Comparative in Vitro Study of the Antibacterial Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. Seed and Leaf on Bacteria Associated with Urinary Tract Infections

• Authors: Chigaemezu Remmy-Martin Akubuo , Bright Odinaka Okorocha , James Onyedikachi Ani , Alex Osaro Odia , Edwin Agbeze
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a major global health concern, increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance. Moringa oleifera Lam. is a widely used medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, yet comparative evaluations of its leaf and seed antibacterial activities remain limited. This study investigated and compared the in vitro antibacterial effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. oleifera leaves and seeds against common uropathogenic bacteria. Extracts were prepared by maceration in ethanol and distilled water. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Ethanolic extracts exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts (p < 0.05). The ethanolic leaf extract produced the largest inhibition zones (18-23 mm) and lowest MIC values (15.63-31.25 mg/mL), particularly against Klebsiella and Proteus spp. The ethanolic seed extract showed notable activity against S. aureus (MIC: 31.25 mg/mL). A strong negative correlation (r = –0.86, p < 0.01) was observed between inhibition zones and MICs, confirming consistency between diffusion and dilution assays. Ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaves and seeds demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy, supporting their potential as natural alternatives or adjuncts in managing UTIs. Further isolation, purification, and clinical validation of the active constituents are warranted to develop standardized phytotherapeutic agents.

Keywords

EN

MBC; MIC; Moringa oleifera; antibacterial activity; antibiotic resistance; phytomedicine; urinary tract infection

Discipline

• BIOLOGY: BIOLOGY

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 431-445

Contributors

author

Chigaemezu Remmy-Martin Akubuo

• Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

author

Bright Odinaka Okorocha

• Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

author

James Onyedikachi Ani

• Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State, Nigeria

author

Alex Osaro Odia

• Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria

author

Edwin Agbeze

• Department of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

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• Document Type: article