Preliminary Studies on Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Effects of Neem Leaves

ABSTRACT

Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) collected in Binh Thuan province in May have been shown to contain alkaloids (0.66%), flavonoids (2.95), coumarins, reduced sugars and lipids. The alkaloid fraction gave 6 spots and the flavonoid fraction yielded 7 spots on this layer chromatography. Two substances, i.e., A6, an alkaloid and a flavonoid suspected to be Azadirachin A, have been isolated for further study. Liquid extract of Neem Leaves exerted anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida albicans