Showing papers on "Azadirachta published in 2011"
TL;DR: Three endophytic actinomycetes strains recovered from surface sterilized root tissues of Azadirachta indica A. Juss have the potential as plant growth promoters as well as a bio‐control agent, which is a useful trait for crop production in nutrient deficient soils.
Abstract: Three endophytic actinomycetes strains recovered from surface sterilized root tissues of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), plants were selected through tests for their potential as bio-control and plant growth promoting agents. It was also observed that the seed treated with the spore suspension of three selected strains of Streptomyces, significantly promoted plant growth and antagonized the growth of Alternaria alternata, causal agent of early blight disease in tomato plant. It was observed that the three selected strains prolifically produce IAA and siderophores that play vital role in promotion of plant growth and in suppression of Alternaria alternata. Interestingly, Streptomyces strain AzR-051 produced the highest amount of IAA at 13.73 μmol ml(-1) , compared to strains AzR-049 and AzR-010 9.22 μmol ml(-1) and 10.43 μmol ml(-1) respectively. It also produces siderophores higher than the other two strains. Thus these endophytic isolates have the potential as plant growth promoters as well as a bio-control agent, which is a useful trait for crop production in nutrient deficient soils.
209 citations
DOI•
30 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The present study will be successful in identifying candidate plant with different antimicrobial activity which could be further exploited for isolation and characterization of the novel phytochemicals in the treatment of infectious disease especially in light of the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and the need to produce more effective antimicrobial agents.
Abstract: Aqueous ethanolic extract of four medicinal plants were subjected to in vitro antibacterial assay against human pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa employing cup diffusion method. Among four plants tested Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) was found to be the most effective against S. typhi. All the plants were ineffective against E. coli and K. pneumonia. Achyranthes bidentata was found to be ineffective against all the tested organisms. The largest zone of inhibition (22 mm) was obtained with E. caryophyllata against S. typhi and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value of 5 mg/l was obtained with Azadirachta indica against S. typhi. K. pneumoniae and E. coli were found to be resistant with all the plant extracts. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and reducing sugars. Thin layer chromatography was also performed using solvent system chloroform, methanol and water (10:10:3) for the analysis of lipid present in plant extract. The present study will be successful in identifying candidate plant with different antimicrobial activity which could be further exploited for isolation and characterization of the novel phytochemicals in the treatment of infectious disease especially in light of the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and the need to produce more effective antimicrobial agents.
Key words: Antibacterial property, drug resistance, medicinal plant, zone of inhibition.
200 citations
TL;DR: The cogent data on the anticancer biology of products from A. indica deserve multi-institutional clinical trials as early as possible, so the prospects of relatively cheaper cancer drugs could be brighter, particularly for the under-privileged cancer patients of the world.
Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica), a member of the Meliaceae family, is a fast growing tropical evergreen tree with a highly branched and stout, solid stem. Because of its tremendous therapeutic, domestic, agricultural and ethnomedicinal significance, and its proximity with human culture and civilization, neem has been called "the wonder tree" and "nature's drug store." All parts of this tree, particularly the leaves, bark, seed-oil and their purified products are widely used for treatment of cancer. Over 60 different types of biochemicals including terpenoids and steroids have been purified from this plant. Pre-clinical research work done during the last decade has fine-tuned our understanding of the anticancer properties of the crude and purified products from this plant. The anticancer properties of the plant have been studied largely in terms of its preventive, protective, tumor-suppressive, immunomodulatory and apoptotic effects against various types of cancer and their molecular mechanisms. This review aims at scanning scattered literature on "the anticancer biology of A. indica," related toxicity problems and future perspectives. The cogent data on the anticancer biology of products from A. indica deserve multi-institutional clinical trials as early as possible. The prospects of relatively cheaper cancer drugs could then be brighter, particularly for the under-privileged cancer patients of the world.
159 citations
138 citations
TL;DR: Limonoids isolated from Azadirachta indica seed extracts exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HL60 leukemia cells with IC(50) values in the range 2.7-3.1 μM, suggesting that compounds 7, 18, and 28 induced apoptotic cell death in HL60 cells via both the mitochondrial- and the death receptor-mediated pathways.
Abstract: Thirty-five limonoids, including 15 of the azadiradione type (1-15), five of the gedunin type (16-20), four of the azadirachtin type (21-24), nine of the nimbin type (25-33), and two degraded limonoids (34, 35), isolated from Azadirachta indica seed extracts, were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines. Seven compounds (3, 6, 7, 16, 18, 28, and 29) exhibited cytotoxic activity against one or more cell lines. Among these compounds, 7-deacetyl-7-benzoylepoxyazadiradione (7), 7-deacetyl-7-benzoylgeduin (18), and 28-deoxonimbolide (28) exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HL60 leukemia cells with IC(50) values in the range 2.7-3.1 μM. Compounds 7, 18, and 28 induced early apoptosis in HL60 cells, observed by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis showed that compounds 7, 18, and 28 activated caspases-3, -8, and -9 in HL60 cells. This suggested that compounds 7, 18, and 28 induced apoptotic cell death in HL60 cells via both the mitochondrial- and the death receptor-mediated pathways. Futhermore, compound 7 was shown to possess high selective cytotoxicity for leukemia cells since it exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against a normal lymphocyte cell line (RPMI 1788).
104 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided for a strong effect of the neem extract on pro-inflammatory cell signaling and apoptotic cell death mechanisms, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms triggered by Azadirachta indica.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica (neem tree) is used in traditional Indian medicine for its pharmacological properties including cancer prevention and treatment. Here, we studied a neem extract’s anti-inflammatory potential via the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, linked to cancer, inflammation, and apoptosis. Cultured human leukemia cells were treated with a methanolic neem leaf extract with or without tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulation. Inhibition of NF-κB activity was demonstrated by luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Inhibition of viability by neem extracts was assessed by luminescent assays. Western blot analysis allowed assessing the inhibitory effect of the neem extract on TNF-α-induced degradation of inhibitor of κB (IκB) and nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p50/p65 heterodimer. Inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK) activity was shown as well as the effect of neem extract on the induction of apoptotic cell death mechanisms by nuclear fragmentation analysis and flow cytometry analysis. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for a strong effect of the neem extract on pro-inflammatory cell signaling and apoptotic cell death mechanisms, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms triggered by Azadirachta indica.
95 citations
TL;DR: Neem is a tropical evergreen tree native to India and it has a reputed value for its herbal medicines, spermicidal and hence treated as perfect, complete and imperishable gift in the nature as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The neem is a tropical evergreen tree native to India. Neem is very valuable N2-fixing trees with multipurpose uses. It covers extensively entire parts of India and grown in most tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. It works as a good wind breakers and shelter belts in arid and semi arid region. It has a reputed value for its herbal medicines, spermicidal and hence treated as perfect, complete and imperishable gift in the nature. Their importance are in the both aspects i.e., commercially and environmentally aspects likes temperate moderation, regular rainfall, natural fertilizer, natural bio-pesticides ability etc. along with the economic aspects likes production of neem oil, need cake, neem leaves and their products. India, Kenya, Germany, USA, Australia, Canada and China which covers most of the extensive parts of the world for generating the number of neem products and neem based industries. Therefore, neem is very important in purpose of generating economic values and national or state revenue with early returns of their produces. It has a lot of importance in social forestry, agroforestry, reforestation and rehabilitating the waste lands and degraded industrial lands. Because of these, neem has found enormous applications making it a green treasure. Introduction Azadirachta indica is truly one of Mother Nature’s most remarkable trees. The tree Azadirachta indica is of family Meliaceae, growing in tropical and subtropical region and native to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It grows from the southern Indian tip of Kerala to the Himalayan hills. It spans both tropical and subtropical latitudes, from wet tropical to semi arid regions and from sea level to 2,300 feet elevation. It does not tolerate cold temperature or saturated soils. Neem tree is an attractive broad leaved, evergreen which can grow up to 30 m tall and 2.5 m in girth. The bark exudes a clear, bright, amber colored gum known as ‘East Indian Gum’. The gum is a stimulant, demulcent and toxic, is useful in catarrhal and other infections. The neem tree normally starts fruiting after 3-5 years. In about 10 years it becomes fully productive. It can produce up to 50 kg of fruits annually, after attaining tenth years and onwards (Kumar and Gupta, 2002). Neem is the most versatile, multifarious tree with immense potential possessing maximum useful non-wood products (Girish and Shankara, 2008; Koul and Wahab, 2004). Neem is called ‘arista’ in Sanskrit a word that means ‘perfect, complete and imperishable’. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4,000 years, due to its medicinal and healing properties and regarded as “The Village Pharmacy”. The benefits of neem are listed in ancient documents “CharakSamhita” and “Susruta-Samhita” which forms the foundation of the Indian system of natural treatments, Ayurveda. Neem is natural source of insecticides, pesticides and agrochemicals (Brahmachari, 2004) and also used as a bio-control agent to control many plant disease (Kak, 2000; Jatav and Mathur, 2005). Researchers in the US and elsewhere have sequenced genomes of several complex organisms but neem plant is not one of them (Indian express, 2011) and also the United Nations declared it as the “Tree of the twenty first century”. Origin and distribution of neem Two species of Azadirachta have been reported, Azadirachta indica A. Juss-native to Indian subcontinent and Azadirachta excelsa Kack.-confined to Philippines and Indonesia. The former grows as a wild tree in India, Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The tree is found in no less than 78 countries worldwide (Forster, 2002). There are over 16.6 million Neem trees in India. Presently neem trees can be seen growing successfully in about 72 countries worldwide, in Asia, Africa, Australia, North, Central and South America (Fathima, 2004). There are an estimated 25 million trees growing all over India, of which 5.5% are found in Karnataka and it is in the third place next to U.P. (55.7%) and T.N. (17.8%) occupying the first two places respectively. The other states of India where neem tree is found growing includes Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, H.P., Kerala, M.P., Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, W.B. along with Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Union territory (Fathima, 2004). Botanical description Neem tree is attractive broad leaves, evergreen which can grow up to 30 m tall and 2.5 m in girth, large crown upto 10 m (20 maximum) in diameter; bark moderately thick, with small, scattered tubercles, deeply fissured. Leaves alternate, crowded near the end of branches, simply pinnate, 20-40 cm long, estipulate, light green in colour. Inflorescence an axillaries, many flowered thyrsus, up to 30 cm long; bracts minute and caduceus; flowers bisexual or male on same tree, actinomorphic, small pentamerous, white or pale yellow, slightly sweet scented; calyx lobes imbricate, broadly ovate and thin; petals free, imbricate, spathulate, spreading. Fruit 1 seeded (Max. 2) drupe, ellipsoidal, 1-2 cm long, greenish, greenish-yellow to yellow or purple when ripe; exocarp thin, mesocarp pulpy, endocarp cartilaginous; seed ovoid or spherical; apex pointed; testa thin, composed of shell and a kernel (sometimes 2-3 kernels), each about half of the seeds weight. Neem has a strong root system with a deep tap root and extensive lateral roots. Phenology Neem tree flowers between February and May. Neem fruits are green drupes that turn golden yellow on ripening in the month of June-August in India.
88 citations
TL;DR: It was found that A. indica chloroform extract and B. spectabilis aqueous, methanolic extracts showed a good oral glucose tolerance and significantly reduced the intestinal glucosidase activity.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome characterized by an increase in the blood glucose level. Treatment of diabetes is complicated due to multifactorial nature of the disease. Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss and Bougainvillea spectabilis are reported to have medicinal values including antidiabetic properties. In the present study using invivo diabetic murine model, A. indica and B. spectabilis chloroform, methanolic and aqueous extracts were investigated for the biochemical parameters important for controlling diabetes. It was found that A. indica chloroform extract and B. spectabilis aqueous, methanolic extracts showed a good oral glucose tolerance and significantly reduced the intestinal glucosidase activity. Interestingly, A. indica chloroform and B. spectabilis aqueous extracts showed significant increase in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and hepatic, skeletal muscle glycogen content after 21 days of treatment. In immunohistochemical analysis, we observed a regeneration of insulin-producing cells and corresponding increase in the plasma insulin and c-peptide levels with the treatment of A. indica chloroform and B. spectabilis aqueous, methanolic extracts. Analyzing the results, it is clear that A. indica chloroform and B. spectabilis aqueous extracts are good candidates for developing new neutraceuticals treatment for diabetes.
86 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the total flavonoid content of Azadirachta indica root bark extracts was determined by using aluminium chloride coulorimetric method and it was found that the extracts obtained from maceration, microwave, and soxhlet showed spots of Rf values 0.92, 0.93, and 0.512 % g.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (AI) is a perinneal plant of family Maleacae.The total flavonoid content of AI was determined by using aluminium chloride coulorimetric method.It was found that Azadirachta indica root bark extracts contain total flavonoids in a range of 0.198 - 0.512 % g quercetin equivalent. The decoction method gave the highest yield (20.2%, w/w) of crude extract, while macertation extract gave the highest total flavonoid content (0.512 % g). Qualitative chemical tests for flavonoids and thin layer chromatographic analysis were used to screen the extracts obtained from different methods. Extracts obtained from maceration, microwave and soxhlet showed spots of Rf values 0.92, 0.93, 0.93 corresponding to quercetin flavonoid which is found to be the most potent flavonoid.
81 citations
TL;DR: Dietary supplementation of flavophospholipol increased final body weight of broilers at 42 d of age compared with those fed diets supplemented with neem (P), which was found to improve growth performance, carcass traits, and humoral immune responses in broiler chickens.
77 citations
TL;DR: A. indica-based mouth rinse is equally efficacious with fewer side effects as compared to chlorhexidine and may be used as an adjunct therapy in treating plaque induced gingivitis.
Abstract: Background: Azadirachta indica (neem), a Meliaceae family tree, has been used in India for several decades for the treatment of several diseases in medicine and dentistry. Neem has been considered to have antiseptic activity, but still its use for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis is not very clear. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of neem based mouth rinse regarding its antigingivitis effect. Materials and Methods: Forty five subjects with plaque induced gingivitis were selected for the study. They were equally divided into three groups. Group I patients were asked to rinse with 15 ml of neem mouthwash twice daily, group II with 15 ml of chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily, and group III with 15 ml of saline twice daily. The three groups were asked to perform the routine oral hygiene procedures thought out the study period. Bleeding on probing and gingivitis were evaluated by Muhlemann and Son's Sulcus bleeding index (1971) and Loe and Sillness gingival index (1963), respectively, at base line, after every week till one month. Results: Our result showed that an A. indica mouthrinse is equally effective in reducing periodontal indices as Chlorhexidine. The results demonstrated a significant reduction of gingival, bleeding, and plaque indices in both groups over a period of 21 days as compared to placebo. Conclusion: A. indica-based mouth rinse is equally efficacious with fewer side effects as compared to chlorhexidine and may be used as an adjunct therapy in treating plaque induced gingivitis.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Azadirachta indica is a fast growing evergreen popular tree found commonly in India, Africa and America. as mentioned in this paper gives a bird's eye view mainly on the biological activity and its preventive - promotive medicinal uses and applications over all this review also tell you that how the "neem is the one solution of thousand problems" like Antiallergenic, antidermatic, antifeedent, antifungal, anti inflammatory, antipyorrhoeic, antisca bic, cardiac, diuretic, insecticidal, larv
Abstract: Neem has become important in the global c ontext today because it offers answers to the major concerns facing mankind. Azadirachta indica is a fast growing evergreen popular tree found commonly in India, Africa and America . This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the biological activity and its preventive - promotive medicinal uses and applications over all this review also tell you that how the “neem is the one solution of thousand problems”, like Antiallergenic, antidermatic, antifeedent, antifungal, anti inflammatory, antipyorrhoeic, antisca bic, cardiac, diuretic, insecticidal, larvicidal, nematicidal, spermicidal and other biological activities.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Nematicidal efficacy of four medicinal plants viz.
Abstract: Different management strategies are being adopted to control root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, one of the most detrimental pests of agricultural crops. Although application of nematicides is the most commonly used practice, they cause pollution of ground water, so safe and efficient alternatives are needed. The use of antagonistic plants for the control of nematodes is a very attractive alternative. In the present study, nematicidal efficacy of four medicinal plants viz. Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br., Datura stramonium L., and Tagetes erecta L., was ascertained for the control of M. incognita. All leaf amendments at different dosages significantly improved the plant growth characteristics of okra and reduced root-knot infections compared with the untreated control. Azadirachta indica and C. procera caused the maximum reductions in number of galls, egg masses and reproduction factor (Rf) of the nematode.
TL;DR: Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus were the most susceptible bacteria while Bacillus subtilis was more resistant bacterium to the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of neem, and the study recommended for the isolation and separation of bioactive compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica A. Juss (syn. Melia azadirachta) is well known in India and popularly known as Indian neem. To evaluate antibacterial potential, the agar well diffusion assay was used against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Penicillin and Dimethyl sulfoxide were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Methanol extract showed the highest and chloroform extract showed moderate to good antibacterial activity. Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus were the most susceptible bacteria while Bacillus subtilis was more resistant bacterium to the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of neem. The study recommended for the isolation and separation of bioactive compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity.
TL;DR: The DPPH radical scavenging activity positively correlated with the total phenolic content in both stem bark and leaf and the vitamin C content could not be correlated with D PPH and superoxideradical scavenging capacity.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Azadirachta indica serves as an important alternative source in the management of diabetes mellitus involved in reducing increased blood glucose during diabetes which should be examined further by oral hypoglycemic therapy.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica has been used medicinally throughout history by many different cultures. Many compounds have been found in the exudates of the, Azadirachta indica plant that have been used medically by humans. We have examined the pharmacological hypoglycemic action of Azadirachta indica in diabetic rats. After treatment for 24 hrs, Azadirachta indica 250mg/kg (single dose study) reduced glucose (18%), cholesterol (15%), triglycerides (32%), urea (13%), creatinine (23%), and lipids (15%). Multiple dose study for 15days also reduced creatinine, urea, lipids, triglycerides and glucose. In a glucose tolerance test in diabetic rats with neem extract 250 mg/kg demonstrated glucose levels were significantly less compared to the control group. , Azadirachta indica significantly reduce glucose levels at 15th day in diabetic rats. Azadirachta indica serves as an important alternative source in the management of diabetes mellitus involved in reducing increased blood glucose during diabetes which should be examined further by oral hypoglycemic therapy.
TL;DR: It could be concluded that neem and willow aqueous extracts reduced the disease incidence of fusarium wilt in tomato seedlings by increasing the activities of antioxidant defensive enzymes and decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation.
TL;DR: Two extracts produce significant alterations in the biochemical profiles of anopheline and culicine larvae, which indicates the disturbed metabolic activity of the larvae.
TL;DR: The present study clearly demonstrates the potential of Eucalyptus and A. indica seed oils as topical repellents against Cx.
Abstract: Objective To evaluate the repellent activity of Eucalyptus and Azadirachta indica (A. indica) seed oil against filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) from Purulia district of the West Bengal state, India. Methods The repellent activity of Eucalyptus and A. indica seed oils (using coconut oil base) against Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito were evaluated in indoor conditions. Three concentrations, 0%, 50% and 100% (v/v) of both the agents were considered in the studies. The protection percentage was determined, and the protection time was recorded. Results The test oils showed excellent repellent action against Cx. quinquefasciatus. The A. indica seed oil provided 90.26% and 88.83% protection, and the Eucalyptus oil 93.37% and 92.04%, at concentrations 50% and 100% (v/v), respectively, with the protection time up to 240 min. There was no bite within 120 min and 180 min, respectively, due to the action of Eucalyptus and A. indica seed oil, and thus 100% protection from the bite of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito was achieved. Conclusions The present study clearly demonstrates the potential of Eucalyptus and A. indica seed oils as topical repellents against Cx. quinquefasciatus, the mosquito vector of filariasis.
TL;DR: The effect of different pretreatment methods, temperature, and enzyme concentration on ethanol production from 8 lignocellulosic agrowaste by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using recombinant cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied.
Abstract: The effect of different pretreatment methods, temperature, and enzyme concentration on ethanol production from 8 lignocellulosic agrowaste by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using recombinant cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied. Recombinant cellulase was isolated from E. coli BL21 cells transformed with CtLic26A-Cel5-CBM11 full-length gene from Clostridium thermocellum and produced in both batch and fed-batch processes. The maximum cell OD and specific activity in batch mode were 1.6 and 1.91 U/mg, respectively, whereas in the fed-batch mode, maximum cell OD and specific activity were 3.8 and 3.5 U/mg, respectively, displaying a 2-fold increase. Eight substrates, Syzygium cumini (jamun), Azadirachta indica (neem), Saracens indica (asoka), bambusa dendrocalmus (bamboo), Populas nigra (poplar), Achnatherum hymenoides (wild grass), Eucalyptus marginata (eucalyptus), and Mangifera indica (mango), were subjected to SSF. Of three pretreatments, acid, alkali, and steam explosion, acid pretreatment Syzygium cumini (Jamun) at 30°C gave maximum ethanol yield of 1.42 g/L.
03 Oct 2011
TL;DR: There are many plant extracts widely use against insects but here one of them, Artemisia, is discussed, which is characterized by a rapid knockdown effect, particularly in flying insects, and hyperactivity and convulsions in most insects.
Abstract: Some concerns, especially environmental ones, lead the researchers to find new avenues of insect control in agriculture. Considering negative effects of synthetic pesticides especially on non-target organisms caused a general perception that natural compounds are better products or Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) (Scott et al., 2003). So, researches has been concentrated on the plant kingdom for solutions leading to the production of a myriad of secondary compounds that can have toxic, growth reducing, and antifeedant properties against insects (Berenbaum & Zangerl, 1996). The use of plant extracts (botanical insecticides) to protect crops and stored products is as old as crop protection. Indeed, prior to the development and commercial success of synthetic insecticides beginning in the 1940s, botanical insecticides were major weapons in the farmer’s arsenal against crop pests (Isman, 2008). Four major types of botanical insecticides are being used for insect control including pyrethrum, rotenone, neem, and essential oils along with three others in limited use (Isman, 2006). Pyrethrum is an oleoresin extracted from the dried flowers of the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerariaefolium (Asteraceae) that its active ingredients are three esters of chrysanthemic acid and three esters of pyrethric acid (Isman, 2006). The insecticidal action of the pyrethrins is characterized by a rapid knockdown effect, particularly in flying insects, and hyperactivity and convulsions in most insects. These symptoms are the result of the neurotoxic action of the pyrethrins, which block voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve axons. Azadirachtin is an extraction from Indian neem tree, Azadirachta indicahas that has two profound effects on insects (Schmutter, 2002). Azadirachtin, apart from its antifeedant effects on insects, inhibited the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids from the prothoracic gland resulting incomplete ecdysis in immature insects and sterility in adult females (Isman, 2006). Rotenone is a type of isoflavonoids extracted from the roots or rhizomes of the tropical legumes like Derris, Lonchocarpus, and Tephrosia (Isman, 2006). Rotenone is a mitochondrial poison by blocking the electron transport chain leading to inhibition of energy production (Hollingworth et al., 1994). Acetogenin extracts from seeds of Annona squamosa known as annonin I, or squamocin, and a similar compound, asimicin were isolated from the bark of the American pawpaw tree, Asimina triloba (Johnson et al., 2000). Although, there are many plant extracts widely use against insects but here one of them, Artemisia, is discussed. The genus Artemisia is a member of a large plant family Asteracea
TL;DR: The results suggest that the combined application of copepods and neem extract to control Aedes populations is feasible and Repeated application of neem does not cause changes in copepod populations, because neem is highly degradable in the environment.
Abstract: The efficacy of plant extracts (neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss.; Meliaceae) and copepods [Mesocyclops aspericornis (Daday)] for the control of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. was tested in the laboratory. Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 ppm caused significant mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were worked out. The LC50 and LC90 values for I to IV larval instars were 111.98, 138.34, 158.93, 185.22 ppm and for pupae was 146.13 ppm, respectively. The LC90 value of I instar was 372.95 ppm, II instar was 422.77 ppm, III instar was 440.63 ppm, IV instar was 456.96 ppm, and pupae was 476.92 ppm, respectively. A study was conducted to test the whether the predatory efficiency of copepods on first instars changed in the presence of NSKE. The percentage of predatory efficiency of copepod was 6.80% in treatments without NSKE and the percentage of predatory efficiency increased up to 8.40% when copepods were combined with NSKE. This increase in predation efficiency may caused by detrimental effects of the neem active principle compound (Azadirachtin) on the mosquito larvae. Our results suggest that the combined application of copepods and neem extract to control Aedes populations is feasible. Repeated application of neem does not cause changes in copepod populations, because neem is highly degradable in the environment.
TL;DR: A variety of procedures and a number of different media were used to isolate the maximum number of endophytic fungi from unripe fruits and roots of Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (neem), native to India, is well known worldwide for its insecticidal and ethanopharmacological properties. Although endophytic microbes are known from this plant as only leaves and stems were the subjects of past reports. Now, a variety of procedures and a number of different media were used to isolate the maximum number of endophytic fungi from unripe fruits and roots. A total of 272 isolates of 29 filamentous fungal taxa were isolated at rate of 68.0% from 400 samples of three different individual trees (at locations-Az1, Az2, Az3). Mycological agar (MCA) medium yielded the highest number of isolates (95, with a 14.50% isolation rate) with the greatest species richness. Mycelia Sterilia (1, 2, 3) accounted for 11.06%, Coelomycetes 7.25%, while Hyphomycetes showed the maximum number of representative isolates (81.69%). Mycelia-Sterilia (1, 2, 3), based on their 5.8S ITS 1, ITS2 and partial 18S and 28S rDNA sequences were identified as Fusarium solani (99%), Chaetomium globosum (93%) and Chaetomium globosum (93%) respectively. Humicola, Drechslera, Colletotrichum, and Scytalidium sp. were some of the peculiar fungal endophytes recovered from this plant.
TL;DR: The results suggest that substances other than AZA present in the extracts influenced the efficacy, especially up to a certain LC range.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The antimicrobial potential of Neem leaf aqueous and alcohol extracts is evaluated and the inhibitory effect of Azadirachta indica (aqueous and alcoholic extract o f neem) on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans is determined.
Abstract: Med icinal plants are part and parcel of humans sin ce the dawn of civilization. In recent years, mu ltiple drug resistance has developed due to indiscriminate use of synthetic drugs. This drives the need to screen medicinal plants for novel bioactive compounds as plant based drugs are biodegradable, safe an d have fewer side effects. Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) is perhaps the most commonly used traditional medicinal plant of India. Almost all parts of the plant are endowed with medicinal propert ies . Several pharmacological activities and medicinal applications of various parts of Neem have been documented in the ancient literature . Teeth and their supporting structures are subject to infections by Streptococcus species, a number of facultative anaerobes like Enterococcus faecalis, and opportunistic pathogens li ke Candida albicans. Literature shows that Neem is a powerful agent that inhibits the increase and establishment of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases in the oral cavity. In the present study we have evaluated the antimicrobial potential of Neem leaf aqueous and alcohol extracts . To determine the inhibitory effect of Azadirachta indica (aqueous and alcoholic extract o f neem) on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The activity of Azadirachta indica against Candida al bicans, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis was tested by serial broth dilution method and was expressed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) . The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the aqueous neem extract to all the organisms was 7 .5%. The MIC of the alcoholic neem extract for E. faecalis, S.mutans, C. albicans were 1.88%, 7.5%, and 3.75% respectively.
TL;DR: Eleven limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids 1-17) were isolated from the n-hexane extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) seeds and the previously unidentified compound 16 was established by spectroscopy to be 17-defurano-17-oxosalannin.
Abstract: Seventeen limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids 1-17) were isolated from the n-hexane extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) seeds. The previously unidentified compound 16 was established by spectroscopy to be 17-defurano-17-oxosalannin. The effects of six compounds, 6 and 11-15, on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells was evaluated; 2 compounds, salannin (13) and 3-deacetylsalannin (15), exhibited marked inhibitory effects (70-74% reduction of melanin content at 25 µg/mL) with only minor cytotoxicity (79-85% of cell viability). Eleven compounds, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9-15, were evaluated for inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation (1.7 nmol/ear) in mice; all exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity (ID(50) values 0.22-0.57 µmol/ear). In addition, compounds 6 and 11-16 exerted moderate inhibition (IC(50) values of 410-471 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA) of TPA-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation in Raji cells. The triacylglycerol fraction of the n-hexane extract contained oleic acid (50.2%) as the most predominant fatty acid constituent.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied to determine the effects of acetone concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature on total phenolic content (TPC) from neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to optimise the extraction conditions for phenolic compounds from neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied to determine the effects of acetone concentration (%), extraction time (mins), and extraction temperature (oC) on total phenolic content (TPC) from neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves. The independent variables were coded at five levels and their actual values were selected based on the results of single factor experiments. Results showed that acetone concentration and extraction time were the most significant (p<0.001) factor affecting the TPC. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be acetone concentration of 48.49%, extraction time of 59.25 mins, and extraction temperature of 40.88oC. Under the optimised conditions, the experimental value for TPC was 4661.17 mg GAE/100 g DW, which reasonably close to the predicted value (4649.16 mg GAE/100 g DW).
TL;DR: It is suggested that neem leaves pre, co and post-treatment can prevent the hepato and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.
Abstract: This study investigated the protective effect of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves against cisplatin-induced hepato and nephrotoxicity. Neem leaves showed significant protection as evidenced by the decrease of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid and urea. This improvement of physiological function was associated with high protection against histopathological injury induced by cisplatin on liver and kidney. These results suggest that neem leaves pre, co and post-treatment can prevent the hepato and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.
Key words: Cisplatin, Azadirachta indica, liver, kidney, rats.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, a manually operating bridge press was used to extract neem oil from the seeds of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, and used to prepare toilet soap.
Abstract: Neem oil was obtained from the seeds of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, exploiting a manually operating bridge press, and used to prepare toilet soap. The chemical properties of the soap were 63.75 %, 0.24 %, 0.06, 1.15 %, 12.6 % and 10.4 as its total fatty matter, total alkali, free caustic alkali, percentage chloride (% Cl-), % moisture and pH respectively. Due to the phytoconstituents in neem oil and the favourable chemical characteristics of the soap, it can be used as medical and cosmetics toilet soap. Such neem soap may act to protect the skin.
TL;DR: The results suggest that EENL-containing natural bioactive compounds could have potent anticancer property and the regulation of multiple cellular pathways could exert pleiotrophic effects in prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
Abstract: Advanced prostate cancer has significant long-term morbidity, and there is a growing interest in alternative and complimentary forms of therapy that will improve the outcomes of patients. Azadirachta indica (common name: neem) contains multiple active compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The present study investigates the novel targets of the anticancer activity of ethanol extract of neem leaves (EENL) in vitro and evaluates the in vivo efficacy in the prostate cancer models. Analysis of the components in the EENL by mass spectrometry suggests the presence of 2′,3′-dehydrosalannol, 6-desacetyl nimbinene, and nimolinone. Treatment of C4-2B and PC-3M-luc2 prostate cancer cells with EENL inhibited the cell proliferation. Genome-wide expression profiling, using oligonucleotide microarrays, revealed genes differentially expressed with EENL treatment in prostate cancer cells. Functional analysis unveiled that most of the up-regulated genes were associated with cell death, and drug metabolism, and the down-regulated genes were associated with cell cycle, DNA replication, recombination, and repair functions. Quantitative PCR confirmed significant up-regulation of 40 genes and immunoblotting revealed increase in the protein expression levels of HMOX1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3, and AKR1B10. EENL treatment inhibited the growth of C4-2B and PC-3M-luc2 prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. The suppression of tumor growth is associated with the formation of hyalinized fibrous tumor tissue and the induction of cell death by apoptosis. These results suggest that EENL-containing natural bioactive compounds could have potent anticancer property and the regulation of multiple cellular pathways could exert pleiotrophic effects in prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.