Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of Aloe vera sap and leaves using different extracts

Many of the health benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the sap of the leaves. The main objectives of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity for both sap and leaves extracts of A. vera using different extraction methods. Aloe vera sap and leaves extracts were investigated using agar-well diffusion technique with different concentrations. Both types of extract revealed antimicrobial inhibitory effect ranged from pronounced, intermediate, and low. The sap extract showed more effective than the leaves extract against all test microorganisms. The highest mean diameter of zone (MDIZ) showed with sap water extract (100 μg/ml) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis (47 mm). While the lowest one showed with sap and leaves saponins (100 μg/ml) against all test microorganisms (12 – 14 mm) with exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus whom showed resist (0.0 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed ≤ 6.25 μg/ml for almost all test microorganisms and different types of extracts except acetone extract from leaves which exhibited MIC≥ 50 μg/ml. The present study concludes that the A. vera sap and leaves could be used as medicinal plant with further investigation to determine its toxicity and side effects if any.