THE Synergistic Effect of Moringa Oleifera and Aloe Barbadensis Against Escherichia Coli

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, known locally as Malunggay, and Aloe Barbadensis, locally known as Aloe vera, have many studies that shows the antibacterial effect of malunggay and aloe vera individually. However, little to no studies were done about the synergistic effect of both. Purpose: This study aims to test malunggay and aloe vera extracts and the combined extracts for antibacterial effect. Method: True experimental research design was opted for the study. Aloe vera leaves, its gel removed, and malunggay leaves were collected. Samples were air dried for 16 hours and oven dried for 16 hours at 60 degrees Celsius. Samples were powderized using blender. Powdered malunggay leaves weighed 70.04 grams, while aloe vera leaves weighed 106.93 grams. Each were soaked in 95% for 24 hours. Samples were filtered and evaporated using rotary evaporator. Disk diffusion assay was used to study the efficacy of individual and combined extracts at varying concentrations and analyzed using Biological Reactivity Test, ANOVA and Post Hoc tests. Findings: These revealed that combined malunggay and aloe vera extracts at 50% and 75% concentrations are inactive on the reactivity rating but was found to be partially active at 100% concentration. Value: In conclusion, the results show no significant efficacy against E. coli, however observable differences in higher concentration extracts of 100% has a higher efficacy compared to 50% and 75% concentrations. Implications: It is therefore recommended that replication of this study is done to establish the synergistic effect, and also to test the efficacy of malunggay and aloe vera against other microorganisms.