Antibacterial activity of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil: a preliminary report.

The antibacterial activity of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil in vitro against fourteen strains of pathogenic bacteria was assessed. Using the tube dilution technique, it was observed that 57.14 and 21.42% of the pathogens were inhibited at 500 microl/ml; 14.28 and 71.42% at 125 microl/ml; and 28.57 and 7.14% at 250 microl/ml of Karanj and Neem oils, respectively. The activity with both the oils was bactericidal and independent of temperature and energy. Most of the pathogens were killed more rapidly at 4 degrees C than 37 degrees C. The activity was mainly due to the inhibition of cell-membrane synthesis in the bacteria.