Antibacterial Activity on Moringa Oleifera Seed Extracts on Some Gram Negative Bacterial Isolates

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera (Zogale) seed was examined against some Gram negati ve bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri and Salmonella typhi). The concentration of the extracts used was between 5Omg/ml and 400mg/ml. The results evaluated by zones of inhibition showed that the ethanolic extract at 400mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 100mg/ml were inhibitory to both ShigeLLa ilexneri and Escherichia coLi while Salmonella typhi was not susceptible to the extract. The aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seeds at the various concentrations tested was inactive against the tested organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were lOOmg/ml for the two organisms. The results of this study confirms the efficacy of Moringa seeds against diarrheal agents, E.coli and Sh. flexneri, and extends the scope of use of Moringa seeds as a water purifier and water treatment agent. This also indicates that Moringa seeds could be useful in treatment of some gastro intestinal and wound infections caused by gram negative bacteria.