Showing papers on "Azadirachta published in 2015"
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using autoclave assisted gum extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) has been investigated for the first time.
178 citations
TL;DR: The objective of this article is to focus on the various aspects of Azadirachta indica in dentistry in order to provide a tool for future research.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica commonly known as Neem, is an evergreen tree. Since time immemorial it has been used by Indian people for treatment of various diseases due to its medicinal properties. It possesses anti-bacterial, anti-cariogenic, anti-helminthic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, astringent, anti-viral, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Nimbidin, Azadirachtin and nimbinin are active compounds present in Neem which are responsible for antibacterial activity. Neem bark is used as an active ingredient in a number of toothpastes and toothpowders. Neem bark has anti-bacterial properties, it is quite useful in dentistry for curing gingival problems and maintaining oral health in a natural way. Neem twigs are used as oral deodorant, toothache reliever and for cleaning of teeth. The objective of this article is to focus on the various aspects of Azadirachta indica in dentistry in order to provide a tool for future research.
129 citations
TL;DR: Overall, neem cake can be proposed as an eco-friendly and low-cost source of chemicals to build newer and safer control tools against mosquito vectors.
Abstract: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) represent an important threat to millions of people worldwide, since they act as vectors for important pathogens, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue and West Nile. Control programmes mainly rely on chemical treatments against larvae, indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated bed nets. In recent years, huge efforts have been carried out to propose new eco-friendly alternatives, with a special focus on the evaluation of plant-borne mosquitocidal compounds. Major examples are neem-based products (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae) that have been proven as really effective against a huge range of pests of medical and veterinary importance, including mosquitoes. Recent research highlighted that neem cake, a cheap by-product from neem oil extraction, is an important source of mosquitocidal metabolites. In this review, we examined (i) the latest achievements about neem cake metabolomics with special reference to nor-terpenoid and related content; (ii) the neem cake ovicidal, larvicidal and pupicidal toxicity against Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquito vectors; (iii) its non-target effects against vertebrates; and (iv) its oviposition deterrence effects on mosquito females. Overall, neem cake can be proposed as an eco-friendly and low-cost source of chemicals to build newer and safer control tools against mosquito vectors.
106 citations
TL;DR: This is the first report concerning larvicidal toxicity of NSO against A. albopictus and ovideterrence against Culicidae in the field and the chance to use chemicals from the NSO EA fraction seems promising, since they are effective at lower doses, if compared to synthetic products currently marketed, and could be an advantageous alternative to build newer and safer mosquito control tools.
Abstract: Neem seed oil (NSO) of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) contains more than 100 determined biologically active compounds, and many formulations deriving from them showed toxicity, antifeedancy and repellence against a number of arthropod pests. However, it is widely known that botanical products can differ in their chemical composition and bioactivity, as function of the production site and production process. We used high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to investigate differences in chemical constituents of NSOs from three production sites. HPTLC analyses showed several differences in chemical abundance and diversity among NSOs, with special reference to limonoids. Furthermore, the three NSOs and their fractions of increasing polarities [i.e. ethyl acetate (EA) fraction and butanol (BU) fraction] were evaluated for larvicidal toxicity and field oviposition deterrence against the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, currently the most invasive mosquito worldwide. Results from bioactivity experiments showed good toxicity of NSOs and EA fractions against A. albopictus fourth instar larvae (with LC50 values ranging from 142.28 to 209.73 ppm), while little toxicity was exerted by BU fractions. A significant effect of the production site and dosage was also found and is probably linked to differences in abundance of constituents among samples, as highlighted by HPTLC analyses. NSOs and EAs were also able to deter A. albopictus oviposition in the field (effective repellence values ranging from 98.55 to 70.10 %), while little effectiveness of BU fractions was found. Concerning ovideterrent activity, no difference due to the production site was found. This is the first report concerning larvicidal toxicity of NSO against A. albopictus and ovideterrence against Culicidae in the field. The chance to use chemicals from the NSO EA fraction seems promising, since they are effective at lower doses, if compared to synthetic products currently marketed, and could be an advantageous alternative to build newer and safer mosquito control tools.
93 citations
TL;DR: The result obtained from this study presents biosynthesized silver nanoparticle from A. indica as the biolarvicidal agent with the most potential for mosquito control.
Abstract: Mosquitoes transmit major communicable diseases such as dengue, malaria, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, and so on. Vector control is important in epidemic disease situations as there is an urgent need to develop new and improved mosquito control methods that are economical and effective yet safe for non-targeted organisms. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the aqueous leaf extract of neem plant (Azadirachta indica), and their effects on mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus) were assessed. The synthesised AgNPs were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The nanoparticles have maximum absorption at 442 ± 1.5 nm with an average size of 41–60 nm. The XRD data showed six well-defined diffraction peaks, corresponding to a relative intensity of the crystal structure of metallic silver 36.42, 100.00, 53.70, 14.20, 16.05, and 6.79, respectively. The FT-IR data showed strong prominent peaks in different ranges, reflecting its complex nature. The mosquito larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of AgNPs synthesized from the neem leaves under investigation (0.07–25 mg/l) for 24 h; this revealed larvicidal activity of AgNPs with LC50 and LC90 values of 0.006 and 0.04 mg/l for A. aegypti, respectively. Further, the LC50 and LC90 values were also identified as 0.047 and 0.23 mg/l for Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The result obtained from this study presents biosynthesized silver nanoparticle from A. indica as the biolarvicidal agent with the most potential for mosquito control.
83 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the modeling of ultrasound-assisted intensification of biodiesel production from neem (Azadirachta indica) oil using four factors three level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of response surface methodology (RSM).
71 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the potential of AZI extract as a corrosion inhibitor on metal surfaces, especially of mild steel, aluminum, and tin, was discussed, and the effect of temperature on inhibition efficiency and computational analysis related with AZI adsorption on metals have also been discussed in detail.
Abstract: Azadirachta indica (AZI, commonly recognized as “Neem”) is noteworthy both for its chemical and for its biological actions. It is one of the most fruitful sources of secondary metabolites in nature. To date, more than 300 natural products have been isolated from different sections of the tree, with new compounds added to the list every year. As a contribution to the current interest on green corrosion inhibitors, the present study aims at broadening the application of plant extracts for metallic corrosion inhibition by investigating the inhibiting properties of A. indica especially for mild steel, aluminum, and tin. In the present article, we discuss the potential of AZI extract as a corrosion inhibitor on metal surfaces, especially of mild steel, aluminum, and tin. The adsorption isotherm studies, chemical composition of AZI, effect of temperature on inhibition efficiency and computational analysis related with AZI adsorption on metals have also been discussed in detail. This work will further help in the understanding of the adsorption mechanism involved and hence inhibition effect of plant extract against metal corrosion.
62 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a batch of Neem leaf powder was used to remove fluoride from aqueous solutions using batch adsorption process and the equilibrium time for fluoride sorption was found at 60min and the process followed the second order kinetic mechanism.
Abstract: Neem leaf powder prepared from mature, dried Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) leaves was investigated to assess its ability to remove fluoride from aqueous solutions using batch adsorption process. Effects of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent amount and solution temperature on fluoride sorption had been investigated. The biosorbent was effective at the pH range of 5.0–7.0 and its fluoride removal capacity was found to be above 80%. The equilibrium time for fluoride sorption was found at 60 min and the process followed the second order kinetic mechanism. The adsorption process was exothermic in nature and obeyed Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. SEM study of the biosorbent showed a morphological change of the surface after sorption and FTIR study indicated the involvement of some surface functional groups in fluoride sorption. These results indicated that Neem leaf powder might be an effective adsorbent for treatment of water contaminated with fluoride.
53 citations
TL;DR: The use of medicinal plant extract-mediated treatment was found to be very effective in controlling this bacterial infection and it was revealed that A. indica plant extract at a concentration of 150 mg/l in vivo can be used as an alternative to antibiotics for treating thisacterial infection.
52 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that aqueous extracts of Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Annona muricata, Azadirachta indica, Bidens pilosa, Camellia sinensis, Chrysanthemum coccineum and processed Coffee arabica can be used for rice seed treatment to manage rice blast disease.
Abstract: Rice blast disease, caused by a seed-borne fungus Pyricularia grisea, is an important and serious disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) worldwide. The disease has been reported to cause yield losses of up to 40% in Tanzania. Studies were conducted to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Annona muricata, Azadirachta indica, Bidens pilosa, Camellia sinensis, Chrysanthemum coccineum, processed Coffee arabica, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana tabacum and Zingiber officinalis for control of rice blast disease (Pyricularia grisea) in-vitro and in-vivo. The results indicate that processed C. arabica at 10% and 25% (v/v) had the highest (81.12%) and (89.40%) inhibitory effect, respectively, against P. grisea. Aqueous extract from N. tabacum at 10% concentration ranked third (80.35%) in inhibiting P. grisea. These were followed by extracts from 25% A. vera (79.45%) and 25% C. coccineum flower (78.83%). The results also indicate that, extracts from A. indica, A. vera, A. sativum, C. arabica, D. stramonium, C. sinensis, Z. officinalis and N. tabacum did not have any phytotoxic effect on seed germination, shoot height, root length, dry weight, seedling growth and seedling vigour index. These plant extracts can thus be used for rice seed treatment to manage rice blast disease.
52 citations
TL;DR: Overall, the leaves of S. nilotica not only produced less methane per unit of degradable OM, but also had generally greater OM degradability and favored production of microbial biomass compared with other leaves, which could be explored for decreasing methane production in small ruminant production systems of tropical developing countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study on the microwave assisted extraction of neem oil was conducted and the results showed that close to 80% of the extracted oil was extracted in comparison to 10h required for the Soxhlet process.
TL;DR: The formulated neem NE showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen Vibrio vulnificus by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and it was found to be nontoxic at lower concentrations to human lymphocytes.
Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica) is recognized as a medicinal plant well known for its antibacterial, antimalarial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Neem nanoemulsion (NE) (O/W) is formulated using neem oil, Tween 20, and water by high-energy ultrasonication. The formulated neem NE showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen Vibrio vulnificus by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. Despite the use of neem NE in various biomedical applications, the toxicity studies on human cells are still lacking. The neem NE showed a decrease in cellular viability in human lymphocytes after 24 hours of exposure. The neem NE at lower concentration (0.7-1 mg/mL) is found to be nontoxic while it is toxic at higher concentrations (1.2-2 mg/mL). The oxidative stress induced by the neem NE is evidenced by the depletion of catalase, SOD, and GSH levels in human lymphocytes. Neem NE showed a significant increase in DNA damage when compared to control in human lymphocytes (P<0.05). The NE is an effective antibacterial agent against the bacterial pathogen V. vulnificus, and it was found to be nontoxic at lower concentrations to human lymphocytes.
TL;DR: In vitro effects of neem leaf ethanolic extract presented inhibitory effect on MRSA biofilm and planktonic aggregation formation, and anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni worms.
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: Neem is a versatile tree of Indian origin whose various plant parts have been used to control domestic insects, stored grain pests, and crop pests and in human and livestock medicine and chemicals extracted have shown potential as pesticides and as nitrification inhibitors.
Abstract: Neem is a versatile tree of Indian origin. Since ancient times, its various plant parts have been used to control domestic insects, stored grain pests, and crop pests and in human and livestock medicine. Chemicals extracted have shown potential as pesticides and as nitrification inhibitors and do not pose environmental pollution and related health hazards in human and livestock. It is a favorite garden tree with delicate foliage and lilac-colored flowers in profuse axillary panicles. The Malabar Neem is also found in India. Neem is cultivated throughout India. Nineteen meliaceous genera are represented in Indian subcontinent by one or more species. Neem is the most important of the fourteen Indian timber trees of this family confined to meliaceous genera. Its wood is a good source of fuel wood and used in preparation of agricultural implements. Neem kernels are used in manufacturing cake which is rich in NPK content; apart from this, it acts as insecticide when applied to soil. Seeds are also used in preparation of insecticidal formulations. The leaves are a source of fodder for camels.
TL;DR: Together, new insights of Meliaceae members demonstrating as a potential source as antimicrobial agents using in vitro studies are provided.
Abstract: Drug resistance to human infectious diseases caused by pathogens lead to premature deaths through out the world. Plants are sources for wide variety of drugs used for treating various diseases. Systematic screening of medicinal plants for the search of new antimicrobial drug candidates that can inhibit the growth of pathogens or kill with no toxicity to host is being continued by many laboratories. Here we review the phytochemical investigations and biological activities of Meliaceae. The mahogany (Meliaceae) is family of timber trees with rich source for limonoids. So far, amongst the different members of Meliaceae, Azadirachta indica and Melia dubia have been identified as the potential plant systems possessing a vast array of biologically active compounds which are chemically diverse and structurally complex. Despite biological activities on different taxa of Meliaceae have been carried out, the information of antibacterial and antifungal activity is a meager with exception to Azadirachta indica. Together we provide new insights of Meliaceae members demonstrating as a potential source as antimicrobial agents using in vitro studies.
TL;DR: CDs synthesised from Azadirachta indica (Neem) Gum are found to be stable, having many bio-linkers attached on their surface, making it suitable for drug attachment and hence can serve as potential candidates for applications like drug delivery vehicles as well as for biosensors.
Abstract: Synthesis of fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) from various carbonaceous materials apparently has acquired lots of interest amongst researchers as the corollary of the properties of CDs; which are subsequently getting unveiled. In this study we report the use of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Gum as a novel natural pre-cursor for synthesis of CDs at room temperature. Water soluble CDs of around 5-8 nm were obtained after treatment of the gum with ethanol and NaOH. These CDs exhibited green fluorescence in UV-light (λ = 365 nm). These CDs were found to be stable, having many bio-linkers attached on their surface, making it suitable for drug attachment and hence can serve as potential candidates for applications like drug delivery vehicles as well as for biosensors.
TL;DR: Speciation analysis of Cr by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS with the use of enriched Cr isotopic tracers to follow species interconversions during the analytical procedure demonstrated that toxic Cr(VI) was not present either in Neem powder or inNeem tea.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results showed that the effectiveness of the extracts was dependent of the concentration used thus the increase of extract concentration increased the inhibition zone, and Fresh Neem materials was found to be the most showing much effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to screen and evaluate antimicrobial activity of leaf and bark extracts of Azadirachta indica. Ethanol and aqueous extract of leaves and barks of A. indica (Neem) were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus which are known to be resistant to various antibiotics. Neem materials which were used during this study were collected from Bugesera district precisely at Nyamata in Murama sector whereas the bacterial strains were isolated from microbiology laboratory of CHUK (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali) and transported under safe conditions to be kept in KIST laboratory under favorable conditions for each of them. The efficiency of the extracts was studied and determined by applying different extract concentrations onto the two cultured bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method. In this study, we examined the in vitro effect of extracts of different neem (Azadirachta indica) plant (leaf and bark) on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from both dry and fresh neem’s leaves and barks. The susceptibility of tested bacteria to both extracts was determined by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones formed around plates. With the statistical test analysis, the comparison done showed that, Fresh Neem materials was found to be the most showing much effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Comparing Neem leaves and Neem barks, always their fresh extracts were found more efficient than dry extracts; the same as ethanol extracts were more effective than aqueous extracts in all cases, S.aureus was the only bacterium susceptibly affected by these neem extracts used; while E.coli didn’t respond to any of them. The results showed that the effectiveness of the extracts was dependent of the concentration used thus the increase of extract concentration increased the inhibition zone.
TL;DR: This study provides genomic, transcriptomic and quantity of top three neem metabolites resource, which will accelerate basic research in neem to understand biochemical pathways and identify possible candidate genes involved in azadirachtin biosynthesis pathway.
Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is one of the most versatile tropical evergreen tree species known in India since the Vedic period (1500 BC-600 BC). Neem tree is a rich source of limonoids, having a wide spectrum of activity against insect pests and microbial pathogens. Complex tetranortriterpenoids such as azadirachtin, salanin and nimbin are the major active principles isolated from neem seed. Absolutely nothing is known about the biochemical pathways of these metabolites in neem tree. To identify genes and pathways in neem, we sequenced neem genomes and transcriptomes using next generation sequencing technologies. Assembly of Illumina and 454 sequencing reads resulted in 267 Mb, which accounts for 70% of estimated size of neem genome. We predicted 44,495 genes in the neem genome, of which 32,278 genes were expressed in neem tissues. Neem genome consists about 32.5% (87 Mb) of repetitive DNA elements. Neem tree is phylogenetically related to citrus, Citrus sinensis. Comparative analysis anchored 62% (161 Mb) of assembled neem genomic contigs onto citrus chromomes. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected reaction monitoring (UHPLC-MS/SRM) method was used to quantify azadirachtin, nimbin, and salanin from neem tissues. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WCGNA) of expressed genes and metabolites resulted in identification of possible candidate genes involved in azadirachtin biosynthesis pathway. This study provides genomic, transcriptomic and quantity of top three neem metabolites resource, which will accelerate basic research in neem to understand biochemical pathways.
29 Dec 2015
TL;DR: For larval length and cephalic capsule width, the larvae were more affected to the seed cake extract than leaf extract, however there was no significant difference between the methods of application for these variables.
Abstract: Aqueous extracts of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., leaf and seed cake were tested for toxicity in Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) utilizing different methods of application (foliar and systemic). Probit analysis was used to determine the LC50 and regression analysis for mortality at different concentrations of the extracts (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and control treatment). Two caterpillar morphometric variables (larval length and cephalic capsule width) and the scale of damage of attacked plants were measured and, analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). The LC50 values for neem seed cake and leaves were 0.13% and 0.25%, respectively. For larval length and cephalic capsule width, the larvae were more affected to the seed cake extract than leaf extract, however there was no significant difference between the methods of application for these variables. There was no difference in the scale of damage by the extracts and the methods of application analyzed. Both methods of application provided similar results and, the main differences were associated with more efficient of the seed cake extract.
TL;DR: A facile and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 in a hexagonal cone (HC) like morphology by the addition of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract into the aqueous solution of ferric chloride has been developed as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A facile and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 in a hexagonal cone (HC) like morphology by the addition of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract into the aqueous solution of ferric chloride has been developed. The morphology, optical, crystalline and structural properties of the synthesized α-Fe2O3 HC nanomaterials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The α-Fe2O3 HCs synthesized by the A. indica leaf extract were used as a burn rate enhancer for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and the combustion of composite solid propellants (CSPs). The thermal properties were evaluated systematically using TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), burn rate data and activation energy calculations.
TL;DR: The potential of neem seed oil for the control of R. sanguineus ticks is demonstrated, paving the way for new, cheaper, and safer methods of control.
Abstract: The concern about the harmful effects caused by synthetic pesticides has led to the search for safe and ecological alternatives for pest control. In this context, the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) stands out due to its repellent properties and effects on various arthropods, including ticks. For this reason, this study aimed to demonstrate the potential of neem as a control method for Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, important vectors of diseases in the veterinary point of view. For this, R. sanguineus semi-engorged females were subjected to treatment with neem seed oil enriched with azadirachtin, its main compound, and ovaries were assessed by means of morphological techniques in conventional light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Neem demonstrated a clear dose-dependent effect in the analyzed samples. The observed oocytes presented, especially in the groups treated with higher concentrations of neem oil, obvious signs of cytoplasmic disorganization, cellular vacuolization, nuclear and nucleolar irregularity, dilation in mitochondrial cristae, alterations in mitochondrial matrix, and swelling of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Intracellular microorganisms were observed in all analyzed groups, reinforcing the importance of ticks in the transmission of pathogens. A greater quantity of microorganisms was noted as the concentration of neem increased, indicating that the damaged oocytes may be more susceptible for their development. Such morphological alterations may promote future damages in reproductive performance of these animals and demonstrate the potential of neem seed oil for the control of R. sanguineus ticks, paving the way for new, cheaper, and safer methods of control.
TL;DR: In this paper, a quantitative profiling of fifteen major triterpenoids across various tissues including developmental stages of kernel and pericarp, flower, leaf, stem and bark using UPLC-ESI(+)-HRMS based profiling was used to identify the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Abstract: Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is one of the richest sources of skeletally diverse triterpenoids and they are well-known for their broad-spectrum pharmacological and insecticidal properties. However, the abundance of Neem triterpenoids varies among the tissues. Here, we delineate quantitative profiling of fifteen major triterpenoids across various tissues including developmental stages of kernel and pericarp, flower, leaf, stem and bark using UPLC-ESI(+)-HRMS based profiling. Transcriptome analysis was used to identify the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Based on transcriptome analysis, two short-chain prenyltransferases and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized. Quantitative profiling revealed differential abundance of both total and individual triterpenoid content across various tissues. RNA from tissues with high triterpenoid content (fruit, flower and leaf) were pooled to generate 79.08 million paired-end reads using Illumina GA ΙΙ platform. 41,140 transcripts were generated by d e novo assembly. Transcriptome annotation led to the identification of the putative genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Two short-chain prenyltransferases, geranyl diphosphate synthase (AiGDS) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase (AiFDS) and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized using transcriptome data. RT-PCR studies indicated five-fold and ten-fold higher relative expression level of AiSQS in fruits as compared to leaves and flowers, respectively. Triterpenoid profiling indicated that there is tissue specific variation in their abundance. The mature seed kernel and initial stages of pericarp were found to contain the highest amount of limonoids. Furthermore, a wide diversity of triterpenoids, especially C-seco triterpenoids were observed in kernel as compared to the other tissues. Pericarp, flower and leaf contained mainly ring-intact triterpenoids. The initial genes such as AiGDS, AiFDS and AiSQS involved in the isoprenoids biosynthesis have been functionally characterized. The expression levels of AiFDS and AiSQS were found to be in correlation with the total triterpenoid content in individual tissues.
TL;DR: It is conclusively prove that, all-through, the brisk vermicomposting was caused almost entirely by the action of the ‘parent’ earthworms on fresh feed.
Abstract: The recently developed concept of high rate vermicomposting was successfully used to enable direct vermicomoposting of neem leaves—without any pre-composting or cow dung supplementation as previously reported processes had necessitated. All the three epigeic species of earthworms that were explored, Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida and Perionyx excavatus, provided efficient vermicast production with no mortality, persistent gain in body mass and good fecundity over the 16 months long period of reactor operation. In this period, all reactors were pulse-fed at the solid retention time of 20 days and were operated in the pseudo discretized continuous operation protocol developed earlier by the authors. With this, it was possible to almost completely dampen the influence of natural biodegradation of the feed or grazing by the earthworm born in the vermireactors. The findings, thus, conclusively prove that, all-through, the brisk vermicomposting was caused almost entirely by the action of the ‘parent’ earthworms on fresh feed.
TL;DR: The combined application of Mavi MNPV and botanical oils is discussed in the context of integrated pest management and resulted in a significantly higher larval mortality in M. vitrata than treatment with either virus or botanical insecticide alone at the corresponding concentrations.
TL;DR: The results indicated that Azadirachta indica possesses remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
Abstract: In this study the ethanol extract, n-hexane extract and chloroform extract of Azadirachta indica were first evaluated for phytochemical study. The phytochemical screening of the three extracts of Azadirachta indica exhibited the presence of important secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and tannins. The extracts showed potential antimicrobial activities against thirteen different strains of microorganisms. Secondly, they were screened in vitro for cytotoxicity test by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and results illustrated significant (p<0.05) cytotoxicity against Artemia salina. To test the analgesic properties of ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing methods were used. At two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), the analgesic tests were performed on Swiss Albino mice. Also, the anti-inflammatory tests were performed by carrageenan induced paw edema method on long Evans rats at the two different doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight using ethanol extract. Our results indicated that Azadirachta indica possesses remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
TL;DR: In this article, the contamination of tree leaves with heavy metal (HMs) in the most polluted industrial city, Korba, India is described and the leaves of common trees i.e. Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Eucalyptus, Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica and Tectona grandis were selected for assessment of the HMs contamination as bioindicator.
Abstract: The study of heavy metal (HMs) contamination of environment is of great interest due to their serious health hazard. In this work, the contamination of tree leaves with the HMs in the most polluted industrial city, Korba, India is described. The leaves of common trees i.e. Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Eucalyptus, Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica and Tectona grandis were selected for assessment of the HMs contamination as bioindicator. The elevated concentration of HMs (i.e. As, Fe, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Hg) in the tree leaves was observed, ranging from 2.8 - 43, 728 - 5182, 8.6 - 49, 48 - 1196, 43 - 406, 79 - 360, 1.12 - 1.65, 1.6 - 16.4 and 0.13 - 0.76 mg/kg, respectively. The concentration, enrichment and sources of the HMs in the leaves are described. Azadirachta indica leaves, accumulating higher concentration of the HMs, showed a higher efficiency as bioindicator for the urban pollution.
TL;DR: Evaluating theantimicrobial and antioxidant efficiency and phytochemical screening of A. indica leaf extract using methanol as a solvent found that the maximum zone of inhibition was shown against S. aureus using 700 μg plant extract.
Abstract: Active ingredients of medicinal plants have been used to cure several human diseases. Azadirachta indica is one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity due to the presence of large number of bioactive compounds. The present study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant efficiency and phytochemical screening of A. indica leaf extract using methanol as a solvent. A qualitative phytochemical screening was performed for the detection of various phytochemicals. Then, the quantitative determination of total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins was done and expressed in terms of gallic acid and rutin equivalent. Total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content were found to be 85.9±4.0, 104.9±5.5 and 65.4±13.9 mg/g of plant extract, respectively. Also, the antibacterial activity was performed using six different bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 35659). It was found that the maximum zone of inhibition of 22±3 mm was shown against S. aureus using 700 µg plant extract. Similarly, the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of plant was also determined and it was found that maximum inhibition obtained was 71.23% when 500 µg plants extract was used.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, methanol, antibacterial, antioxidant.
TL;DR: This study has established that five plants, that is, Aloe secundiflora, Aspilia pluriseta, Balanites aegyptiaca, Azadirachta indica and Amaranthus hybridus have molluscicidal activity and recommends that toxicity studies be conducted to establish their safety in bilharzia control.
Abstract: Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is a disease caused by species of parasitic worms or helminths of the genus Schistosoma. It continues to be a serious worldwide public health problem. The pathological changes in schistosome infestations are caused mainly by the deposition of the eggs into various tissues and organs where granulomas or pseudo tubercles are formed around them. Schistosomes and their intermediate snail hosts are integral parts of the freshwater aquatic environments in which they are found. Biomphalaria and Bulinus are the two primary genera of snails capable of harbouring infections with Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Some of the methods of controlling of schistosomiasis include: control of snails, public health education, sanitation, and community-based chemotherapy employing praziquantel. No single method, regardless of location, has been shown to work because of the large number of environmental variables involved in the parasitic transmission. Some of the control programmes have been those that include some method of curbing transmission, including mollusciciding. The objective of this study was to bioscreen aqueous extracts of five medicinal plants identified using ethnobotanical information gathered from traditional healers for molluscicidal activity. Molluscicidal activity was assessed by determining the ability of various concentrations of the aqueous plant extracts to kill adult Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Of the five plant extracts, only the aqueous extracts of Aloe secundiflora, Aspilia pluriseta, Balanites aegyptiaca, Azadirachta indica and Amaranthus hybridus showed molluscicidal activity. This study has established that five plants, that is, Aloe secundiflora, Aspilia pluriseta, Balanites aegyptiaca, Azadirachta indica and Amaranthus hybridus have molluscicidal activity and recommends that toxicity studies be conducted to establish their safety in bilharzia control.