The Antibacterial Potency of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Semau Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Against Escherichia coli

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical constituent of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and determine the inhibition of these extract against Escherichia coli bacteria.   Methodology: This was a laboratory experimental study. Moringa leaves was collected from Semau Island, East Nusa tenggara, Indonesia. Quantitative testing was carried out to determine the bioactive components of Moringa leaf extract. The well diffusion method was used to test the inhibitory activity of moringa leaf extract against E. coli. The treatment were divided into 10 extract concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 100%).   Results: This study showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins and saponins in M. oleifera leaf extract. M. oleifera leaf extract has different inhibitory properties against E. coli bacteria. Moringa extract concentrations of 10%, 20% and did not show inhibitory activity against E. coli while the others concentrations were able to inhibit the growth of E. coli. The average inhibition zone diameter for each concentration varied i.e 1.91 mm (40%), 6.27 mm (50%), 8.53mm (60%), 10.39 mm (70%), 12.80 mm (80%), 14.84 mm (90%) and 19.04 mm (100%). The most effective for inhibiting the growth of E. coli bacteria was 100%. The results of statistical analysis using repeated ANOVA tests obtained p value 0.001 (p<0.05) that means the M. oleifera leaf extract able to inhibit E. coli.   Contributions: We conclude that M. oleifera leaves have the potential as an antibacterial, so further studies related to the use of M. oleifera in overcoming various  environmental health problems is needed.