A Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Neem, Aloe Vera and Turmeric on Streptococcus Pyogenes, Streptococcus oralis And Staphylococcus Aureus - An In Vitro Study

Author(s): Devi praja, Vinola Duraisamy, Nandhini B. Selvarajan, Pradeep Daniel, Mallika Sampath Kumar, Vinith Preethem

Background: Odontogenic infections are treated with an extended spectrum penicillin especially ampicillin. But, these pathogens acquires resistance due to wide spread usage, remains as a major challenge with the newer generation of antibiotics. So, natural products, from the ancient times, used to cure various ailments and emerges as alternatives to prevent the development of resistant species.

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of neem, aloe vera and turmeric on Streptococcus pyogenes(S.pyogenes), Streptococcus oralis(S.oralis) and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus).

Methodology: Soxhlet extraction of Azadirachta indica (neem), Curcuma longa (turmeric) and direct extraction of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) aloe vera was done from the leaves. Petri plates containing 20 ml nutrient agar medium with 24 hr culture of S. aureus, S. pyogenes and S. oralis were subjected to concentrations of Neem, Turmeric and Aloe vera hydroalcoholic extracts (1000 µg/ml, 500 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml, and 100 µg/ml) and Ampicillin (positive control). These plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Antibacterial activity was assayed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone. The values were calculated using Graph Pad Prism 6.0 software.

Results: Ampicillin showed the maximum zone of inhibition on S.pyogenes and S. oralis, whereas Neem at 1000 ug/ml concentration showed a greater zone of inhibition against S.pyogenes and S. aureus, and Aloe vera showed maximum zone of inhibition on S. oralis.