Effect of Azadirachta indica (neem) on the growth pattern of dermatophytes.

PURPOSE To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for the extracts of the leaves and seeds of the plant Azadirachta indica against various dermatophytes. METHODS Clinical isolates of dermatophytes(Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum nanum) were treated with extracts of leaves and seeds of the plant Azadirachta indica (neem) for antifungal activity by in vitro tube dilution technique. RESULTS The MIC of neem seed extracts was 31 microg/mL for all the dermatophytes tested. The neem seed extract at 15 microg/mL concentration (below MIC) was observed to be sufficient for distorting the growth pattern of the organisms tested. CONCLUSIONS The changes in growth curve of the treated dermatophytes were found to be statistically significant with reference to the untreated fungi.