Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Coconut Oil Against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the Antimicrobial Potential of Coconut Oil against E. coli and S. aureus. Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It contains a high amount of phytochemicals in form of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins soluble carbohydrates, hydrogen cyanide, reduce sugar, terpenoids which can be of huge benefits in pharmaceutical industries. The Sample used during the analysis is virgin coconut oil purchased from Bourdilon shopping mall along poly road, Auchi, Edo State and taken to the Microbiology Laboratory of Auchi polytechnic for analysis while the test organisms (Staphylococcus aureus and E.coil) were obtained from Auchi Polytechnic Health Center, Auchi, Edo State. The antimicrobial activities were determined by Agar well and Disc diffusion methods and the result of the study showed that S. aureus has the highest zone of inhibition of 8.5mm followed by E. coil which had 7.0mm as against gentamicin with 10.5mm which served as the control. The result of this study shows that coconut oil has antimicrobial effects against the tested organisms.The observed antimicrobial activity of coconut oil holds promise for various practical applications, such as food preservation, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where the control of bacterial growth is crucial.