In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta Indica

Objective: The study was to evaluate the antidermatophytic activity of the ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract of Neem ( Azadirachta indica) leaves against dermatophytes isolated from patients with dermatophytosis. Methods: Clinical samples from 200 patients were subjected to (KOH) examination and culture isolation. Causative agents were identified macroscopically and microscopically. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by broth dilution method and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for the solvent extract of the leaves of the plant Azadirachta indica against the isolated dermatophytes was determined. Results: Dermatophytes were isolated in 126/200 specimens.Of the three solvents used, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract was found to be more active inhibiting 100% of the isolates at a concentration of 125μg/ml. Conclusion: In conclusion ethanolic and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica plant can be used to treat infections with dermatophytic fungi.