Antimicrobial Properties of Sisal (Agave sisalana) Used as an Ingredient in Petroleum Jelly Production in Swaziland

A petroleum jelly product containing sisal extract (Agave sisalana) used to improve the skin integrity has been claimed to have antimicrobial properties, however, these claims have not been scientifically proven. The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the Agave sisalana containing petroleum jelly. A microbial inhibition test using disc assays and a Delvo test w ere used to determine the antimicrobial properties of sisal extract. The results indicated that sisal has anti-microbial substances. The sisal extract inhibited growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus. Results have also shown that the sisal’s antimicrobial active ingredient is oil soluble. It was concluded that the petroleum jelly product contain antimicrobial properties but the sisal concentration in the product may not be sufficient for a com plete growth inhibition of microorganisms.