Bactericidal effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract on Helicobacter pylori

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of ethanolic extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf against Gram-negative, gastric pathogen, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Methodology: Extracts of neem leaf were prepared in different solventslike hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and ethanol. Antibacterial activity was estimated in terms of zone of inhibition by performing Agar cup diffusion assay. Depending on the diameter of zone of inhibition, ethyl acetate, acetone and ethanol extract of neem leaves were selected for Thin Layer Chromatography. The presence of photochemicals were detected using iodine fumigation. Elution Assay was done to detect the bioactive components of the ethanol extract. Results: Out of sixsolvents used, ethanol extract of neem leavesshowed the maximum zone of inhibition against H. pylori. TLC separation of ethyl acetate, acetone and ethanol extract of plant products showed dark brown bands of phytochemicals on silica-gel G 60 plates. The contact bioautography assay showed a zone of 15 mm. Elution assay and agar cup bioassay was performed against H. pylori and the loading spot showed a zone of 11 mm. Interpretation: The findings of the present study revealed the antibacterial potency of ethanolic extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf against Gram-negative gastric pathogen H. pylori. The ethanolic extract of neem leaf can be used as an effective natural remedy in combating H. pylori infection.