Investigating the Efficacy of Neem Leaves as Mosquito Repellent

Abstract

Herbal plants might have a great potential to be used as antimicrobial agents. Ethanolic leaf extracts of neem were investigated for the presence of phytochemical, physicochemical and their antimicrobial activities at various concentrations against some selected clinical microbes (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) using standard methods. Qualitative phytochemical results showed that the ethanolic leaf extracts contained phytochemicals constituents such as alkaloids, falavonoids, terpenoids and saponin were assayed except glycosides, phenols and tannins were all absent in the extracts of neem. The physicochemical parameters of the extract revealed the pH to be 6.42 while the iodine value was 0.634 and the electric conductivity was 48.2. The results of the antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extract of neem leaves were effective on the tests organisms (Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp) at various concentrations and also sensitive against cefraxone at same concentration. In this study, neem ethanolic extracts exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity of neem extract varies widely, depending on the type of herb on the test medium, and microorganism. For these reasons, neem leaf might not be considered as excellent antimicrobials agents.