Antibacterial properties of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, considered a medicinal tree by many civilizations, owes its repute to its medicinal attributes, and in particular, to its antimicrobial properties. Different parts of this plant, including pods, stem bark, leaves, roots, and seeds contain bioactive agents such as quercetin, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. The modes of action of these bioactive agents are varied, ranging from the inhibition of enzymes to the disruption of bacterial cell membranes. The various antimicrobial properties of the plant are manifested in extracts of methanol, ethanol, hexane, chloroform, and water. Such extracts, which also display antibacterial activity against biofilms, can serve as therapeutic agents against multidrug resistant pathogens, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.