Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Different Herbal Products against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis Using Agar Diffusion Test: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Introduction The main aim of this study is in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of different herbal products, that is, propolis, garlic, neem, aloe vera, and rosemary, against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis using agar diffusion test. Materials and Methods In this study, total of 42 plates were prepared, 10 each of B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. faecalis and 12 as test control (6 as positive and 6 as negative control). The effectiveness of five herbal products was ascertained by agar diffusion method against B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. faecalis. Cultures of these test organisms were maintained on selective media slants in a test tube to collect sufficient number of microbial colonies for evaluation. The cultures were divided into three groups based upon microbes that were lawn cultured, respectively: In group A, 10 petri plates were having growth of B. subtilis; in group B, 10 petri plates were having growth of S. aureus; and in group C, 10 petri plates were having growth of E. faecalis. In all these 30 petri plates, five different herbal product discs were placed and these discs were designated as A (aloe vera), P (propolis), N (neem), R (rosemary), and G (garlic). Among remaining 12 petri plates, 4 petri plates were used as control (2 for positive and 2 for negative) for each of the bacteria. Results Propolis and rosemary showed maximum zone of inhibition against B. subtilis. Garlic, neem, and aloe vera showed maximum zone of inhibition against S. aureus. Conclusion All the herbal products showed zone of inhibition against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and E. faecalis.