Antibacterial Activities of Methanol and Ethanol Extracts of Moringa oleifera (Lam) Leaves

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is known for its therapeutic potential, particularly in treating bacterial infections. This study aimed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of Moringa oleifera extracts (ethanol and methanol) on two bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive). The extracts were tested at concentrations of 200, 150, 100, 50, and 25 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis was also conducted. Results showed that Moringa extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with the methanol extract showing an MIC and MBC of 200 mg/ml, and the ethanol extract showing an MIC and MBC of 150 mg/ml. The zones of inhibition were 19 mm (E. coli) and 18 mm (S. aureus) for methanol extract, and 18 mm (E. coli) and 17 mm (S. aureus) for ethanol extract. These results were similar to those of Ciprofloxacin (a standard antibiotic), indicating that Moringa extracts have strong antimicrobial properties. The study suggests that Moringa oleifera could be used as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antibiotics. Future studies should explore the synergistic effects of combining Moringa extracts with existing antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness and combat antibiotic resistance.