Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica Fruit Extracts Against Bacteria
evaluation of antibacterial activity of azadirachta indica a. juss. fruit extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: In vitro
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: evaluation of antibacterial activity of azadirachta indica a. juss. fruit extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
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Manoj Kumar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: In vitro
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201716-10230
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The rising issue of antibiotic resistance has become a critical public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries, where both healthcare settings and communities experience high levels of mortality due to resistant bacterial strains. Contributing factors to this crisis include improper antibiotic usage and the presence of multi-drug-resistant strains. In response to the limitations of synthetic antibiotics, there is a pressing need to explore alternative sources, such as medicinal plants, which have been used traditionally for healing purposes. This study focuses on evaluating the antibacterial activity of fruit extracts from Azadirachta indica (neem) against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, assessing their potential as natural antimicrobial agents.
Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica
The study investigates the antibacterial effects of A. indica fruit extracts using various solvents—methanol, ethanol, and aqueous—against seven bacterial strains, consisting of four gram-positive and three gram-negative bacteria. The methanol extract displayed the highest efficacy, with the largest zones of inhibition against tested strains, notably Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranged from 12.5 to 100 mg/ml, indicating that the extracts have significant antibacterial properties. This suggests a promising application for A. indica fruit extracts in the development of new antibacterial agents.
The Importance of Extraction Method
The extraction method significantly influences the yield and efficacy of antibacterial compounds. In this study, the methanol solvent proved the most efficient, with a yield percentage of 10.25%, compared to 8.68% for ethanol and 9.43% for aqueous extracts. The results indicated that different bacterial strains exhibit varying levels of susceptibility to the extracts, emphasizing that the choice of solvent is crucial in maximizing antibacterial activity. Previous research supports these findings, noting that methanol extracts from A. indica have consistently shown higher antibacterial effects compared to other solvents.
Insights into Traditional Medicine
The use of plants in traditional medicine is deeply rooted in human history and continues to be a vital source of compounded therapeutic agents. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that a significant percentage of the global population relies on plant-derived medicines for primary healthcare, particularly in developing nations. The bioactive compounds found in plants like A. indica are responsible for their antimicrobial properties, which are often under-researched. The findings from this study serve to reinforce the potential of traditional medicinal plants in addressing modern health challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Conclusion
The findings from this research highlight the promising antibacterial potential of A. indica fruit extracts against various pathogenic bacteria, demonstrating their viability as alternative therapeutic agents in combating infections. Methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited significantly stronger antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts, underscoring the importance of solvent choice in extraction processes. Given the ongoing challenges posed by antibiotic resistance, further exploration and development of plant-derived antimicrobial agents could play a crucial role in modern medicine, offering new solutions to treat and control infections effectively. The traditional uses of A. indica align with these scientific findings, providing a foundation for integrating folkloric knowledge into contemporary healthcare solutions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted by Manoj Kumar?
The study evaluates the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica fruit extracts against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using different solvents.
Which bacterial strains were tested in the antibacterial activity evaluation?
Seven bacterial strains were tested, including four gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus sp.) and three gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria.
Which solvent produced the highest yield of fruit extracts?
The study found that the methanol extract provided the highest yield of fruit extracts at 10.25%, followed by the aqueous and ethanol extracts.
How effective were the different fruit extract solvents against bacteria?
Methanol extracts showed the most substantial antibacterial activity, while aqueous extracts exhibited the least. The inhibition zones varied significantly among the different bacterial strains.
What are the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) results?
The MIC and MBC values ranged from 12.5 to 100 mg/ml, indicating varying susceptibility of the bacterial strains to the extracts.
What potential does Azadirachta indica hold for medicinal use?
Azadirachta indica fruit extracts are suggested as promising antibacterial agents and may serve as a source for developing new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica Fruit Extracts Against Bacteria”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the capability of a substance, particularly in this context, to exhibit a biological effect. In the study presented, it specifically relates to the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica fruit extracts, which demonstrate their potential to inhibit bacterial growth and treat infections.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a type of medication that inhibits bacterial growth or destroys bacteria. The growing issue of antibiotic resistance highlights the importance of exploring natural alternatives such as Azadirachta indica extracts, which may offer new solutions to combat resistant bacterial strains.
3) Aureus:
Aureus, particularly in the phrase Staphylococcus aureus, refers to a gram-positive bacterium that is a common cause of infections in humans. It is relevant in the study as one of the tested bacterial strains against which the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica extracts was evaluated.
4) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical treatment, which can alleviate symptoms or cure illnesses. In this study, the findings suggest that the extracts of Azadirachta indica could lead to the development of new drugs to combat bacterial infections, potentially addressing antibiotic resistance issues.
5) Study (Studying):
The study is an investigation into the antibacterial properties of Azadirachta indica fruit extracts. It provides empirical data on the effectiveness of these extracts against various bacterial strains, contributing to the broader knowledge of natural alternatives to conventional antibiotics in medical applications.
6) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The research focuses on identifying the potential medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica, which has traditionally been used in various cultures for therapeutic purposes, further validating its place in modern medicine.
7) Neem:
Neem is a tree (Azadirachta indica) known for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Indian medicine. This study highlights its relevance as a source of natural antibacterial agents, showcasing its potential in developing treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.
8) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. The extracts from its fruits were the focal point of this study, demonstrating substantial antibacterial properties, thereby supporting its traditional use in folk medicine for treating various ailments.
9) India:
India, the country of origin for Azadirachta indica, has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants in healthcare. The relevance of this location in the study highlights the cultural significance of neem and its potential role in addressing public health issues through natural remedies.
10) Tree:
A tree, in this context, refers to the Azadirachta indica species, known for its various therapeutic properties. The study investigates the extracts derived from its fruits, emphasizing the importance of trees as vital sources of natural compounds beneficial for health and medicine.
11) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to the systematic study of natural phenomena, forming the basis for validating the medicinal properties of plants. This investigation employs rigorous scientific methods to assess the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica, supporting the transformation of traditional knowledge into modern science.
12) Neem tree:
The neem tree, or Azadirachta indica, is recognized for its wide range of medicinal uses. It is significant in the study as it underlines the importance of exploring this natural resource for developing effective antibacterial agents that could be used in modern healthcare.
13) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that provide health benefits. The study discusses the phytochemical constituents in Azadirachta indica that contribute to its antibacterial properties, reinforcing the role of natural compounds as alternatives to synthetic drugs in treating infections.
14) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or progression towards a more advanced stage. In this study, it signifies the need for developing new antimicrobial drugs from natural sources like Azadirachta indica in response to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance in healthcare.
15) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It is relevant in this context as Azadirachta indica represents a specific species whose extracts were studied for their potential antibacterial effects against various bacterial strains.
16) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in the extraction processes of plant materials. The study highlights the effectiveness of different solvents, including water, in obtaining extracts from Azadirachta indica, helping to assess the best methods for extracting beneficial compounds for medicinal use.
17) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of the interactions between drugs and living organisms. The context of the study involves analyzing the pharmacological activity of Azadirachta indica extracts, which is essential for understanding their potential therapeutic applications in medicine.
18) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine known for its holistic approach to health. The significance of this term in the study highlights how Azadirachta indica has been utilized in Ayurvedic practices, reinforcing the need for scientific validation of traditional medicinal plants.
19) Disease:
Disease refers to any harmful condition affecting the body, often requiring medical intervention. The research aims to explore the potential of Azadirachta indica in treating various bacterial infections, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in health settings.
20) Medium:
Medium, in a microbiological context, refers to the nutrient-rich environments used for culturing microorganisms. In this study, nutrient broth was used as a medium to grow bacterial strains, which allowed researchers to analyze the antibacterial effects of Azadirachta indica extracts in controlled conditions.
21) Animal:
Animal refers to living organisms that exhibit complex biological processes. The study acknowledges the role of antimicrobial agents as growth enhancers in animal feed, as well as the importance of finding natural alternatives that can benefit both human and veterinary medicine.
22) Powder:
Powder indicates the form in which the dried fruit of Azadirachta indica was processed for extraction. The transformation of the fruit into powder facilitates the efficient extraction of phytochemicals, enabling the assessment of their antibacterial activity in the study.
23) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, focusing on their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. This study relates to botany as it explores the medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica, revealing the importance of plants in pharmacology and natural remedies.
24) Delhi:
Delhi is the capital territory of India and a location of significant educational and research institutions. Its mention in the study indicates the geographical context and acknowledges the contributions of local researchers to the investigation of Azadirachta indica.
25) Kumar:
Kumar is the surname of the lead author of the study, Manoj Kumar, ensuring proper attribution and recognition of the researcher's contribution to the investigation of Azadirachta indica's antibacterial properties.
26) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns that facilitates understanding and analysis. The presented results of yield percentages and antibacterial activity in table format help to provide clear and concise information from the study.
27) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, significant for biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. The mention of soil underscores the environmental aspects of the neem tree's cultivation in India, which contributes to its availability as a medicinal resource.
28) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation refers to a symptom often associated with skin irritation or inflammation. The study mentions it in the context of diseases treated with neem, emphasizing the traditional therapeutic applications of Azadirachta indica for various ailments.
29) New Delhi:
New Delhi, the capital of India, signifies the location of various research institutions and academic contributions. Its mention indicates the study could attract interest from scholars and health professionals in the city's robust academic community focused on medicinal plant research.
30) Civilization:
Civilization denotes a complex human society characterized by social, economic, and cultural development. The study references the long history of medicinal plant use, like Azadirachta indica, as integral to human civilization and the persistent search for natural healing resources throughout history.
31) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of a research paper where findings are interpreted and connected to broader contexts. Here, it emphasizes the implications of the study's results, addressing the relevance of Azadirachta indica in modern pharmacology and public health.
32) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Srivastava is the surname of a referenced scholar in the study, Professor S. Srivastava. Acknowledging significant figures such as Srivastava supports collaboration and academic guidance in the field, ensuring credible contributions to the research on Azadirachta indica.
33) Knowledge:
Knowledge embodies the information, understanding, and skills gained through experience or education. In this context, the study highlights the importance of expanding scientific knowledge regarding the antibacterial properties of Azadirachta indica, bridging traditional uses with modern scientific validation.
34) Substance:
Substance refers to a specific chemical compound or mixture. In the study, it relates to the various phytochemicals identified in Azadirachta indica extracts, which contribute to its antibacterial efficacy and potential for treating infections.
35) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The mention of leprosy highlights the traditional medicinal uses of Azadirachta indica in treating serious skin conditions, encompassing its historical relevance in Indian herbal medicine.
36) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning describes a feeling of warmth or pain often associated with irritation. The study connects this term to ailments that may be treated with Azadirachta indica extracts, reflecting the essence of the plant’s ethnomedicinal applications.
37) Itching:
Itching is a sensation that prompts a desire to scratch, usually indicating irritation or skin issues. In the research, it references the therapeutic potential of Azadirachta indica in managing skin-related ailments, underpinning its medicinal properties valued in traditional medicine.
38) Muslin:
Muslin is a type of cotton fabric that is often used in laboratory procedures for filtering. Its mention indicates the methodology employed in extracting Azadirachta indica, highlighting the importance of proper filtration techniques to obtain pure extracts for antibacterial testing.
39) Family:
Family refers to a classification in biological taxonomy. In this context, it indicates that Azadirachta indica belongs to the Meliaceae family, which signifies its botanical relationships and helps in understanding its characteristics and potential uses among similar plant species.
40) Cotton:
Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant, often used in textiles. In this study, its mention relates to the extraction process, where it is utilized as a medium for filtering plant extracts, demonstrating practical aspects of laboratory methodologies.
41) Indian:
Indian refers to anything related to India, including culture, geography, and contributions to medicine. The study emphasizes the significance of indigenous plants like Azadirachta indica in traditional Indian medicine, showcasing their potential in modern healthcare solutions.
42) Campu:
Campu may refer to 'campus,' indicating the academic or research environment where such studies are conducted. This term underscores the collaborative nature of scientific research, highlighting the role of educational institutions in facilitating research and development in medicinal plant studies.
43) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore or open wound that can occur on various body parts, often resulting from infection or inflammation. This term highlights one of the medicinal applications of Azadirachta indica in treating skin and gastrointestinal ailments, reinforcing its therapeutic relevance.
44) Blood:
Blood is a bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to cells and transports waste products. Its mention implies the role of Azadirachta indica in treating blood-related health issues, emphasizing the plant's broad spectrum of medicinal applications in folk medicine.
45) Wool:
Wool is a textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals. In the context of the study, wool is mentioned as an alternative filtering medium similar to cotton muslin, critical in the laboratory preparation of plant extracts for antibacterial testing.
46) Rich (Rch):
Rich indicates an abundance of a particular resource or quality. In this text, it highlights the wealth of biodiversity and medicinal properties found in plants like Azadirachta indica, suggesting that these natural resources hold significant potential for therapeutic development.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica Fruit Extracts Against Bacteria’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Azadirachta indica, Natural product, Traditional medicine, Antibacterial activity, Therapeutic potential, Zone of inhibition, Phytochemical constituents, Aqueous extract, Antimicrobial Resistance, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Ethanol extract, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), Methanol extract, Clinical isolate.