Phytochemical Analysis and their Antimicrobial Potential Against the Phytopathogens of Brinjal and Chillies Plants

The medicinal plants are laden with numerous effective pharmacological agents that provide an alternative means of therapy to various infections caused by drug resistant bacteria or dreadful diseases like cancer and other physiological disorders. Azadirachta indica commonly known as Neem, belongs to Meliaceae family and it is well known in India and its neighbour countries for more than 200 years as one of the most versatile medicinal plant that has a wide spectrum of biological activity Cunha, (2001); Dhar et al., (1979). The first indication that Neem was being used in medical treatment was about 4500 years ago during the high point of the Indian Harappa culture, one of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world. In fact, neem (A. indica), is the most useful traditional medical plant in India. Every part of the tree has been used as a traditional medicine for household remedy against various human ailments, from antiquity. Besides that, Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda, Yunani and homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. Neem has shown to be an excellent wound healer. The antiseptic and healing properties of neem make it an excellent first aid for minor cuts and abrasions. The plant has the ability to increase vascular permeability by increasing the blood flow and by helping the body to rapidly create collagen fibers to close wounds (Ellof, 1998; Evans, 2002 and Gislene et al., 2000). Neem also plays a role in treating skin burns. Besides, neem has been reported to have antipyretic compounds that have traditionally been used to reduce fevers. Studies done by Sharma et al., 2011, has demonstrated that the methanol extract from neem leaves exert an antipyretic effect in male rabbits, which is caused by the same virus, as chickenpox, at the surface level if took internally during times of stress. It can inactivate the viruses, and preventing the virus from multiplying sufficiently to cause an outbreak (Dev, 1979; Grayer RJ and Harborne JB 1994). Neem leaves have been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While more scientific research is needed, studies suggest potential benefits for skin health, blood sugar management, and more. Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) has been traditionally used for various ailments, supported by compounds that offer potential benefits for immune support, heart health, and digestion. It is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and flavonoids like hesperidin, which may help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Other uses include aiding in the prevention of kidney stones due to its citrate content, and helping with digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea.  Rose petals have various medicinal uses, including calming anxiety, reducing inflammation, soothing skin irritation, and easing digestive and menstrual issues. They can be consumed as a tea, used topically, or inhaled through aromatherapy, and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins like C and A.  Plants produce several secondary metabolite compounds including alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, flavanoids, saponins, steroids and terpenoids to protect themselves from the continuous attack of naturally occurring pathogens, insect pests and environmental stresses (Ebel, 1986). The activity of these compounds also depends on the method and solvent used for extraction, its concentration and structure (Ateb DA and Erdo Url OT., 2003). Therefore, the significance of this study is to analysis phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract and aqueous extract from neem leaf and determine the potential of these extracts against phytopathogens (Harborne JB, 1988 & 1989; Mansfield JW, 2000).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Collection of plant material

The fresh Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves were collected from neem trees at Nexus Research Institute, Guntur. Rose petals and Orange peels or Citrus sinensis were also collected from the Guntur market (Fig. 1). They were washed under running tab water for 5 minutes in order to remove the dust particles stuck on their surface. They were allowed to dry for 10 days at room temperature. The dried material were then blended using dry blender to obtain the powder form for more efficient and effective organic extraction. For aqueous extraction, the disease free and fresh plants were selected. About 10 g of fresh and healthy leaves, peels and flowers were taken and surface sterilized with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 20 seconds. Again the leaves, peels and flower were washed thoroughly with distilled water (Bhandarkar and Khan. 2003; Bhattacharjee et al., 2006).