Natural antimicrobials are valuable for food preservation, health and agriculture. This study tested the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the steam distillate of Moringa oleifera against a panel of common pathogens.
The distillate was screened against several bacteria and fungi, measuring growth inhibition relative to untreated controls.
Key findings
- A clear antibacterial effect, with inhibition strongest against E. coli, then S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis.
- A clear antifungal effect (reduced colony diameter), strongest against Aspergillus niger, then A. oryzae, A. terreus and A. nidulans.
- The activity is attributed to inhibitory compounds carried in the distillate.
Why it matters for MORIFA: Broad antimicrobial activity supports moringa in food preservation, natural cosmetics and health products — multiple markets we sell into, each valuing a natural, plant-derived antimicrobial.
Caveat: a laboratory antimicrobial screen; applied performance depends on formulation and dose.
Summary of: “Antibacterial and Antifungal efficacy of steam distillate of Moringa.” Summarised by MORIFA; full paper via the PDF link above.