Study of harvesting times and appropriate storage methods to extend shelf life of Chinese garlic.

The identification and use of medicinal plants are important components of the health and wellbeing of diverse populations in the developing world. In addition, plants that have antibacterial properties are becoming increasingly relevant in an age in which healthcare professionals are documenting growing antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria. Moringa oleifera (moringa) is a tree that is originally from India and has been used both as a nutritional supplement and as a medicinal plant (1–5). Based on our own research (unpublished) and that of several other groups (4, 6–8), extracts of the leaves, seeds, and roots of moringa show antibacterial properties. Allium sativum (garlic) has also been shown to exhibit antibacterial qualities (9, 10). These inhibitory effects can be easily demonstrated in an instructive and highly visual laboratory exercise.