Phytochemical Analysis of Azadirachta indica Bark from Zamfara State, North West Nigeria

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is extensively used in traditional medicine across northern Nigeria for its reputed antimicrobial, antipyretic, and antiparasitic properties, yet detailed chemical characterisation from specific northern localities is insufficient. This study performs qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the bark of Azadirachta indica trees collected from three local government areas in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Qualitative screening tests are conducted for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, steroids, phenols, and terpenoids using standard colorimetric and precipitation reactions. Quantitative determination employs spectrophotometric methods to measure total alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, and phenolic content expressed as gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts are prepared using maceration and hot water infusion methods respectively. Results are compared across extract types and seasonal collection periods to assess variability in secondary metabolite accumulation. It is anticipated that the ethanolic extract will yield higher phytochemical concentrations due to the greater solubility of non-polar compounds. Findings are discussed in relation to the biological activities attributed to identified compound classes and their potential for pharmaceutical prospecting. The study contributes ethnobotanical and chemical data useful for plant-derived product formulation in the North West geopolitical zone. Keywords: Azadirachta indica, neem bark, phytochemical analysis, Zamfara, ethnopharmacology