Neem Gum (Azadirachta Indica) Solution Potential for Improbacterium Longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus Bacteria

Abstract

Neem gum is a liquid that comes out of the stems of neem plants (Azadirachta indica) that has hardened and become crystals. The content of neem gum has prebiotic potential to be used as a source of nutrients for lactic acid bacteria. Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus are lactic acid bacteria classified as beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria can selectively digest the content of soluble polysaccharides in neem gum. This study aims to determine the potential of neem gum solution (Azadirachta indica) to the viability value of B. longum and L. acidophilus bacteria. The viability of B. longum and L. acidophilus bacteria was calculated using the MTT assay method. The results showed that the viability value of both bacteria exposed to neem gum solution at concentrations of 5% (b/v), 10% (b/v), and 20% (b/v) increase compared to negative controls that were not given exposure to neem gum solution. Based on the study results, it is concluded that neem gum is effective in increasing the growth of bacteria B. longum and L. acidophilus.