Antifungal Effect of Malaysian Neem Leaf Extract on Selected Fungal Species Causing Otomycosis in In-Vitro Culture Medium
- Author:
Puvan Arul Arumugam
;
Irfan Mohamad
;
Rosdan Salim
;
Zeehaida Mohamed
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Malaysian neem;
Azadirachta indica;
Otomycosis;
Aspergillus niger;
Candida albicans
- MeSH:
Azadirachta
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2015;11(2):69-84
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Azadirachta indica (neem) has been used for a long time in agricultural and alternative medicine. Neem
had been proved effective against certain fungi that could infect human body. This pilot study aims to
demonstrate the antifungal effect of Malaysian neem leaf extracts on the pathogenic fungi in otomycosis,
Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. This is a laboratory-controlled prospective study conducted at
Universiti Sains Malaysia. The powder form of Malaysian neem leaf was prepared. Ethanol and aqueous
extracts of the neem leaf was diluted with sterile water to establish five different concentrations of 50 g/
ml, 25 g/ml, 12.5 g/ml, 6.25 g/ml and 3.125g/ml. The extract was tested on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar
suspended with Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger respectively. Well diffusion method was used
and zone of inhibition was measured. Growth of the fungi was inhibited in both alcohol and aqueous
extract concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Malaysian neem aqueous extract
against Candida albicans was 11.91 g/ml, neem ethanol extract against Candida albicans was 5.16 g/
ml, neem aqueous extract against Aspergillus niger was 7.73 g/ml and neem ethanol extract against
Aspergillus niger was 9.25 g/ml. Statistical analysis showed that the antifungal activity of Candida
albicans is better in alcohol neem than aqueous extract (p<0.001) but aqueous neem extract is better than
alcohol extract (p<0.001) for Aspergillus niger.Malaysian neem has significant antifungal effect towards
Aspergillus niger, best in aqueous extract and towards Candida albicans, was best in alcohol extract.
- Full text:P020151209557286109360.pdf
