Antibacterial activity of Balanites aegyptiaca Oil Extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Africa is very rich with biodiversity resources, vegetation and it is estimated about 40,000- 45,000 species of different flora. A very large number of plant species are medicinally used for the treatment of various diseases. Balanites aegyptiaca also called "desert date" indeed a plant with amazing benefits for human, Balanites aegyptiaca was popularly known to have added value and hope for person who went to pursue it for health. In Nigeria, there are evidences of serious bacterial infections with Gram-positive and Gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. Balanites aegyptica is used to treat so many illnesses including laxative, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, jaundice, yellow fever, syphilis and epilepsy. The Balanite aegyptica sample was sun dried for easy removal of the seed from the shell; it was washed to remove un-wanted particles and was dried off then pounded fine powder using mortar and pestle. Antibacterial activity of the Balanites aegyptica oil at different concentrations on staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and different meters in diameter of the zones was observed.The results shows significant effect of Balanites oil on bacteria by observing the presence of clear spaces known as the zone of inhibitions in the experiments.