Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Leaves and Twigs of Azadirachta indica A. Juss

Azadiracheta indica A. Juss commonly known as Neem belongs to family Meliaceae. Each part of A. indica has been used extensively for various ailments. In the present study A. indica leaves and twigs were shade dried and made into powder. This powdered material was subjected for extraction using ethanol (10gm powder in 100ml ethanol). Ethanol extracts (EE) of leaves and twigs were qualitatively screened for the presence of phytochemicals viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols and steroids. The in vitro antibacterial potential of ethanol extract of leaves and twigs against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus MSSA (ATCC 25923) and E. Coli (ATCC 25922) was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).   Ethanol extract of A. indica leaves showed favorable MIC values than the ethanol extract of twigs against MSSA whereas against E. coli both the MIC values are comparable. In conclusion, both ethanol extracts of A. indica leaves and twigs were found to have potent antibacterial activity against MSSA and E. Coli.