Phytochemical Extraction and Antimicrobial Properties of Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Abstract

Aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem) was subjected to in vitro antibacterial assay against human pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp by cup diffusion method. The plant leaves were effective against all the tested organisms. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value of 5mg/l was obtained against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp were found to be resistant with all the solvent extracts except water. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of secondary plant metabolites (viz., alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins) and reducing sugars. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was also performed by using different solvent system for the analysis of lipid, alkaloids, flavonoids present in plant extract. The active components separated through TLC were subjected to antimicrobial activity against the pathogens. The present study will be successful in identifying candidate plant with different antimicrobial activity which could be further exploited for isolation and characterization of the novel phytochemicals in the treatment of infectious diseases especially in light of the emergence to produce more effective antimicrobial agents.