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Saudi Journal of Biomedical Research (SJBR)
Volume-11 | Issue-06 | 128-131
Original Research Article
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Azadirachta indica Bark Extract Combined with Curcuma longa Rhizome Extract Against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria
Anitha Jose, Sonia Anna Zachariah
Published : June 2, 2026
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2026.v11i06.001
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria has become a major global health concern due to the reduced effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. The present study evaluated the synergistic antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica (neem) bark extract combined with Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizome extract against selected multidrug resistant bacterial isolates. Ethanolic extracts of neem bark and turmeric rhizome were prepared and tested individually as well as in combination (1:1 ratio) using the disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Chloramphenicol was used as the positive control, while ethanol served as the negative control. The combined extract demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the individual extracts, indicating a synergistic effect between neem and turmeric. Maximum inhibition was observed against S. aureus (20 mm), followed by B. cereus (18 mm), E. coli (10 mm), and P. aeruginosa (8 mm). Individual extracts showed comparatively lower inhibition zones. The results suggest that the synergistic interaction of phytochemicals such as curcumin, flavonoids, tannins, and azadirachtin may contribute to the improved antibacterial effect. This study highlights the potential of combined medicinal plant extracts as natural alternative antimicrobial agents against multidrug resistant pathogens.
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