Innovation for Community Health: Antibiotic Activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Extract

Malunggay (Moringa oliefera), a topical plant of varied uses is often utilized in folk medicine to treat open wounds suggesting its antibiotic property. This study investigated the antibiotic activity of malunggay against the pus-forming bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus that are the common cause of wound infections in the community. Bacteria were cultured from a swab of a 2-day old purulent wound, pure cultures were prepared, and their identity verified by gram staining, culture appearance and differential tests results (e.g., catalase, blood agar hemolysis) with the assistance of a licensed bacteriology technologist. Juice from freshly picked malunggay leaves was extracted with the use of a commercial juicer, filter-sterilized and tested for antibiotic activity based on the Kirby Bauer Method. Zones of inhibition on a lawn of the pure culture of S. aureus produced by filter discs presoaked in varied concentrations (0%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of the malunggay extract were compared to the zones of inhibition on the same culture plate produced by discs pre-soaked in a preparation of penicillin G). Results showed significant increases in the diameter of the zones of inhibition produced with increasing concentrations of the malunggay leaves extract suggesting that fresh extract of malunggay leaves has antibiotic property that can be effective in the control of community-acquired Staphylococcus infections. Further confirmation of its efficacy effectiveness against drug resistant bacteria is recommended.

 

Keywords - fresh malunggay leaves extract, staphylococcus aureus culture from purulent wound, zone of inhibition