DETERMINATION OF IN-VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF NEEM AND NYCTANTHES FLOWERS

Pasupula Sri Varsha*, N. Shilpika, Shakapuram Neha, Regula Shirisha, Samruddhi Sapate and Shaik Saleem Uddin

ABSTRACT

Background: The term “antibacterial” refers to a substance, drug or chemical that can inhibit the growth of bacteria or destroy them completely. Antibacterial agents are most commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the human body, and to disinfect or sterilize surfaces. These agents work against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The crude extracts of cinnamon, garlic, basil, curry, ginger, sage, mustard, and other herbs also exhibit antimicrobial properties against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the current study we have selected Neem and Nyctanthes flowers. Objectives: To Extract active constituents from plant materials (flowers) using suitable solvents by maceration process and comparing its Antibacterial activity shown in combinational plant extracts with that of single plant extracts. Methods: The flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Azadirachta indica were collected, cleaned with water and dried and powdered. The dried plant material was subjected for extraction using ethanol for 7days, Dried and concentrated. The individual plant extracts and combined plant extracts were subjected for evaluation of Antibacterial activity using Agar cup plate method. Results and Discussion: The present study shows the ethanolic extracts of both Neem and Nycthanthes flowers containing phytochemicals showed synergistic anti bacterial activity when tested using in vitro method using Cefotaxime which is an Antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections such as Pneumonia, lung infections, STD‟s (like Gonorrhea) etc.

Keywords: Cefotaxime, Pneumonia, Gonorrhea, Anti bacterial activity.