Antibacterial, antibiofilm, hemolytic activity and phytochemical study of various aerial parts of Moringa oleifera in Pakistan

The methanolic extracts of five aerial parts of Moringa oleifera Lam were screened for their antibacterial, antibiofilm and hemolytic activity. The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts of aerial parts was also evaluated. The antibacterial, antibiofilm activity of the extracts of various aerial parts of M. oleifera was evaluated by disc diffusion and micro titer plate assay method against two selected bacterial species. Hemolytic activity of the methanolic extracts was screened against normal human erythrocytes. Comparatively the methanolic extracts of  all aerial parts  were more effective against Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Gram  negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). The present study suggests that all aerial parts of this plant  can be used as an antibacterial, anti-biofilm agent in treating ailments caused by the tested organisms (Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli). Methanolic extracts of aerial parts possessed minimum hemolytic activity. Significant antimicrobial, antibiofilm activity of the extract was found in this study.