Utilization of Moringa oleifera L. Leaf Extract as a Natural Antiseptic in Preventing Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows Syarifah Nurul Waqiah1, Ratmawati Malaka2,*, and Sutomo2
1Doctoral Program, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Abstract
Subclinical mastitis is a major problem in the dairy industry because it shows no visible clinical signs yet reduces milk yield and quality while raising somatic cell count above 200,000 cells/mL. Its prevalence is high worldwide, reaching 68.18% at the cow level in East Java, Indonesia, causing average losses of 121-131 US dollars per cow annually. Continuous use of synthetic antiseptics and antibiotics in teat dipping raises concerns over bacterial resistance and milk residues. This review examines the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a natural antiseptic against subclinical mastitis, based on published evidence. Moringa leaves contain over 90 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and phenolics, showing antibacterial activity against mastitis pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, by disrupting cell membrane integrity and inhibiting enzyme synthesis. In vitro studies show the extract inhibits mastitis-causing bacteria in a concentration-dependent manner, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 4.80 mg/mL against multidrug-resistant S. aureus, comparable to conventional antiseptics. These findings position Moringa leaf extract as a promising teat dip ingredient. However, evidence remains largely in vitro, while in vivo studies on cows are limited, so further research is needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.
