ABSTRACT

The study investigated the phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of Azadirachta indica (neem leaves) extracts in some selected microorganisms. The plant leaves were collected, shade dried, pulverized and extracted with methanol using soxhlet extractor apparatus. The extract was concentrated using a heating mantle while phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity were conducted using standard method and agar well diffusion method respectively. The various component of the extract was separated using thin layer chromatography. The result indicated that alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, saponins were present. The antimicrobial activity indicated zones of inhibition at a concentration of 1:8 (1ml distilled water in 8ml of extract) (staphylococcus aureus), 12mm (Escherichia coli), 13.5mm (Pseudomonas aerginosa), 17.5mm (Candida albicans), 15.5mm (Aspergillus niger) for methanolic extract. For methanol extract, a dose dependent activity was observed when compared with antibiotic sensitivity testing. The study revealed that Azadirachta indica extracts contain some bioactive constituents with antimicrobial activity against some microorganism and could potentially possess rich medicinal values when subjected to further chemical and pharmacological studies.