EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIBACTERIAL AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING PROPERTIES OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAVES

Abstract

Results: The total phenol, flavonoid and tannin content were estimated to be 1.03%, 5.33% and 1.83% respectively. HPTLC studies revealed the presence of β-sitosterol, lupeol, rutin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin in 50% ethanolic extract. The extract showed significant free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 110.36μg/ml. Ascorbic acid was taken as the standard antioxidant and its IC50 value was 42 μg/ml. The extract showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, though it inhibited the growth of S. aureus more effectively as compared to E. coli. Conclusion: The results are suggestive that leaves of A. indica possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and contain phytoconstituents that may contribute to its medicinal properties.