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Methanolic extracts of Aloe secundiflora Engl. inhibits in vitro growth of tuberculosis and diarrhea-causing bacteria

Richard M. Mariita1, John A. Orodho2, Paul O. Okemo1★, Claude Kirimuhuzya3, Joseph N. Otieno4, Joseph J. Magadula4★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi
  2. 2Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
  3. 3Departments of Botany and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  4. 4Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

CORRESPONDENCE

Paul O. Okemo

*Address for correspondence: Prof. Paul O. Okemo, Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

okemo1952@yahoo.com

Revised: 14-12-2010.

Volume 3, Issue 2 · pp. 95–99 · PUBLISHED January 2011 · DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.81956

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ABSTRACT

Background The emergence of resistance to antimicrobials by pathogens has reached crisis levels, calling for identification of alternative means to combat diseases. Objective To determine antimicrobial activity of crude methanolic extract of Aloe secundiflora Engl. from Lake Victoria region of Kenya. Materials and Methods Extract was tested against four strains of mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. kansasii, M. fortuitum and M. smegmatis), Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and a fungus Candida albicans. activity of the extract was determined using BACTECTM MGITTM 960 system. General antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined using standard procedures: zones of inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations (MBCs/MFCs). Results The extract was potent against M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis and M. kansasii where it completely inhibited growth (Zero growth units (GUs)) in all the extract concentrations used. It gave strong antimycobacterial activity (157 GUs) against M. tuberculosis. It showed strong antimicrobial activity (P≤0.05), giving inhibition zones ≥9.00 mm against most microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa (MIC 9.375 mg mL-1and MBC of 18.75 mg mL-1), E. coli (both MIC and MBC of 18.75 mg mL-1), S. aureus and S. typhi (both with MIC and MBC of 37.5 mg mL-1). Preliminary phytochemistry revealed presence of terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Conclusion The data suggests that Aloe secundiflora could be a rich source of antimicrobial agents. The result gives scientific backing to its use by the local people of Lake Victoria region of Kenya, in the management of conditions associated with the tested microorganisms.

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    Mariita, R. M., Orodho, J. A., Okemo, P. O., Kirimuhuzya, C., Otieno, J. N., & Magadula, J. J. (2011). Methanolic extracts of Aloe secundiflora Engl. inhibits in vitro growth of tuberculosis and diarrhea-causing bacteria. Pharmacognosy Research, 3(2), 95–99. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.81956