Abstract :
In this study, Neem oil, soap and a combination of neem oil neem oil soap and some already existing antimicrobial drugs, lamisil and whitfield oil (1:1 and 2:1v/v) were tested on cultured samples of bacteria and fungi. Neem oil was found to be inactive against Epidermophyton floccosum and Trychophyton tonsurans on its own but significantly increased the activity of lamisil and whitfield ointments when combined with them. Neem soap also showed some activity against the two samples of fungi. Neem oil showed considerable activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. It was observed that, the combination of neem oil and other known antimicrobial drug was more effective in the inhibition of the growth of these bacteria. Neem oil on its own may not elicit the desired activity but a mixture of neem oil and other medicinal compounds could reduce the fatality of microbial infections.
