ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF GOTUKOLA LEAVES AND NEEM LEAVES - A COMPARATIVE INVITRO STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The study was done to assess and compare the antimicrobial activity of gotukola leaves and neem leaves using different solvents against test pathogens. Materials and method: An experimental invitro study was conducted to assess antimicrobial activity of gotukola leaves and neem leaves. Test pathogens used in this study are Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophillus and Candida albicans. Fresh gotu kola leaves and neem leaves were collected. The leaves were dried and powdered. 25gms of powdered neem leaves and gotu kola leaves were dissolved in 75ml of the solvents (i.e., Hexane, Ethyl acetate and Acetone) separately. The bottles were kept in the orbital shaking incubator at 370c for about 3 days. On the 4th day, solvents were filtered and evaporate. The weighed extract was dissolved in 3 ml of dimethyl sulphoxide. Agar-well diffusion method was employed for microbiological analysis and the zone of inhibition of the growth was measured. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: Both neem leaves and gotukola leaves had an effect against Steptococcus mutans with neem leaves having more effect than gotukola leaves. Gotukola leaves had much better effect against Lactobacillus acidophillus than neem leaves with hexane as a solvent and showing no effect with ethyl acetate as a solvent. Gotukola leaves also showed mild effect against Candida albicans whereas neem leaves showed no effect. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that gotu kola leaves had an better effect than neem leaves against Lactobacillus acidophillus with hexane as a solvent and it was statistically significant (P<0.05). Gotu kola leaves also have mild effect against Candida albicans with acetone, hexane and ethyl acetate as a solvent.