Insignificant anti-acne activity of Azadirachta indica leaves and bark

Abstract

Background and Aim: Azadirachta indica has a long history of medicinal usage in skin ailments due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was undertaken to explore the potential of the leaves and bark of Azadirachta indica in the treatment of acne. Materials and Methods: Monographic analysis of the plant was carried out, followed by the phytochemical screening of the sequential extracts of leaves and bark of Azadirachta indica. The results indicated presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, and tannins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the test extracts indicated the presence of many phytoconstituents in dichloromethane and methanolic extracts namely stigmasterol, nimbiol, sugiol, 4-cymene, α-terpinene terpinen-4-ol, and vitamin E. The test extracts were evaluated against acne causing bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 2639), and Propionibacterium acnes (MTCC *1951), for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, using agar disc diffusion method. Results: Dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica showed very little activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, but did not show any antimicrobial activity against P. acnes. Conclusion: Despite possessing antibacterial properties, Azadirachta indica showed insignificant effect against acne causing bacteria.