PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NEEM LEAF (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) EXTRACT AGAINST SKIN PATHOGENS

Skin infections caused by bacterial and opportunistic fungal pathogens remain a significant global health problem, exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. One promising alternative is the use of medicinal plant extracts, including neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), which is rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of neem leaf ethanol extract against selected skin pathogens. This study employed an experimental laboratory design with a quantitative approach. The extract was prepared using maceration and tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed to identify the secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method to determine the Diameter of Inhibition Zones (DIZ), with triplicate replications. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of p<0.05. The results revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics, with a high total phenolic content. The extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis (p<0.05), moderate activity against C. albicans, and weak inhibition against P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the hypothesis was accepted, confirming that neem leaf extract exhibits antimicrobial activity, thereby strengthening the scientific evidence for its potential as a standardized phytopharmaceutical candidate for topical adjuvant therapy in mild skin infection.

 Keywords: Azadirachta sp, phytochemistry, antimicrobial, skin pathogens, resistance