TITLE:
Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extracts against Escherichia coli
AUTHORS:
Christabel Nang’andu Hikaambo, Luyando Kaacha, Steward Mudenda, Mutenta Nsokolo Nyambe, Billy Chabalenge, Margaret Phiri, Luke Lundau Biete, Tumelo Muyenga Akapelwa, Webrod Mufwambi, Martha Chulu, Martin Kampamba
KEYWORDS:
Phytochemicals, Antibacterial Activity, Escherichia coli, Azadirachta indica, Neem
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
27,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: Traditional medicine has employed Azadirachta indica to treat a variety of
ailments. However, there is little information on the use of this plant in Zambia. Objective: To evaluate the
phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica leaf
extracts against Escherichia coli. Materials and Methods: This
was a laboratory-based experimental study in which ethanol and water were used
for extraction by maceration. Phytochemical analysis was then done on the leaf
extract. Using the disc diffusion method, varying concentrations of A. indica aqueous and ethanolic extracts were used to
test the antibacterial activity of A. indica against Escherichia coli. The sensitivity of the tested microorganisms to aqueous and
ethanolic leaf extracts was shown by zones of
inhibition after incubation. Results: The phytochemical screening
of the A. indica leaves revealed the presence of phenolics and tannins in
both the ethanol and aqueous extract. Saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were
only present in the aqueous extract. While steroids were only present in the ethanol
extract. The antibacterial activity of A. indica leaves extract was determined
by zones of inhibition which showed that both aqueous and ethanol extracts had
activity against E. coli. The Minimum Inhibitory
Concentration was determined at 10 mg/mL for the aqueous extract and 20 mg/mL
for the ethanol extract. The zones of inhibition increased with concentration. Conclusion: The extracts of A. indica displayed antibacterial activity
against E. coli in a dose-dependent manner. Comparatively, the aqueous extract
produced better antibacterial properties against E. coli than the
ethanolic extract.