In vitro activity of Azadirachta indica extracts on some pathogenic fungi

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of Azadirachta indica extracts on some pathogenic fungi. Hexane, methanol and aqueous extracts of A.indica seeds and leaves were screened for their antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes, T. soudanense M. audouinii, M.canis, A. flavus Curvularia lunata and C. albicans using agar diffusion method. The obtained results indicated that both methanol and hexane extracts revealed antimicrobial activity against tested fungi at different concentrations used. The alcohol extracts were found most effective than the aqueous extract. Among the pathogenic fungi tested, Dermatophyte species were found to be most sensitive to the extracts than A. flavus. A.indica extracts did not inhibit the growth of A. flavus but affect its sporulation while C. albicans was found insensitive to the extracts. Thus the microbial inhibition potential of A.indica leaf and seed extracts which was observed in this study opened the way for perspective use of A.indica to treat dermatophyte infection. Hence, the use of A.indica is highly recommended for treatment of infectious diseases caused by the test pathogens.

Keywords: Azadiracta indica, in vitro activity, pathogenic fungi, natural products