“A Comparative Study on the Anti-Tubercular Activity of Extracts from Aloe vera, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Martynia annua L”

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with Asia and Africa collectively accounting for approximately 55% of the world's TB burden. India has the highest rate of TB infection, representing about one-fifth of all new cases annually. The mismanagement of approved TB treatments has led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, complicating treatment efforts, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tubercular activity of methanol extracts from three plants Aloe vera, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Martynia annua L. against Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC 607, Lot 114-26-4). The extracts were assessed using the zone of inhibition method, with concentrations set at 10 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL. The results demonstrated that Martynia annua L. exhibited the most significant anti-tubercular activity, showing a dose-dependent increase in the zone of inhibition, which reached up to 19.0 mm at the highest concentration. Meanwhile, Aloe vera displayed moderate activity, with zones of inhibition increasing from 8.5 mm at 10 mg/mL to 12.5 mm at 100 mg/mL. In contrast, Ocimum tenuiflorum showed the least efficacy, with a maximum inhibition zone of only 9.1 mm at 100 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds present in these plant extracts may have therapeutic potential for developing new treatments against tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to advance plant-based therapeutic strategies.