ABSTRACT
Antibiotic resistance of bacteria is considered one of the main causes of human infection due to the use of antibiotics which cause the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Pharmaceutical companies are now looking for alternative drugs from other sources, including plants. This study aimed at determining the efficacy of Aloe vera extract on isolates of purchased fruits and vegetable from Uselu market, Benin City.the method used in this study fot the determination of the antibacterial efficacy of Aloe vera extract is by Punch Hole Method. A total of 200 fruits and vegetables were processed to recover for bacteria. The isolates were further processes through identification and susceptibility testing using standard microbiological techniques. The result revealed that, Aloe vera extract had an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Lactobacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, Acinetobacter spp. It was found during the present period of study that Aloe vera extract exhibited maximum zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus feacalis, Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella spp, and Bacillus spp. 22, 23, 25, 20 and 22mm respectively and the minimum zone of inhibition was shown by Salmonella spp. At lower concentrations of 5% and 10%, the Aloe vera effect on the bacteria isolated varied significantly (P < 0.05), the reverse being the case for higher concentrations (20, 40 and 80%) where (P>0.05), this indicates that the latter concentrations could be used for bacteriocidal activity. The mortality recorded by Lactobacillus spp. Bcillus spp., Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp. and Acinectobacter spp. were concentration dependent, which indicated their nonresistance to Aloe vera extract. In conclusion, Aloe vera seems to be a potent ntural source for antibacterial activities at higher concentrations.
