Assessment of the Antimicrobial Properties of Aloe Vera Extract on some Clinical Isolates

Research Article

Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

Vol No: 08, Issue: 10

Received Date: October 21, 2023

Published Date: December 08 2023

Citation: Iyevhobu KO, et al. (2023). Assessment

of the Antimicrobial Properties of Aloe Vera

Extract on some Clinical Isolates. Mathews J Case

Rep. 8(10):132.

open-access article distributed under the terms

of the Creative Commons Attribution License,

which permits unrestricted use, distribution,

and reproduction in any medium, provided the

original author and source are credited.

Iyevhobu Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe

Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty

of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli

University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria,

Tel: +2348022303311, ORCID: 0000-0001-6577-

0637

Email: kenn[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The crude of Aloe Vera gel was investigated with the aim of determining

the microbial activity (MIC), the best solvent to be used for extraction

and the organism that is most susceptible to the crude Aloe vera

gel extract. The present study investigates the minimum inhibitory

concentration (MIC) of Aloe vera extracts against tested bacteria isolates

(Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus spp., Proteus

spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii,

Citrobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp.) from various samples (urine,

wound swab, stool and blood). Hydrochloric acid, Acetic acid, Propylene

glycol and Isopropyl alcohol extracts were used as solvent for extraction.

Although HCl extract had the highest MIC after extraction as compared

to Acetic acid, Propylene glycol and Isopropyl alcohol extracts. The HCl

extract gave a better minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (21.15

to 42.30 mg/ml) than Acetic acid (MIC 0.0 mg/ml), Propylene glycol

(MIC 0.0 mg/ml) and Isopropyl alcohol (MIC 0.0 mg/ml) extracts. The

study revealed that HCl extracts of aloe vera gel was susceptible to the

all pathogens and also lend more weight to general acceptability of these

crude extracts for therapeutic purposes. It was observed that only HCL

extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera had antibacterial effect on tested organisms

with MIC of 21.15 mg/ml to 42.30 mg/ml. The present study has revealed

the importance of natural products to control antibiotic resistant

bacteria, which have been a threat to human health. This study confirms

the better understanding of the in vitro antibacterial activity of HCL Aloe

vera gel against skin pathogens. From our results it can be concluded that

Aloe vera gel HCl extract possesses several bioactive compounds with

antimicrobial properties which can be used as antimicrobial agents in

new drugs formulations of infectious diseases in humans.

Keywords: Aloe Vera, Microbial, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, MIC,

Clinical.

*Corresponding Author

Assessment of the Antimicrobial Properties of Aloe Vera

Extract on some Clinical Isolates

Iyevhobu KO

1,2,3,

* Momoh ARM

, Okparaku SO

, Babatope IO

, Ken-Iyevhobu BA

3,6

, Omolumen LE

, Abaku

3,7

, Oseni DI

3,7

Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

CEPI/ISTH Lassa Fever Epidemiology Study, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria

St. Kenny Research Consult, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo

State, Nigeria

Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State,

Nigeria

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

ISSN: 2474-3666

Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

INTRODUCTION

Plants have been an important source of medicine

for thousands of years. Even today, the World Health

Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of people still

rely mainly on traditional remedies such as herbs for their

medicines. Its civilization is very ancient and the country as a

whole has long been known for its rich resources of medical

plants. Today, Ayurvedic, Hoemoeo and Unani physicians

utilize numerous species of medicinal plants that found their

way a long time ago into the Hindu Material Media. Aloe vera

(Aloe barbadensis miller) is a cactus like xerophytes plant and

about 360 species of this plant have been identified so far. It

has been named due to its therapeutic effectiveness among

all tested species. It is cultivated in warm climatic areas of

the world. Aloe vera (AV) has been known as “secret plant”

because it contains photochemical, vitamins and nutrients

[1]. This plant has elongated, pointed and fleshy leaves which

consists of two parts, an outer skin (green rind or latex) and

an inner pulp which is colorless mucilaginous gel [2,3].

Aloe barbadensis Miller, commonly known as Aloe vera,

belongs to the family Liliaceae [4]. Aloe vera is a typical

xerophyte with thick fleshy, strangely cuticularized spiny

leaves. It has been endorsed for large variety of conditions

and has come to play a prominent role as a contemporary

folk medicine [5]. The peeled, spineless leaves of the plant

contain mucilaginous jelly from the parenchyma cells which

is referred as Aloe vera gel. The gel is a watery-thin, viscous,

colorless liquid that contains anthraquinone glycosides,

glycoprotein, gamma-linolenic acid, prostaglandins and

mucopolysaccharides that are essentially responsible for

the medicinal properties including antibacterial, antifungal

and its antiviral activity [6]. It is a natural coolant which is

bittersweet in taste. Therefore, in Ayurveda, it is believed to

subside the vitiated (destructive) pitta and kapha doshas. It

has purgative, growth enhancer or promoter, aphrodisiac,

and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a good blood

purifier, uterine tonic. Aloe vera is widely used in liver- spleen

inflammatory conditions, skin diseases and ophthalmic

disorders. Due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing

properties it is especially used in abscess, boils, blisters,

ulcers and infected burn wounds [7].

Traditional medicine is in practice for many centuries by a

substantial proportion of the population of many centuries.

It is recognized that in some developing countries, plants

are the main medicinal source to treat various infectious

diseases. Plant extracts represent a continuous effort to find

new compound against pathogens. Approximately 20% of

the plants are found in the world have been submitted to

pharmacological or biological test, and a substantial number

of new antibiotics introduced on the market are obtained

from natural or semisynthetic resources [8]. Aloe vera (Aloe

barbadensis miller) is a plant, which belongs to the family of

Liliaceae and is mostly succulent with a whorl of elongated,

pointed leaves [9,10]. The name is derived from the Arabic

word ‘alloeh’ which means ‘bitter’, referring to the taste of the

liquid contained in the leaves. Aloe that is believed to have

originated in the Sudan. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and

is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. The

species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine.

Aloe vera is a perennial, drought resisting, succulent plant.

It has stiff green, lance-shaped leaves containing clear

gel in a central mucilaginous pulp. Its thick leaves contain

the water supply for the plant to survive long periods of

drought [11]. The leaves have a high capacity of retaining

water also in very warm dry climates and it can survive very

harsh circumstances. When a leaf in cut, an orange-yellow

sap drips from the open end. When the green skin of a leaf

is removed a clear mucilaginous substance appears that

contains fibres, water and the ingredient to retain the water

in the leaf. The gel contains 99.3% of water, the remaining

0.7% is made up of solids with carbohydrates constituting

for a large component [11]. Concentrated extracts of Aloe

leaves are used as laxative and as a haemorrhoid treatment.

Aloe gel can help to stimulate the body’s immune system

[12]. The use of plant product for pharmaceutical purpose

has been gradually increased. According to World Health

Organisation, medicinal plants would be the best source for

obtaining a variety of drugs [13]. The use of plant extracts,

with known antimicrobial properties, can be of great

significance in the treatment of various microbial infections.

In the last decade, numerous studies have been conducted

in different countries to prove such efficiency in number

of medicinal plants. Most of the studies are restricted with

crude extracts [14,15].

Diseases due to pathogenic bacteria and fungi represent a

critical problem to human health and they are one of the

main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide [16].

The evolution of multiple drug resistant human pathogenic

microorganisms has driven the search for new sources of

antimicrobial substances, including plant metabolites [17].

Thus, the investigation of the efficacy of plant-based drugs in

traditional medicine has been paid great attention because

these drugs elicit few side effects, cheap and easily available,

according to World Health Organization, 80% of the world

population still relies mainly on plant drug [18]. Many studies

have demonstrated so far the presence of many biologically

active phytochemicals in the various solvent extracts of Aloe

vera gel [19], which may be responsible for its hypoglycemic

and antioxidant properties [20]. The aim of this study is to

evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration Aloe vera

extracts on some selected organisms.

ISSN: 2474-3666

Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant of Aloe vera (leaves) was collected from Herbal

Garden in Ekpoma. The plant part (leaves) was identified

by a taxonomist in the Department of Botany, Ambrose Alli

University, Ekpoma, Edo Sate, Nigeria.

Extraction

The leaves of Aloe vera plant were washed several times

using distilled water, air dried and crushed to small piece

using Mortar and Pestle and powdered in an electric grinder.

Ten grams of powdered plant materials mixed with 100ml

of various solvents (1%Hydrochloric acid, 5%Acetic acid,

Propylene glycol and Isopropyl alcohol). The extracts

preparations were done as previously described by Alade

and Irobi [21]. The plant extracts were prepared by using

soxhlet apparatus collected and stored in a vial for further

studies.

• 500g of plant parts (aloe vera plant, aloe barbardensis)

was weighed and dried for 5days in a drying cabinet at

50℃

• The dried plant was grinded to powered using electric

grinding machine

• 10grams of the powered plant, was weighed into four

250ml conical flasks. 100mls of each extraction solvent

(1%Hcl, 5% acetic acid, propylene glycol (PPG) and

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was added to the conical flasks

respectively.

• The conical flasks were placed on mechanical shaker

and allowed to extract overnight.

• The extracts were filtered into sterile conical flasks

using Whatman filter paper number

• The filtrate was used for the experiment while the

deposit was discarded [22].

Determination of Purity of Extract

With the aid of 4mm wireloop, one loop extract solution

was streaked inoculated onto nutrient agar and incubated

at 370c for 24hours. The absence of growth after overnight

incubation indicates purity of extract solution. A 1 in 2

dilution of the extract solution is made, followed by a 1 in

20 dilution serial dilution of the extract solution is made as

follows

Protocol

• 1in 2 dilution of the extract solution is made in 5 test

tubes.

• With the aid of a 50ml dropper pipette, 1 in 100 dilution

of an overnight both culture of the test organism is

added a each test tube

• Controls are set up as follows

• I test tube with 1ml of plain broth C1

• 1 tube with 1ml of extract solution (C2) is incubated

along with the text.

Determination of Extract Concentration

The specific gravity, S.G of each diluent/solvent (1%HCL,

5% acetic acid, propylene glycol (PPG) and Isopropylacohol

(IPA)) was determined as follows: The weight, W1 of the

clean dried empty specific gravity, S. G bottle was taken The

specific gravity bottle was filled with the diluents and the

stopper was place. The overflowed fluid was cleared off from

the body of the bottle with a filter paper. The weight W2 of

the diluents with the S.G bottle was taken. The weight W3, of

the diluent was gotten by subtracting the weight W1 of the

empty S.G bottle from the weight W2 of the diluent with S.G

bottle i.e W3=W2-W1

The S.G of the diluents was determined by the expression

below.

Specific gravity = (Weight of solvent+ S.G bottle – weight of

empty S.G bottle )/(volume of S.G botlle (V))

S.G of solvent /diluents (W2-W1)/V=W3/V

Where V= Vol. of S.G bottle = 25ml

In the same manner above, the S.G of each extract solution

was also determined

The concentration of each extract solution was determined

by the expression below

Concentration of extract solution = specific gravity of extract

solution – specific gravity of plain solvent = SG2–SG1.

Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration

(MIC) of extract solution

• A row of 5 test tubes was set up on a test tube rack

• 1 ml of extract solution was dispensed into each test

tube

• With the aid of 1ml pipette, 1ml of normal saline was

added to test tube 1 and mixed properly

• From test tube 1, 1ml was transferred into text tube 2

and the serial dilution was completed till the end of the

row.

• 1 drop of a 1 in 100 dilution of overnight text organism

(broth culture) was added to each tube

• 1ml of plain solvent each was placed in test tube(C1)

and 1ml of extract solution each was placed in the test

tubes respectively as controls and incubated along with

the test tubes

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Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

• The last test tube from the beginning without growth is

the MIC of extract solution

•

Source of Bacterial Isolates

The different test organisms were gotten from urine, stool,

blood and wound swab of clinical samples of patient visiting

Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) Irrua, Edo state

and were analyzed using Medical Diagnostic Laboratory,

College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University,

Ekpoma, Edo State. The test organisms isolated for the

study includes; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia,

Streptococcus species, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,

Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter species

and Enterobacter species.

Preparation of Test Organisms: The different organism

isolated; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia,

Streptococcus species, Proteus species, Pseudomonas species,

Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter species

and Enterobacter species were sub-cultured into peptone

water for 8 hours before antibiogram extract testing.

Identification of Test Organisms: All isolates for this

study were identified by their colonial morphology, Gram

stain reaction, biochemical test characterization. Also using

their colonial appearances on the media which include Size,

Shape, Elevation, Opacity, Edge, Colour, haemolysis and

fermentation.

Gram staining was carried out on culture that yielded growth

using standard procedures.

Catalase test was done on Gram positive cocci. Catalase

negative Gram-positive Cocci in chains were identified as

Streptococcus species while the catalase positive cocci in

clusters were identified as Staphylococcus species. Coagulase

test was carried out on all the catalase positive cocci. The

coagulase positive organism was identified as Staphylococcus

aureus.

For the Gram-negative bacilli, overnight broth cultures was

made for each by adding the colonies to sterilized peptone

water and incubated for 24 hours at 370C and motility test

was done to ascertain their motility.

Data Analysis

The data generated was analyzed statistically using the

mean±SD to ascertain the significance of the study.

RESULTS

The present study investigates the minimum inhibitory

concentration (MIC) of Aloe vera extracts against tested

bacteria isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella

pneumonia, Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas

aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter

spp. and Enterobacter spp.) from various samples (urine,

wound swab, stool and blood).

Table 1 shows the samples analyzed and organisms

isolated from urine, wound swab, stool and blood.

From the urine samples the following organisms were

isolated; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella

pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii,

Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp. and Citrobacter spp. The

organisms isolated from wound swab samples in the study

are; Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,

Staphylococcus aureus, Morganella morganii, Klebsiella

pneumonia, Enterobacter spp. and Streptococcus spp. The

organisms isolated from stool samples in the study are;

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter

spp. Only one organism was isolated from the blood samples

examined in the study which is Staphylococcus aureus.

Table 2 shows the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

of HCL extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test organisms. It

was observed that HCL extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera had MIC

of 21.16µg/ml when tested against Staphylococcus aureus,

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella

morganii, Streptococcus spp. and MIC of 42.30 µg/ml when

tested against Proteus spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter

spp., and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Table 3 shows the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

(MIC) of Acetic acid extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test

organisms. It was observed that Acetic acid extract (µg/

ml) of aloe vera had MIC of 0.0 µg/ml when tested against

all the test organisms; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia

coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii,

Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter

spp., and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Table 4 shows the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

of Propylene glycol (PPG) (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test

organisms. It was observed that Propylene glycol extract

(µg/ml) of aloe vera had MIC of 0.0 µg/ml when tested

against all the test organisms; Staphylococcus aureus,

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella

morganii, Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Citrobacter spp.,

Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Table 5 shows the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test

organisms. It was observed that Isopropyl Alcohol extract

(µg/ml) of aloe vera had MIC of 0.0µg/ml when tested

against all the test organisms; Staphylococcus aureus,

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella

morganii, Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Citrobacter spp.,

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Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

Table 1. Showing Samples Analyzed and Organisms Isolated

Samples

Analyzed

Organisms isolated

Urine

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Streptococcus spp, Proteus spp,

Citrobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumonia

Wound swab

Proteus spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Morganella morganii, Klebsiella pneumonia,

Enterobacter spp, Streptococcus spp

Stool Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp,

Blood Staphylococcus aureus

Table 2. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of HCL extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test organisms

Test Organisms

Concentration of Extracts (42.30 – 2.64 µg/ml)

42.30 21.15 10.58 5.24 2.64 MIC (µg/mL)

Staphylococcus aureus

- - + + + 21.15

Escherichia coli - - + + + 21.15

Pseudomonas aeruginosa - - + + + 21.15

Morganella morganii - - + + + 21.15

Streptococcus spp. - - + + + 21.15

Proteus spp. - + + + + 42.30

Citrobacter spp. - + + + + 42.30

Enterobacter spp. - + + + + 42.30

Klebsiella pneumonia - + + + + 42.30

KEY

- = No turbidity

+ = Turbidity

Table 3. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Acetic acid extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera against test organisms

Test Organisms

Concentration of Extracts (42.30 – 2.64 µg/ml)

9.6 4.8 2.4 1.2 0.6 MIC (µg/ml)

Staphylococcus aureus

+ + + + + 0

Escherichia coli + + + + + 0

Pseudomonas aeruginosa + + + + + 0

Morganella morganii + + + + + 0

Streptococcus spp. + + + + + 0

Proteus spp. + + + + + 0

Citrobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Enterobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Klebsiella pneumonia + + + + + 0

Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Table 6 shows the summary of the Minimum Inhibitory

Concentration (MIC) of all the aloe vera extracts studied

against test organisms. It was observed that only HCL

extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera had antibacterial effect on

tested organisms with MIC of 21.15µg/ml to 42.30 µg/ml.

ISSN: 2474-3666

Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

DISCUSSION

In the last decade Aloe vera has been used extensively in

healthcare product including topical body creams, cosmetics,

and heath drinks. All products available in the market claim

to have beneficial properties based on the extensive studies

that have been carried out on different species of Aloe

including its antimicrobial properties [23]. The minimum

inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the aloe vera gel extract

which is the concentration giving the least inhibitory activity

and below which there is no further inhibition.

The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of Aloe Vera

extract in 5% acetic acid, propylene glycol, and isopropyl

alcohol against all the test organisms displayed a value of 0.0

μg/ml. This may be due to the antimicrobial effects which

are brought to limelight the combination activity of the aloe

vera and the substrates.

Our results showed that the HCL extract (µg/ml) of aloe

Table 4. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Propylene glycol (PPG) extract (µg/ml)

of aloe vera against test organisms

Test Organisms

Concentration of Extracts (42.30 – 2.64 µg/ml)

39.2 19.6 9.8 4.9 2.45 (µg/ml)

Staphylococcus aureus

+ + + + + 0

Escherichia coli + + + + +

Pseudomonas aeruginosa + + + + + 0

Morganella morganii + + + + + 0

Streptococcus spp. + + + + + 0

Proteus spp. + + + + + 0

Citrobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Enterobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Klebsiella pneumonia + + + + + 0

Table 5. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) extract (µg/ml)

of aloe vera against test organisms

Test Organisms

Concentration of Extracts (42.30 – 2.64 µg/ml)

147.85 73.93 36.96 18.48 9.24 MIC (µg/ml)

Staphylococcus aureus + + + + + 0

Escherichia coli + + + + + 0

Pseudomonas aeruginosa + + + + + 0

Morganella morganii + + + + + 0

Streptococcus spp. + + + + + 0

Proteus spp. + + + + + 0

Citrobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Enterobacter spp. + + + + + 0

Klebsiella pneumonia + + + + + 0

Table 6. Summary of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Aloe vera extracts (µg/ml)

against test organisms

Test Organisms

Aloe vera extracts

Hydrochloric acid (HCL) Acetic Acid (AA) Propylene glycol (PPG) Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

Staphylococcus aureus

21.15 0 0 0

Escherichia coli 21.15 0 0 0

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 21.15 0 0 0

Morganella morganii 21.15 0 0 0

Streptococcus spp. 21.15 0 0 0

Proteus spp. 42.30 0 0 0

Citrobacter spp. 42.30 0 0 0

Enterobacter spp. 42.30 0 0 0

Klebsiella pneumonia 42.30 0 0 0

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https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

vera had stronger effect on the test organisms. Aloe plant

has important role in antimicrobial activity in everyday

life. Aloe gel is mostly use in humanity for cosmetic, burn

and medicinal application. Aloe plant has major role in the

promotion of recombinant-DNA based product, targeting

compounds of value to be isolated and produced in stable

and realistic quantities [2]. Such type aloe is a “wonder

plant” because of its use in multiple problems like antiseptic,

anti-inflammatory agent and help in relieve of diabetes. The

aloe plant is need to a greater research emphasis for better

utilization of this plant in humankind welfare, it remains

for us to introduce to ourselves and thank the nature for

its never-ending gift. Furthermore, study of all principles of

aloe vera needs to be evaluated in future for scientific using,

so that its other therapeutic uses can be widely explored.

Isolation and maintenance procedures of aloe products

require special care and these have been established after

painstaking efforts [13].

The antibacterial activity of different solvent extracts of the

Aloe vera gel preparations was investigated against some

selected organisms isolated from clinical samples and the

results are presented in table 1. It was found during the

present study that; 1%HCL extract (µg/ml) of aloe vera had

MIC of 21.16 µg/ml when tested against Staphylococcus

aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,

Morganella morganii, Streptococcus spp. and MIC of

42.30µg/ml when tested against Proteus spp., Citrobacter

spp., Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumonia (Table 2).

HCl extracts had a higher minimum inhibitory concentration

MIC) compared to others used in this investigation. The

minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract

of the gel revealed the best solvent for extraction It was

determined that aloe vera gel have inhibitory effects against

pathogenic bacteria, causing different diseases in humans,

especially Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Aloe

vera can be alternative to chemicals used in medication,

food and cosmetics. It is hoped that this study would lead

to the establishment of some compounds that could be used

to formulate new and more potent antimicrobial drugs of

natural origin.

The outcome of the result of this study may be as a result of

the novel method been tested as stated in the methodology.

Thus, the results of the present study successfully

demonstrated the usefulness of this plant in folk medicine

for the treatment of various skin diseases. Moreover, Aloe

vera is also well known for its wound and burn healing

properties. Results of the present research confirms its

promising applications in wound and blood infections. In

the face of ever increasing microbial antibiotic resistance,

it is becoming more imperative for studies which seek to,

identify natural antimicrobial compounds and the future

development of this compound.

The present study has revealed the importance of natural

products to control antibiotic resistant bacteria, which have

been a threat to human health. It is, therefore highly essential

that medicinal plants whose properties have not been fully

characterized should form a top agenda of top management

in developing nations whose citizens are sometimes unable

to afford expensive orthodox medicine. This study has

revealed the presence of many secondary metabolites in

the HCl Aloe vera extract. It has further confirmed that the

plant extracts could be used for the treatment of various

infections including skin transmitted infections. The results

lend credence to the folkloric use, of this plant in treating

microbial infection and shows that Aloe vera could be

exploited for new potent antimicrobial agents.

Aloe vera gel represents an alternative source of natural

antimicrobial substances in prevention of such infections.

However, further analysis of the promising extract could be

done to isolate the bioactive components present in it and

respective skin toxicity should be analyzed thoroughly so

that they can be used as bioactive antimicrobial ingredients

in various topical skin formulations.

The major limitation of this study was getting the extracts

into discs.

CONCLUSION

The present study has revealed the importance of natural

products to control antibiotic resistant bacteria, which

have been a threat to human health. In summary this study

confirms the better understanding of the in vitro antibacterial

activity of HCL Aloe vera gel against skin pathogens. From

our results it can be concluded that Aloe vera gel HCl extract

possesses several bioactive compounds with antimicrobial

properties which can be used as antimicrobial agents in new

drugs formulations of infectious diseases in humans.

Following the findings in this study, it is hereby recommended

that;

• It is expected that using natural products as therapeutic

agents will probably elicit resistance in microorganisms.

• Orthodox medical practices can therefore be

complemented with traditional practices. It is essential

that research should continue to isolate and purify

the active components of this natural herb and use in

experimental animals.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank all the Laboratory and

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Mathews Journal of Case Reports

https://doi.org/10.30654/MJCR.10132

technical staff of St Kenny Research Consult, Edo State

for their excellent assistance and for providing medical

writing support/editorial support in accordance with Good

Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors

alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the

paper.

FUNDING

This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies

in the public, commercial, or not-for- profit sectors.

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