Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Researcher Bulletin of Medical Sciences,
Vol. 30 No. 1 (2025),
20 Khordad 2026
,
Page e15
Abstract
Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most significant hospital-acquired pathogens, responsible for numerous life-threatening infections globally. The increasing resistance of this bacterium to commonly used antibiotics poses a major challenge in managing infections effectively. . This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of hydro alcoholic Moringa oleifera extract against clinical MRSA isolates. The primary goals were to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract, assess its bactericidal activity, and investigate the correlation between antibiotic resistance genes and MIC values.
Materials and Methods: Clinical MRSA isolates were collected from hospitalized patients Moringa oleifera extract was prepared using maceration in a hydro alcoholic solvent (70% ethanol). The antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed via the agar diffusion method, using disc placement on Mueller-Hinton agar. Each test was repeated three times, and inhibition zone diameters were measured and recorded to calculate the antibacterial activity. The MIC was determined using the broth microdilution method. Additionally, the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, including mecA, was evaluated in relation to MIC values. Statistical analyses were conducted using specialized software to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Results: Out of 100 samples studied, 23 were confirmed as MRSA. Statistical comparisons revealed significant differences between the inhibition zones produced by Moringa oleifera leaf extract and the standard antimicrobial agent (Linezolid) against MRSA isolates (p-value < 0.001). Concentrations below 8 µg/mL significantly reduced the killing time and exhibited superior efficacy in controlling MRSA infections. Furthermore, all MRSA isolates were found to carry the mecA gene, which encodes methicillin resistance.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the strong antibacterial effects of hydro alcoholic Moringa oleifera extract against clinical and standard MRSA isolates. The findings highlight the potential of Moringa oleifera as a source for developing new and effective antibiotics to treat MRSA-associated infect Moringa oleifera ions. This research underscores the importance of exploring plant-based therapeutic options to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); Moringa oleifera, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
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