Phytochemical screening and In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera Linn leaf extract

Abstract

Background: The antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties of the Moringa oleifera leaves belonging to the family Moringaceae grown in Nepal were investigated. The leaves extract exhibited a free radical scavenging capacity. The antimicrobial activity of the leaves extract was assayed against one Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi). Objective: The main aim of the current study is to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Material and Methods: The leaves were collected, authenticated, dried, and extracted with suitable solvent using the Soxhlet apparatus. The antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro using Agar well diffusion method, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH test method. The antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract was analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative). 200mg/ml, 400mg/ml, 600mg/ml and 800mg/ml concentrations of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and standard drug (Ciprofloxacin 0.005mg/ml) were taken for the study. Results: The ethanolic leaves extract at 800mg/ml and Ciprofloxacin at 0.005mg/ml showed activity against Salmonella typhi with the maximum zone of inhibition of 24±0.15mm and 45±0.25mm, respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae is resistant to the Ciprofloxacin antibiotic. In antioxidant activity, the maximum percentage of free radical inhibition shown by sample and ascorbic acid (standard) at concentrations of 800mcg/ml was 76.246±1.026% and 98.404±0.702%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the current findings, Moringa oleifera leaf extract could be used in antibacterial and antioxidant activity