The Antibacterial Activity of Aloe vera: An in-vitro study

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the antibacterial components in the ethanol extraction of Aloe vera against four clinically frequent pathogenic  bacteria. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro study, Aloe vera extraction was prepared by dissolving 500 grams of the powder in 5L of 95% ethanol. The antibacterial activity of the extraction against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella was tested using Agar well diffusion technique. The antibacterial activity was assessed using chromatography to determine Minimum Inhibitory  Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bacterial Concentration (MBC).  Results: The Acetoacetate component of Aloe vera extraction inhibited the growth of studied bacteria. And other components had no inhibitory activity. The Acetoacetate component of Aloe vera extraction had more inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria compared to the gram-negative bacteria. (P=0.001) Conclusion: Aloe vera has anti-bacterial activity and can be an alternative to  pharmaceutical medicines. Also, it can be an adjacent approach to maintain and  improve oral health.