Anti-microbial activity of a new vaginal contraceptive NIM-76 from neem oil (Azadirachta indica).
Efficacy of NIM-76, a spermicidal fraction from neem oil, was investigated for its antimicrobial action against certain bacteria, fungi and Polio virus as compared to whole neem oil. The NIM-76 preparation showed stronger anti-microbial activity than the whole neem oil. It inhibited growth of various pathogens tested including Escherichia coli and Kleibsiella pneumoniae which were not affected by the whole neem oil. NIM-76 also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and antiviral activity against Polio virus replication in vero cell lines. It also protected mice from systemic candidiasis as revealed by enhanced % survival and reduced colony forming units of C. albicans in various tissues. This shows that NIM-76 has a potent broad spectrum anti-microbial activity.
SaiRam
M
M
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Ministry of Defence, Timarpur, -1 10054, Delhi, India.
Ilavazhagan
G
G
Sharma
S K
SK
Dhanraj
S A
SA
Suresh
B
B
Parida
M M
MM
Jana
A M
AM
Devendra
K
K
Selvamurthy
W
W
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017955:Poliovirus / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; C095602:DK 1; D010938:Plant Oils