Antibacterial Potential of Avicennia marina Leaf Extracts: Recent Evidence and Research Gaps

Linawati Hananta; Yulius Evan Christian; Silvia Gokok

doi:10.30872/jtpc.v9i3.319

Authors

Linawati Hananta Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Atma Jaya Research & Teaching Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, Author
Yulius Evan Christian Bachelor of Pharmacy Study Programme, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia Author
Silvia Gokok Bachelor of Pharmacy Study Programme, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30872/jtpc.v9i3.319

Keywords:

avicennia marina; mangrove leaves; antibacterial activity; natural products; medicinal plants

Abstract

Mangrove plants are recognized as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications, particularly as antibacterial agents. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., one of the most widely distributed mangrove species, has been traditionally used to treat various infections. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the antibacterial activity of A. marina leaf extracts in response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. This mini review aims to critically evaluate recent evidence published between 2019 and 2025 regarding the antibacterial potential of A. marina leaf extracts and to identify existing research gaps. A structured literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies that investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of A. marina leaves. The reviewed studies consistently report inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp., and Pseudomonas spp. However, substantial variability in extraction methods, antibacterial assays, and phytochemical characterization limits direct comparison among studies. Overall, A. marina leaf extracts demonstrate promising antibacterial potential, yet further standardized studies and mechanistic investigations are required to support their development as pharmaceutical antibacterial agents.

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