In vitro Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

This is a retrospective analytical study, conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Sudan University of Science and Technology. The study was carried out in the period from April to August, 2012. The objective of this study was to screen antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extract against standard bacteria and clinical bacterial isolates. The extraction of Moringa leaves and seeds were carried out with methanol 80 % using soxhlet extractor apparatus. Extract was then filtered through filter paper and evaporated under reduced pressure using rotary evaporator apparatus. The antibacterial activity was determined by the agar well diffusion method, the antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition observed. The study of the Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extract showed prominent in vitro antibacterial activity against all used bacterial species, and the antibacterial activity of leaves extract is stronger than antibacterial activity of seeds extract. ‫‪These results had shown the possibility of using this tree in the treatment of‬‬ ‫‪diseases caused by these pathogens. Further studies are required to screen other‬‬ ‫.‪parts of this tree as well as to investigate its toxicity‬‬