The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):149-154 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14304

Research Article

Comparative antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa seed extracts, and gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus from burn wounds

Olufemi Lionel Okunye¹ , Kotun Bunmi Comfort² , Oyinloye Oladapo Elijah³ , Olufunke Caroline Babalola⁴ , Brenda Iloka Chijioke⁵ , Oluwaseun Eunice Adewole⁶ , Ayedun Joshua Seun² , Ajayi Peter Omotayo⁵ , Ade-Adekunle Olusegun Ayo⁵ , Coker Morenike Eunice⁷

Olufemi Lionel Okunye,Kotun Bunmi Comfort,Oyinloye Oladapo Elijah,Olufunke Caroline Babalola,Brenda Iloka Chijioke,Oluwaseun Eunice Adewole,Ayedun Joshua Seun,Ajayi Peter Omotayo,Ade-Adekunle Olusegun Ayo,Coker Morenike Eunice

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
2. Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Caleb University, Imota Lagos State, Nigeria
3. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
4. Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
5. Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
6. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Ilesa, Osun state, Nigeria
7. Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 14th May, 2025 / Accepted: 10th July, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

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Background: In folklore, Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera seeds have long been associated with multifaceted antimicrobial properties, although without extensive empirical scientific validation. Natural products of plant origin have been recognized as potential sources of antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera and Nigella sativa against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus has been previously reported in contexts other than burn infections. Objective: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa seed and Moringa oleifera seed extracts with gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from burn wound infections. The investigation was inspired by ethnobotanical surveys, ethnopharmacological records, and traditional medicinal claims regarding the therapeutic potential of these plants. Materials and Methods: Staphylococcus aureus isolates from burn wound infections were exposed to varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera and Nigella sativa seed extracts (5 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, and 1.25 µg/mL), prepared via cold maceration. Gentamicin at 5 µg/mL served as the standard antibiotic control. All preparations were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zone of growth inhibition. Results: Both aqueous and methanol extracts of Moringa oleifera and Nigella sativa seeds demonstrated anti-staphylococcal activity at concentrations ranging from 5 µg/mL to 1.25 µg/mL, particularly at dilution factors of 1:2 to 1:4. However, antimicrobial activity diminished at higher dilutions (1:16 and 1:32). Notably, Nigella sativa seed extract exhibited more pronounced anti-staphylococcal effects than Moringa oleifera. Gentamicin, a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic, displayed 100% anti-staphylococcal activity at all tested dilutions. Conclusion: Methanol extracts of Moringa oleifera and Nigella sativa seeds exhibit promising anti-staphylococcal activity and may hold potential for clinical applications as alternative therapies. Gentamicin remains a highly effective standard treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections, including those associated with burn wounds.

Keywords

Plant extract, Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa, Gentamicin, Staphylococcus aureus, Burn wound infections

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