Evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves extracts against selected pathogens

Abstract

Background:Azadirachta indica has been used against a few disease in traditional medicine and have long history of use, and their use is worldwide in both developing and devolved countries, also have multiple health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Neem leaves extract against standard bacterial strain and only one drug  resistant strain of important human pathogenic bacteria by using in vitro methods. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves extracts against selected pathogens. The present study was carried out to screen and evaluate antimicrobial activity of leaves of Azadirhta indica (Neem)methanol and petroleum ether extracts. Azadirchta indica extracts were tested against standard strains of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeroginosa ATCC 9027, K. pneumonia ATCC 700603, and S. typhimurium  ATCC 14028. The effeminacy of the extracts was studied and determined by applying different concentration of extracts on the selected bacterial strains and synthetic antimicrobial discs were used as positive control by using disc diffusion method.  Results: With the statistical test analysis the comparison done showed that, no significant different between the two extracts used, and Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus were the only bacteria susceptibly affected by this Neem extracts used. Conclusions: The result obtained indicate the leaves extracts of Neem plant have enormous antimicrobial effect, and may be exploited for the treatment of various infectious diseases