Phytochemical screening of Azadirachta indica A. Juss for antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, known as neem (Meliacea family), has insecticide and pesticide properties, and many studies have shown their efficacy as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, among others. Studies for the development of drugs from plants are rising due to several factors such as bacterial resistance, indiscriminate use and the adverse reactions of antibiotics. In this study, phytochemical triage and thin layer chromatography analysis were performed, with similar results as the presence of flavonoids, tannins and terpenes. The antimicrobial activity showed that the ethyl acetate extract and butanol fraction presented greater activity against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis presenting a MIC = 50 µg/ml for these strains, and the strain Enteroccocus faecalis, the hydroethanolic extract and aqueous fraction were most promising samples with a MIC = 50 µg/ml and MIC = 25 µg/ml, respectively. Therefore, it encourages the continuation of studies, aiming at the devel opment of cosmetics or toothpaste.