Antibacterial Activity of Moringa oleifera Root Bark Extract against Some Pathogenic Organisms

Aim: The study is aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera root bark extract against pathogenic organisms.

Method: The antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera root bark was investigated against test organisms (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) using agar well diffusion method. Different extracts were prepared at different concentrations (200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 12.5 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml).

Results: The methanol extracts showed a higher zone of inhibition than the aqueous extracts at all the extract concentrations and on both test organisms. Also, the observed antibacterial activity was dose-dependent for both extract methods.

Conclusion: The present work showed that Moringa oleifera root bark has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli suggesting its potential as an antibacterial agent against infections caused by the organisms.