to find a natural remedy which can be an alternative approach to limit the spread of acne causing bacteria. The study employed posttest only control group design to determine the effectiveness of pure oregano extract (Plectranthus amboinicus), pure stingless bee (Tetragonula biroi) honey, and mixtures of oregano extract and honey against the two acne causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Vancomycin served as the positive control. Extraction method for oregano made use of 95% ethanol as solvent. The Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing specifically Kirby- Bauer Test, indicated that pure oregano extract, pure honey and mixtures of oregano and honey have antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there were significant differences in the mean zone of inhibition between the various mixtures of honey, oregano, and positive control against Staphylococcus aureus. Analysis of Variance showed that there were significant differences in the mean zone of inhibition between the different mixtures of honey, oregano, and positive control against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The researchers conclude that oregano extract and honey can be an effective organic remedy against acne-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis but cannot be an alternative to commercially available antibacterial products.
Keywords: honey, oregano, S. epidermidis, S. aureus, Kirby- Bauer Test
