The leaves of the olive tree (Oleaeur opaea L.) have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times and research has suggested that olive leaf extracts have antimicrobial properties. The olive leaf is the first botanical mentioned in the Bible. In this study, Olive leaf aqueous extracts were screened for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1431, Salmonella typhimurium PTCC 1639, and Escherichia coli PTCC 1399, Klebsiella pneumonia PTCC 1053, Bacillus cereus PTCC1274). Olive leaf extract was found to be most active against Salmonella typhimurium PTCC 1639 with inhibitory, 11.5 mm. These findings suggest an antimicrobial potential for olive leaves.
