The Antimicrobial Activity of Moringa Oleifera Lam

Abstract

Given that the use of Moringa tree in Sudan is restricted on water treatment from visible impurities, though river water might be considered as a potential risk of infection. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to detect and evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities that the Moringa tree parts, especially the seed kernels, might have. The suitable clinical samples were collected, pathogens isolated, identified and purified for subsequent testing. Based on global reports that suggest the existence of antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of microorganisms, a series of in vitro sensitivity tests were carried on 60 clinical isolates and 6 control strains (bacteria and fungi). Results proved the hypothesis. An obvious antibacterial activity was found particularly in seed kernels. Among the control and clinical isolates; Gram positive bacteria were inhibited greater than Gram negative bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus showed the widest zones of inhibition comparatively with Norfloxacin antibiotic disc. On the other hand, antifungal activity was relatively weak in comparison with Nystatin and Clotrimazole antimycotic discs. Inhibition zones were created almost only by methanol and aqueous extracts of seeds. Candida albicans showed the widest zones of inhibition among the fungi tested. ‫‪In short, results obtained were successful and the extracts‬‬ ‫.‪proved an observable antimicrobial activity‬‬