Topical Antibacterial Therapy from <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Extract Against <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is considered a versatile plant. It has been shown that antimicrobial properties exist in leaves, stem  bark, root bark, cotyledon seeds, and seed coats of Moringa oleifera. These antimicrobial properties are believed to be  due to secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, tannins and phenols in different plant  parts. Acne (Acne Vulgaris) is a common skin condition believed to be caused by the build-up of dead skin cells, bacteria,  and dried sebum that blocks the hair follicles in the skin. Natural products are known to possess phytoconstituents for treating many skin infections. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol  extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves with concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15%, formulated into topical gel preparations  against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The moringa leaves were macerated for three days in 70% ethanol. Carbopol 940  was used as the gelling agent. Three extract concentrations were prepared: 5%, 10%, and 15%. As a positive control, 1%  clindamycin gel was used in an in vitro bacteriostatic activity test. The gel was physically evaluated for its organoleptic  characteristics, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and adhesion. The study showed that the extract concentrations affected the  gel's viscosity, pH, and adhesion. Also, the bacteriostatic activity tests of the Moringa leaf extracts revealed that  formulas 1, 2 and 3 had inhibition zones between 6.12 mm, 7.98 mm, and 8.35 mm, respectively. In conclusion, the  formulations containing 5%, 10% and 15% moringa extract showed bacteriostatic activity against the test organism and  normal range for organoleptic, homogeneity and viscosity tests, pH and adhesion tests.