SCREENING FOR INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF PALM KERNEL OIL ON SELETED BACTERIA AND FUNGI
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of palm kernel oil (PKO) extracted via cold press and heat methods against selected bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) pathogens. Utilizing agar well diffusion, paper disc diffusion, and broth microdilution methods, the antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PKO were assessed. Results demonstrated that heat-extracted PKO exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to cold-extracted PKO, with inhibition zones reaching 23.00mm for Aspergillus niger and 25.00mm for Candida albicans at 10% concentration, and 19.00mm and 22.00mm, respectively, at 50% concentration. Staphylococcus aureus showed moderate susceptibility with inhibition zones up to 25.00mm for heat-extracted PKO, while Escherichia coli was resistant across all concentrations, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa displayed limited sensitivity with zones up to 19.00mm. MIC values ranged from 6.25–50 mg/L, with Candida albicans (12.5mg/l) and Aspergillus niger (12.5mg/l) being the most susceptible. The enhanced efficacy of heat-extracted PKO is attributed to the increased release of bioactive compounds, particularly lauric acid. These study highlight PKO’s potential as a sustainable, natural antifungal agent, particularly against fungal pathogens, though its limited efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria suggests the need for further optimization to enhance its broad-spectrum application.
Keywords: Palm Kernel Oil, Antimicrobial Activity, Lauric Acid, Fungal Pathogens, Antimicrobial Resistance
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