Antifungal Activity of leaf extract of Neem

Aqueous extract of Neem leaf has a good therapeutic potential as anti hyperglycemic. Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract was taken to test its antifungal activity against three fungal species - Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria solani and Cladosporium. Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts in different concentrations (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) was prepared and tested against test organisms using disc diffusion method. Ketoconazole was used to compare the toxicity of Neem leaf extract and its antifungal activity.

Neem leaves has antibacterial properties and could be used for controlling airborne bacterial contamination in the residential premises. The Neem seed has also been used as traditional medicine to treat infections
conditions especially those involving the eye and ear. Administration of alcoholic extract of Neem flower disrupts the estrous cycle in Sprague Dawley rats and causes a partial block in ovulation and has the potentiality of an ideal anti-fertility agent. The aqueous extract of Neem has a powerful chemotherapeutic and viral agent. The purpose of the present study was to assess the antifungal activity of Neem leaves against pathogenic fungi like - Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria solani and Cladosporium.

Many of the existing synthetic drugs cause various side effects. Hence, drug development plant based compounds could be useful in meeting this demand for newer drugs with minimal side effects (Srivastava et al., 2000). Azadirachta indica leaves possessed good anti fungal activity, confirming the great potential of bioactive compounds and is useful for rationalizing the use of this plant in primary health care.