Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antimalarial activity of Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica is a very useful traditional medicinal plant in the sub-continent and each part of the tree has some medicinal properties. The plant is native to Asia, but has now naturalized in West Africa and is widely cultivated in Nigeria as an ornamental as well as medicinal plant. Fresh leaves of the plant were collected, dried, homogenized and extracted using 95% Ethanol, Methanol and Acetone. Phytochemical analysis gave positive results for steroids, triterpinoids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins. This study aimed at screening the active components and the antibacterial effects of the Ethanol, Methanol and Acetone. Leaf extract of Azadiracta indica contains pharmacologically active constituents that may be responsible for its activity against P. falcifarum in vitro and P. vivax in vivo model. Therefore, the use of Neem plant in our community for treating diverse medical ailments especially infectious diseases is highly justified.