Showing papers on "Azadirachta published in 2010"

Fractional characterisation of jatropha, neem, moringa, trisperma, castor and candlenut seeds as potential feedstocks for biodiesel production in Cuba

Abstract: A preliminary investigation on the suitability of various non-edible oil seeds for the integral utilisation of their fractions for production of biodiesel and other products was carried out. The oil seeds considered were jatropha (Jatropha curcas), neem (Azadirachta indica), moringa (Moringa oleifera), trisperma (Aleurites trisperma), castor beans (Ricinus communis) and candlenut (Aleurites moluccana). The highest oil content (62.0% (w/w)) was found in trisperma seeds, but the use of that oil for biodiesel production is restricted by its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oils of castor beans and moringa contained 86.0% of ricinoleic acid and 70.6% of oleic acid, respectively, while in the oils from the other seeds no predominance of any acid was observed. According to the oil yield and to the fatty acid composition of the oil, jatropha was identified as the most promising oil seed for biodiesel production in Cuba. All the press cakes were rich in protein, the highest content (68.6%) being detected in moringa cake. The investigation revealed that the husks of neem and moringa can be considered potential substrates for ethanol production due to their high cellulose content (approximately 30%). A high concentration (4.3%) of acetyl groups was found in neem husks, what is favourable for the hydrolytic conversion of polysaccharides to simple sugars. A high protein content (15.2%) was detected in moringa husks, which is a positive feature for lowering the cost of nutrient supplementation in ethanolic fermentation.

The neem limonoids azadirachtin and nimbolide inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in an animal model of oral oncogenesis.

Abstract: Limonoids from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have attracted considerable research attention for their cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines. However, the antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects of neem limonoids have not been tested in animal tumour models. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the relative chemopreventive potential of the neem limonoids azadirachtin and nimbolide in the hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis model by analyzing the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21waf1, cyclin D1, glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-P), NF-κB, inhibitor of κB (IκB), p53, Fas, Bcl-2, Bax, Bid, Apaf-1, cytochrome C, survivin, caspases-3, −6, −8 and −9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by RT-PCR, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses. The results provide compelling evidence that azadirachtin and nimbolide mediate their antiproliferative effects by downregulating proteins involved in cell cycle progression and transduce apoptosis by both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. On a comparative basis, nimbolide was found to be a more potent antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing agent and offers promise as a candidate agent in multitargeted prevention and treatment of cancer.

The neem limonoids azadirachtin and nimbolide induce cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.

Abstract: Limonoids from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have attracted considerable research attention in recent years owing to their potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects. The present study was designed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which azadirachtin and nimbolide exert cytotoxic effects in the human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line. Both azadirachtin and nimbolide significantly suppressed the viability of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase accompanied by p53-dependent p21 accumulation and down-regulation of the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin B, cyclin D1 and PCNA. Characteristic changes in nuclear morphology, presence of a subdiploid peak and annexin-V staining pointed to apoptosis as the mode of cell death. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species with decline in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome c confirmed that the neem limonoids transduced the apoptotic signal via ...

In vitro antioxidative acitivity of Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach Leaves by DPPH scavenging assay

Abstract: Medicinal plants are a major source of raw material for the traditional system like Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani. Even the modern system of medicine has more than 25 percent of drugs in use, which are either plant based or plant derived. Although several tree posses various medicinal properties, it has been ignored by indigenous & modern system of medicine. Among them Azadirachta indica & Melia azedarach belonging to family Meliaceae play a vital role in day to day usage of different indigenous communities due to its sacred and medicinal value. Recently there has been an upsurge of interest in the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants as antioxidants. In the course of finding potential antioxidant from plant source, two medicinal tree species belonging to family Meliaceae has been selected. Leaves were dried and extracted with different solvent systems namely water, ethanol & methanol. Antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay of six extracts from two genus of the family Meliaceae is reported & a comparison of the free radical scavenging ability of the extracts is emphasized. The result of the present study showed that the extract of Melia azedarach., which contains highest amount of phenolic compounds exhibited the greatest anti-oxidant activity in comparison to Azadirachta indica. The high scavenging property of may be due to hydroxyl groups existing in the phenolic compounds chemical structure that can provide the necessary components as a radical scavenger. (Nature and Science 2010; 8(4):22-28). (ISSN: 1545-0740).

Herbal Remedies of Azadirachta indica and its Medicinal Application

Abstract: The Neem tree ( Azadirachta indica ) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries i n the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today because it offers answers to the major concerns facing mankind.Neem (Azadirachta indica) is considered harmless to humans, animals, birds, beneficial inse cts and earthworms, and has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for use o n food crops. Azadirachtin and other active ingredients in the neem seed have insecticidal prop erties that are effective against a broad spectrum of insects, many mites and nematodes, and even snails and fungi, and do not seem to generate resistance in the pests they affect. Nowad ays, neem and its extracts are used in numerous herbal and allopathic medicines. What's mo re, even neem contraceptives are available in the market these days.Neem extract which have Ni mbinin, nimbandiol as active constituents, alcoholic extract of the leaves was found to posses s a significant blood sugar lowering effect, which are very useful against diabetes. Neem is use d in Dermatitis Eczema, Acne, Bacterial, Fungal infections and other skin disorders. It has demonstrated its effectiveness as a powerful antibiotic. Neem also has shown antiviral, anti-fun gal and anti-bacterial properties. It helps support a strong immune system and is used in cases of inflammatory skin conditions. Traditionally Neem has been used for skin and blood purifying conditions. Neem not only helps in curing diseases, but it also provides us with th e strength of fighting diseases by enhancing our immunity.

Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Six Plant Essential Oils Against Pathogenic Bacterial Strains

Abstract: In the present investigation antimicrobial activity of six different plant essential oils i.e., citrus (Citrus lemon), olive (Olea europaea), ajwain (Trachiyspirum ammi), almond (Amygdalus communis), Bavchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and neem (Azadirachta indica) oils have been evaluated. After bioassays, most of the essential oils were found susceptible to both Gram-positive bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli. For screening of antimicrobial susceptibility in each essential oil, both positive and negative controls were set to determine MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), MBC values (minimum bactericidal concentration) and growth inhibition zone diameters. Among all essential oils almond and neem oils were found to be highly bactericidal, as it has shown lowest MIC and MBC values and high growth inhibition zone diameter in comparison to antibiotics. Present study reveals significantly higher broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in es sential oils than antibiotics i.e., tetracycline, ampicillin and

Antifungal Activities of Some Leaf Extracts on Seed-borne Fungi of African Yam Bean Seeds, Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence

Abstract: The efficacy of leaf extracts of basil (Ocimum basilicum), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), lemon grass (Cymbopogen citratus), neem (Azadirachta indica) and paw-paw (Carica papaya) on major seed-borne fungi: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Botryodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium moniliforme of African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) seeds, and on seed germination and seedling emergence were studied in vitro and in vivo. All the plants leaf extracts (crude and aqueous) significantly (P . 0.05) reduced the incidence of seed-borne fungi tested and increased seed germination and seedling emergence except lemon grass leaf extract when compared with the untreated control. Neem extract was the most effective while lemon grass extract was the least. Crude extracts from all the plant leaves tested increased seed germination and seedling emergence of African yam bean seeds and gave significant (P. 0.05) reduction of mycelial growth of all the fungi tested when compared with their aqueous extracts. Leaf extracts of neem, basil, bitter leaf and paw-paw, which are cheap and environmentally safe, are promising for protecting African yam bean seeds against major seed-borne fungi and in the improvement of the crop.

Antiplasmodial Triterpenoids from the Fruits of Neem, Azadirachta indica

Abstract: Eight known and two new triterpenoid derivatives, neemfruitins A (9) and B (10), have been isolated from the fruits of neem, Azadirachta indica, a traditional antimalarial plant used by Asian and African populations. In vitro antiplasmodial tests evidenced a significant activity of the known gedunin and azadirone and the new neemfruitin A and provided useful information about the structure-antimalarial activity relationships in the limonoid class.

Assessment of antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of selected Malaysian plants.

Abstract: Thirteen Malaysian plants; Artocarpus champeden, Azadirachta indica, Fragaria x ananassa, Garcinia mangostana, Lawsonia inermis, Mangifera indica, Nephelium lappaceum, Nephelium mutobile, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Psidium guajava and Syzygium aqueum, selected for their use in traditional medicine, were subjected to a variety of assays. Antioxidant capability, total phenolic content, elemental composition, as well as it cytotoxity to several cell lines of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts from different parts of these selected Malaysian plants were determined. In general, the ethanolic extracts were better free radical scavengers than the aqueous extracts and some of the tested extracts were even more potent than a commercial grape seed preparation. Similar results were seen in the lipid peroxidation inhibition studies. Our findings also showed a strong correlation of antioxidant activity with the total phenolic content. These extracts when tested for its heavy metals content, were found to be below permissible value for nutraceutical application. In addition, most of the extracts were found not cytotoxic to 3T3 and 4T1 cells at concentrations as high as 100 μg/mL. We conclude that although traditionally these plants are used in the aqueous form, its commercial preparation could be achieved using ethanol since a high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity is associated with this method of preparation.

Transmission blocking activity of a standardized neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extract on the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei in its vector Anopheles stephensi.

Abstract: Background The wide use of gametocytocidal artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) lead to a reduction of Plasmodium falciparum transmission in several African endemic settings. An increased impact on malaria burden may be achieved through the development of improved transmission-blocking formulations, including molecules complementing the gametocytocidal effects of artemisinin derivatives and/or acting on Plasmodium stages developing in the vector. Azadirachtin, a limonoid (tetranortriterpenoid) abundant in neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae) seeds, is a promising candidate, inhibiting Plasmodium exflagellation in vitro at low concentrations. This work aimed at assessing the transmission-blocking potential of NeemAzal®, an azadirachtin-enriched extract of neem seeds, using the rodent malaria in vivo model Plasmodium berghei/Anopheles stephensi.

A comparative study of alpha amylase inhibitory activities of common anti-diabetic plants at Kharagpur 1 block

Abstract: In India, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is on the increase and needs to be addressed appropriately. In this study area, herbal remedies are considered convenient for management of Type 2 diabetes with postprandial hyperglycemia due to their traditional acceptability and availability, low costs, lesser side effects. Comparative evaluation of alpha amylase inhibitory activities of selected plants extracts. Kharagpur is situated in the Midnapur West district of West Bengal in India. In this district, diabetes prevalence is comparatively high. Ten common plants in IIT Kharagpur 1 Block namely, Acalypha indica, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Musa sapientum, Mangifera indica, Murraya, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus amarus and Tinospora cordifolia were tested for their alpha amylase inhibitory activities to establish anti-diabetic potentials. The plant extracts were prepared sequentially with petroleum ether, hexane, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous. The extracts obtained were subjected to in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory assay using starch azure as a substrate and porcine pancreatic amylase as the enzyme. Statistical difference and linear regression analysis were performed by using Graphpad prism 5 statistical software. Ethanol extracts of Mangifera indica, Azadirachta indica and petroleum ether extract of Murraya koenigii (at a concentrations 10-100μg/ml) showed maximum percentage inhibition on alpha amylase activity with an IC50 value of 37.86 ± 0.32μg/ml, 62.99 ± 1.20μg/ml and 59.0 ± 0.51μg/ml respectively when compared with acarbose (IC50 value 83.33 ± 0.75μg/ml). The results showing that Mangifera indica, Azadirachta indica and Murraya koenigii might be effective in lowering post prandial hyperglycemia. Key words: Alpha amylase inhibition, plant extracts, postprandial hyperglycemia

Comparative antimicrobial activities of Neem, Amla, Aloe, Assam Tea and Clove extracts against Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract: This study was undertaken to identify medicinal plants that are effective against multiple human pathogens and to partially purify the active component through thin layer chromatography. Antibacterial activity of selected plant extracts were assayed by agar cup diffusion. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined against all the pathogens. Sensitivity of the pathogens was also checked with four standard antibiotics. In addition, the stabilities of the active compounds were checked at different temperature and pH conditions. Extracts were separated using TLC and relative mobilities of bioactive components were determined by contact bioautography. Ethanolic extracts of Amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit, Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, Aloe (Aloe vera) leaves, Assam Tea (Camellia sinensis assamica) leaves and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) buds were found to inhibit the growth of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio choleraeand Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioactive components were stable over a range of pH values and temperatures. Key words: Azadirachta indica, Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis assamica, Syzygium aromaticum, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aqueous extract from different medicinal plants as anticoccidial, growth promotive and immunostimulant in broilers.

Abstract: A study was planned to investigate the role of aqueous extract from Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Berberry (Berberis lycium) fed in-mix for their effect upon growth performance, immunomostimulant and anticoccidial in broilers. Two hundred and fourty chicks were randomly allocated in to four groups A, B, C and D, and further into two subgroups, each consisted of three replicates of 10 chicks per replicate. All the birds were raised in individual pens beneath the same house operating under conventional deep litter, open sided housing system. Group A was treated as control, whereas group B, C and D were watered with the corresponding recipe: a mixture of aqueous extract from Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Berberry (Berberis lycium). Recipe B consisted of aqueous extract of 2, 4, 1, 8; recipe C of 3, 5, 2, and 9 and recipe D of 4, 6, 3, and 10 g of Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Berberry (Berberis lycium) respectively, mixed per liter drinking water. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Growth rate, immune performance against Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious bursal disease and Coccidiosis were response parameters. At the end of research trail, weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were non-significantly varied. Better Immune performance (P<0.05) was found in recipe-D treatment against ND, IB and IBD. A significant decrease in coccidial oocysts per gram of feaces was registered in recipe-D. Mean gross return was non significantly varied. Present findings suggest that aqueous mixed extract of medicinal plants is better for immunomodulatory response against ND, IB, and IBD and to reduce coccidial oocysts burden, without affecting growth of the broilers.

Leaf litterfall, fine root production and turnover in four major tree species of the semi-arid region of India

Abstract: Litterfall and fine root production is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. We investigated leaf litterfall, fine-root mass, production and turnover rate in the upper soil (0–30 cm) under four major tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Prosopis juliflora) of the semi-arid region of India. All the four tree species showed an unimodal peak of leaf litterfall with distinct seasonality. Leucaena leucocephala and Acacia nilotica had maximum leaf litterfall between September and December while Azadirachta indica and Prosopis juliflora shed most of their leaves between February and May. Annual leaf litterfall of the four species ranged from 3.3 Mg ha−1 (Leucaena leucocephala) to 8.1 Mg ha−1 (Prosopis juliflora). Marked seasonal variations in amount of fine root biomass were observed in all the four tree species. Fine root production was maximum in Prosopis juliflora (171 g m−2 y−1) followed by Azadirachta indica (169 g m−2 y−1), Acacia nilotica (106 g m−2 y−1) and Leucaena leucocephala (79 g m−2 y−1). Fine root biomass showed a seasonal peak after the rainy season but fell to its lowest value during the winter and dry summer season. Fine root turnover rate ranged from 0.56 to 0.97 y−1 and followed the order Azadirachta indica > Leucaena leucocephala > Prosopis juliflora > Acacia nilotica. The results of this study demonstrated that Prosopis juliflora and Azadirachta indica had greater capability for maintaining site productivity as evidenced from greater leaf litterfall and fine root production.

Corrosion inhibition and adsorption properties of Azadirachta indica mature leaves extract as green inhibitor for mild steel in HNO3

Abstract: The corrosion inhibition and adsorption properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica – AZI) mature leaves extract as a green inhibitor of mild steel (MS) corrosion in nitric acid (HNO3) solutions have been studied using a gravimetric technique for experiments conducted at 30 and 60°C. The results disclose that the different concentrations of the AZI extract inhibit MS corrosion and that inhibition efficiency of the extract varies with concentration and temperature. For extract concentrations studied and ranging from 9.09 to 28.57 mg/L, the maximum inhibition efficiency was 80.5 and 80.07% both at 28.57 mg/L AZI at 30 and 60°C, respectively, in 2.0 N HNO3. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the MS surface was exothermic and consistent with the physical adsorption mechanism, best described by the Frumkin adsorption isotherm.

Phytotoxic effect of selected crude plant extracts on soil-borne fungi of common bean

Abstract: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food and cash crop particularly in Eastern, Southern and Great lake region. The efficacy of water based crude plant extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta), Tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) and Peri-winkle (Vinca rosea) in controlling soil-borne fungi (Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f. sp. phaseoli) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was studied in the western province of Kenya. Thirty farms were used in the study carried out in August-September 2005 and March-June 2006. Broth microdilution method was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All crude plant extracts controlled Fusarium yellows with varying efficacy. Neem extract was the most effective, while peri-winkle was the least. Wilt incidence was not affected by dosage regime. Neem is inhibitory to Fusarium growth at lower dosage than tobacco, Mexican marigold and peri-winkle with MIC ranging between 2.5 and 10.0 mg ml-1

Comparative studies on anti-inflammatory activity of Coriandrum sativum, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica.

Abstract: Coriandrum sativum, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica are traditionally used in treatment of inflammation. Ethanolic extracts of fruits of Coriandrum sativum, leaves of Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica were subjected to preliminary screening for anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats. All ethanolic extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the standard drug Diclofenac sodium against carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. Among these plant Azadirachta indica showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity every hour.

Rapid in vitro cloning of a 40-year-old tree of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem) employing nodal stem segments

Abstract: An efficient in vitro process for rapid clonal propagation of a 40-year-old tree of Azadirachta indica employing nodal stem segments was developed. Season of collection and maturity of explants showed direct influence on bud-break. Nodal stem segments collected during the month of April gave best response. Maximum bud-break (78.6–81%) was obtained when middle order nodes (3rd or 4th node from apex) were taken. Amongst different cytokinins used, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at the concentration of 1.11 μM was found most effective in inducing multiple shoots, whereas inorganic and organic constituents of the medium influenced growth and general condition of proliferating shoots. On an average 3.1 shoots per explant were regenerated in modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.11 μM BAP, 1.43 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 81.43 μM adenine hemisulphate. Isolated shoots were rooted in presence of 2.46 μM indole-3-butryic acid (IBA). Root induction took place in 8–10 days with 100% rooting. The in vitro-raised plantlets were successfully transplanted in potted soil and finally grown under field conditions with 100% survival. The genetic fidelity of such in vitro-raised field-grown plants was ascertained by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Furthermore, the azadirachtin content of in vitro-cloned plants was found comparable to the mother tree proving their chemical stability also. The protocol developed holds good for in vitro cloning of mature elite neem trees.

Effects of Azadirachtin and Neem-based Formulations for the Control of Sweetpotato Whitefly and Root-knot Nematode

Abstract: Toxicity of the plant-derived natural pesticide azadirachtin and two types of commercial neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss)-based formulations, Neema (liquid type) and Neema-plus (pellet type), were evaluated based on the mortality rate and developmental inhibition of the sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). In a laboratory assay, when B. tabaci adults were fed leaves containing 5 or 10 ppm of azadirachtin solutions, the rates of female oviposition, subsequent egg hatch, and adult eclosion were significantly reduced to 23.1, 53.2, and 26.6% of the control, respectively. At a tomato greenhouse, the rates of adult colonization, oviposition and egg hatch were reduced to 78.2, 47.0, and 71.2% by Neema foliar spray and 31.3, 34.1, and 66.8% by soil treatment with Neema-plus relative to the control, respectively. When isolated soil nematodes were exposed to various concentrations of azadirachtin, Neema, and Neema-plus, the immobility of juvenile nematodes showed no change at 2 h after treatment, whereas a reduction of 36.3% was observed at day 1 with 10 ppm of azadirachtin. Nevertheless, the effects of neem formulations were faster and much higher than those of azadirachtin. At a cucumber greenhouse, soil treatments with neem formulations significantly reduced the numbers of soil nematodes and plant root-knots; the reduction with Neema was 12.1 and 9.0%, and with Neema-plus 26.4 and 24.6% of the control, respectively. Furthermore, soil treatment with Neemaplus greatly improved the growth of cucumber plants in nematode-infested pots. These results showed that azadirachtin and neem-based formulations were highly effective on the developmental inhibition of both whiteflies and root-knot nematodes. Thus, soil application of the neem-based formulations would be applicable for the control of both leaf-sucking and soil pests.

Medicinal properties of fractionated acetone/water neem [Azadirachta indica] leaf extract from Nigeria: a review.

Abstract: The global scenario is now supporting the development of modern drugs from less toxic plant products with proven medicinal properties. Each part of neem plant [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] reportedly have various medicinal properties and has been in use in many continents for centuries. Recently, a fractionated neem-leaf extract known as IRAB with reported activities against Malaria, HIV/AIDS and cancer has been developed into a drug and currently marketed in Nigeria as IRACAP. This paper reviews the medicinal properties, clinical studies and safety concerns of this fractionated acetone-water neem leaves extract as a footstep to further studies both on the extract and/or its chemical constituents.

Hypoglycaemic effect of moringa oleifera and azadirachta indica in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate clinically the hypoglycemic effect of seeds of Moringa oleifera and Azadirachta indica in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. About 55 type-2 diabetes (36 men and 19 women) in the age group of 30-60 years were selected from the Hospital of Acharya Nagarjuna University and Diabetic Care hospital, Guntur and divided into two Experimental (n=46) and control group (n=9). The first two experimental were administered Moringa oleifera leaves powder (8gm) and Azadirachta indica seeds powder (6gm) per day respectively in three divided doses for 40 days. The third group of 9 subjects did not receive any treatment and were designated as the control group. There was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (p<0.01), the post prandial blood glucose levels (p<0.05) of the subjects in the two groups showed significant reduction, while there was no reduction in the control group. A significant reduction in the mean blood lipid levels of the subjects who were administered the two herbal powders was observed. Among the two herbs selected Moringa oleifera leaves powder was found to be more effective followed by Azadirachta indica seeds powder.

The effect of sub-lethal doses of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) oil on the midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Abstract: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the major field pests for maize production. It is mainly controlled by means of synthetic, and more recently by resistant cultivar of maize expressing Bt toxins. The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a plant that can potentially control insects with the advantage of being food and environmental safe. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of neem oil on the development and survival of S. frugiperda caterpillars by assessing histological alterations caused on their midgut. Newly hatched caterpillars were submitted to three neem oil concentrations: 0.006; 0.05; 0.4%, which were added to their artificial diet. Ten 3rd instar caterpillars, taken from each treatment, were submitted to histological analysis. The alimentary canals from the specimens were fixed in Baker for 12 hours, desiccated and diaphanized in alcohol/xylol (1:1) and xylol. After placing the samples in paraffin, they were sliced in 8 µm sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain. The neem oil added to the diet of S. frugiperda caused total mortality at dose of 0.4% whilst still in the first instars, prolonged the larval and pupal stages, and reduced the pupal weight. Histo-physiological alterations such as degeneration of the epithelial lining of the midgut and in the peritrophic matrix were found at all concentrations of neem oil.

Larvicidal effects of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum and Hyptis suaveolens against mosquito larvae

Abstract: The potency of petroleum ether leaf extracts of A. indica (Juss), O. gratissimum (L.) and H. suavoelens (L.) Poit as mosquito larvicides under laboratory conditions was investigated. Leaf extracts of test plants were extracted, distillated and evaporated using soxhlet apparatus. Twenty five larvae of culex mosquito species were exposed to various concentrations and observed over 24 hr for susceptibility. 100% mortality was achieved by A. indica at concentrations 40% and 35% and O. gratissimum at concentration of 50% after 24hrs while H. suaveolens at 60% which showed no significant effect as mosquito larvicide (P≤0.05). At concentration of 30% of each extract, mortality rate dropped to 96%, 99.2% and 1.34% for A. indica, O. gratissimum and H . suaveolens respectively. LD50 values of 14.3, 11.40 and 66.83 for A. indica , O. gratissimum and H. suaveoleus were obtained. Mortality rate over second and third hours were significantly lower (p< 0.05) and after 24hrs of exposure, no significant difference was observed between A. indica and O. gratissimum. H. suaveolens did not show any effective larvicidal activity at all concentrations and time. This present study provided evidence of larvicidal of O. gratissimum and A. indica petroleum ether extracts to have potential utilization as a larvicide to control culex mosquito and its borne diseases.

[Action of extract and oil neem in the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) in laboratory]

Abstract: Organic plant extracts and emulsified oil of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) (neem) were studied to evaluate its effects in control of engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) in the laboratory. Hexane and alcoholic organic extracts, 2% (weight/volume) were used in tests of immersion for 5 minutes, prepared with seeds, solubilized in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to 1%. The experiment was entirely randomized, consisting of 6 treatments and 5 replicates, each represented by 5 ticks. Control groups consisted of untreated females. Based on the results of this work, we can indicate that the seed extract (hexanic fraction) and oleo emulsionavel I¹ concentration to 2% have significant adjuvant potential to control the cattle tick, because, cause the mortality in the first days after the treatment and interfere in the reproduction, showing to be an alternative to acaricides normally used.

Biological action and medicinal properties of various constituent of Azadirachta indica(Meliaceae)” an Overview

Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Biologically active ingredients of this plant have diverse applications. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. These compounds belong to the natural products called triterpenoids. (Limonoids). Alkali treated neem cake performed significantly better when incorporated into poultry feeds. Several animals and plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viral, protozoan and Helminthes are sensitive to neem preparations, with antiseptic properties. NSO and leaves extract significantly inhibited fertility in males, but not anti-ovulatory, hence “sensal” a contraceptive. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the biological activities of some of the neem compounds isolated, pharmacological actions of the neem extracts, clinical studies and plausible medicinal applications of neem along with their safety evaluation.