Neem Leaves Extract (Azadirachta indica) and Its Bactericidal Activity against Biofilm-forming Pathogenic Bacteria

Antibiotics are used in healthcare as for prophylaxis and have therapeutic value against drug-resistant bacteria. The main aim of the study was to analyze the potential of neem leaf extract against pathogenic bacteria. The leaves were dried and phytochemicals were extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and water. The methanol extract showed maximum yield. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be maximum in methanol extract. The methanol extract showed maximum activity followed by ethyl acetate, chloroform, and water. The methanol extract exhibited maximum activity against Enterobacter aerogenes (18±2 mm zone of inhibition), Salmonella typhimurium (16±1 mm zone of inhibition), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20±2 mm zone of inhibition), Staphylococcus aureus (12±0 mm zone of inhibition), and Escherichia coli (20±0 mm) (p<0.05). The minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 6.25±1.25 to 300±125 µg/ml and methanol extract showed least value against bacteria (p<0.05).