Moringa oleifera as a natural antimicrobial agent: A phytochemical and microbiological investigation

• Author Details:   
• Suraj Kumar Sharma ^*
• Farheen Kouser
• Niyati Kumari
• Kavita Dandopat
• Suneha Sayoni Sahoo

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Moringa oleifera, a plant known for its broad ethnomedicinal applications, has garnered significant attention for its potent antimicrobial properties. This investigation explores the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial efficacy of various extracts derived from Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and saponins—compounds known to exert strong antimicrobial effects. Using standard microbiological assays, ethanolic and methanolic extracts exhibited notable inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera possesses a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, offering a viable natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics, especially in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. The study underscores the potential for Moringa oleifera to be further developed into affordable, plant-based antimicrobial therapeutics for clinical and community health settings.