POTENCY OF THE FRACTIONS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM MORINGACEAE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the comparative effect of the methanol leaf extract and partitioned fractions of Moringa oleifera on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Phytochemical screening of the fractions of methanol leaf extract of plant sample was carried out by employing standard methods, and its various fractions (chloroform and aqueous), which were also subjected to antimicrobial activity against Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) gotten from the nostrils of randomly selected healthy individuals. The crude extract was partitioned using two solvents, chloroform and aqueous. Antimicrobial activities of the chloroform and aqueous fractions against the test organisms were determined. Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolate number 63 was found to be the most susceptible bacteria to the aqueous and chloroform fractions with diameter zone of inhibition of 6- 21 mm and 4- 7 mm, as well as 6-14 mm respectively. This study does not only reveal the antibacterial activity of M. oleifera, but also provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of the plants. Pure chemical compounds can be isolated from the plant and antimicrobial activity against other bacteria and fungi should be studied to use them as sources and templates for synthesis of new drugs to control infectious diseases