Antimicrobial Activity of Azadirachta Indica (neem) Leaf Extract Against Propionibacterium Acnes.

ABSTRACT
Acne vulgaris, a common skin condition, which is primarily caused by the bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in P. acnes has prompted the exploration of alternative treatments. The study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract against P. acnes. Neem, known for its diverse medicinal properties, contains bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial effects. The extracts were prepared by collecting the leaves, drying and grinding it to powder. Ethanol and distilled water were the solvents used. A Waterbath was used to aid the evaporation process. A total of 15 pus samples were aseptically collected from the faces of students with Acne vulgaris. Gram staining and biochemical tests were conducted on the 15 samples. Propionibacterium acnes was successfully isolated and identified from the pus samples collected using cultural and morphological characteristics. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoid and alkaloids. Different concentrations (i.e 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 12.5mg/ml and 6.25mg/ml) of both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. indica leaves were prepared and tested using the agar well diffusion method to determine their inhibitory effects on P. acnes. Results demonstrated that the Neem extracts did not exhibit significant antibacterial activity at all concentrations. While these phytochemical compounds are theoretically effective against Propionibacterium acnes, their activity under the tested conditions was limited. Other factors like plant specie, geological settings, climate, extraction method, solvents used and temperature could have influenced the outcome of the results.