Showing papers on "Azadirachta published in 2018"

Evaluation of Various Plant Extracts against the Early Blight Disease of Tomato Plants under Greenhouse and Field Conditions

Abstract: Nashwa S.M.A., Abo-Elyousr K.A.M. (2012): Evaluation of various plant extracts against the early blight disease of tomato plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Plant Protect. Sci., 48: 74–79. The antimicrobial activity of six plant extracts from ocimum basilicum (Sweat Basil) , Azadirachta indica (Neem), Eucalyptus chamadulonsis (Eucalyptus), Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed), Nerium oleander (Oleander), and Allium sativum (Garlic) was tested for controlling Alternaria solani in vitro and in vivo . In in vitro study the leaf extracts of D. stramonium, A. indica , and A. sativum at 5% concentration caused the highest reduction of mycelial growth of A. solani (44.4, 43.3 and 42.2%, respectively), while o. basilicum at 1% and 5% concentra tion and N. oleander at 5% concentration caused the lowest inhibition of mycelial growth of the pathogen. In greenhouse experiments the highest reduction of disease severity was achieved by the extracts of A. sativum at 5% concentration and D. stramonium at 1% and 5% concentration. The greatest reduction of disease severity was achieved by A. sativum at 5% concentration and the smallest reduction was obtained when tomato plants were treated with o. basilicum at 1% and 5% concentration (46.1 and 45.2 %, respectively). D. stramonium and A. sativum at 5% concentration increased the fruit yield by 76.2% and 66.7% compared to the infected control. All treatments with plant extracts significantly reduced the early blight disease as well as increased the yield of tomato compared to the infected control under field conditions.

Physicochemical Properties of New Cellulosic Fibers from Azadirachta indica Plant

Abstract: This research study was aimed at examining newly identified natural fiber from the bark of Azadirachta indica (AI). The various properties were analyzed and compared with other available bark fibers. The chemical composition of Azadirachta indica fibers (AIFs), high cellulose (68.42 wt.%) content, and low lignin (13.58 wt.%) were discovered. The lower density of 740 kg/m3, and crystallinity index of 65.04% properties were identified. The maximum peak temperature obtained was 321.2 °C in Differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curve. Taken together, all the properties of AIFs indicated that they could be suitable to make green composites for various types of applications.

A comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, bioactives for pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological attributes of Azadirachta indica

Abstract: Azadirachta indica L. is a multipurpose medicinal tree of family Meliaceae. It occurs in tropical and semitropical regions of the world. Different parts of this miraculous tree are used to treat pyrexia, headache, ulcer, respiratory disorders, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, dengue, chicken pox, and dermal complications. The tree is popular for its pharmacological attributes such as hypolipidemic, antifertility, microbicidal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, insecticidal, nematicidal, antiulcer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antileishmaniasis properties. A. indica is also rich in various phytochemicals for pharmaceuticals such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The fungicidal potential of the tree is due to the presence of azadirachtin and nimbin. Herein, we have compiled a comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, pharmacological attributes, and therapeutic prospective of this multipurpose tree.

Endophytic Mycoflora and Their Bioactive Compounds from Azadirachta Indica: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: Plants are all inhabited by endophytic fungi in the interior of their tissues. The neem tree Azadirachta is an Indian lilac used for various therapeutic purposes in different forms of preparations. This plant hosts different types of endophytic fungi. In some cases, different tissues of a given plant are inhabited by different endophytic fungi which are discussed in this paper. Recently, there have been new reports on endophytic fungi and their bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica. The biological function of bioactive compounds was discussed in view of their future industrial prospects. There are a number of different research investigations that examine the endophytes isolated and screened for their potential bioactive secondary metabolites from neem, but there is no comprehensive review on neem endophytes and their secondary metabolites to bring all trends from different researchers together. Therefore, in this review, we have discussed the endophytic fungi from the different tissues of neem, in view of the latest understandings of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pathogenicity target compounds. Importantly, tracing the previous findings would pave the way to forecast the missing link for future work by researchers.

Extraction of total phenolic content from Azadirachta indica or (neem) leaves: Kinetics study.

Abstract: The objective of this work is to put forth the optimization and kinetics of total phenolic compounds extraction from Azadirachta indica leaves in a stirred batch extraction. Various experiential extraction parameters have been studied for maximum extraction of the total phenolic compounds. The maximum yield of total phenolic compounds was found to be 10.80 mg g−1 of dried neem powder under the optimized conditions. The extraction kinetics behavior followed first-order kinetics with diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.8 × 10−12 to 3.2 × 10−12 m2 s−1 for all sets. Activation energy (Ea) value for the extraction of the total phenolic compounds was found to be 22.87 kJ mol−1. The kinetic expression model developed by Spiro and Siddique showed a good agreement with the experimental outcomes. The obtained results can be used to scale up the operations for industrial purposes.

Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of neem (Azadirachta indica)

Abstract: Azadirachta indica, a member of the Meliaceae family, is commonly known as neem and its role in disease cure has been documented. Different parts of this tree contain numerous types of ingredients such as azadirachtin and quercetin and limonoids such as nimbin, nimbidin, and nimbinin with diverse pharmacological activities. Neem tree parts have also been used as a general folk medicine, and more recently, its constituents have been purified and found to possess greater antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancerous activities. Moreover, its constituents also show therapeutic implications in the modulation of cell signaling pathways involved in the management of cancer. Moreover, neem and its ingredient might be a potential candidate in prevention and treatment of tumor due to its broader pharmacological activities. This review presents an overview of the health-promoting effects of neem and its ingredients through modulation of biological activities.

An Overview on the Anticancer Activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem) in Gynecological Cancers.

Abstract: In recent years, a wide range of studies have pointed out the importance of nutraceuticals as reservoirs of therapeutic compounds for several diseases, including cancer. This study is centered on the role of some nutraceuticals as anticancer agents and on their efficiency in the oncological gynecological field. Gynecological cancers include cervical, ovarian, and breast neoplasia and these are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the female population. Cervical neoplasia affects sexually active women aged between 30 and 40 years and is considered the second leading cause of death for women worldwide. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association of this cancer with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, independent of any others risk factors. Ovarian cancer represents about 4% of all women’s cancers and breast neoplasia registers 52.8 new cases per 100,000 women annually. Since ancient times, herbal therapies have shown a wide range of beneficial effects and a high potential for safeguarding human health. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a medicinal plant of Indian origin, a tree with more of 140 isolated compounds and at least 35 biologically active principles that have shown an important influence as tumor suppressors by interfering with the carcinogenesis process. Used for centuries in Asia as a natural remedy for cancer, neem compounds present in bark, leaves, flowers, and seed oil have been shown to possess properties such as chemopreventive capacity, apoptotic activities, immunomodulatory effects, and induction of p53-independent apoptosis. The current study is a systematic literature review based on the anticarcinogenic potential of neem compounds in gynecological cancers.

Compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi and botanical extracts against the wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract: Wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fab.), is a serious pest of wheat crop across the world. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potentials of the water plant extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) or Eucalyptus camaldulensis and the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF); Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae against the aphid species. After 5 days of applications, the combined mixture of B. bassiana and eucalyptus extract caused the maximum mortality rate (87%). While the combination of B. bassiana with neem extract showed the least rate (54%). Fecundity was negatively affected by the single and combined treatments of EPF and botanicals extracts. The lowest fecundity (7 nymphs per female) was recorded when the aphid was treated by the binary mixture of B. bassiana and eucalyptus extract. Correspondent maximum fecundity (29 nymphs per female) in 5 days was recorded in control treatment, while 23 nymphs were produced by a single female when treated with the binary mixture of B. bassiana and neem extract. The results indicated that EPF and botanical extracts (neem or eucalyptus) caused significant reduction in survival and fecundity of S. avenae. Therefore, they may be used as promising natural alternatives to synthetic insecticides against the wheat aphid species.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Effects of Moringa oleifera (Moringa) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) Methanolic Extracts against Strains of Enterococcus faecalis .

Abstract: Objective. To evaluate antibacterial and cytotoxic effect of 2 methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera against strains of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) in vitro. Methods. The methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera were prepared in vitro. The antibacterial effect of the extracts against Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated using the agar diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method and the cytotoxicity using the cellular line MDCK. Results. The methanolic extract with the most antibacterial effect during the first 24 and 48 hours against Enterococcus faecalis was Moringa oleifera, evidencing a growth inhibition zone of 35.5 ± 1.05 and 44.83 ± 0.98, respectively. The MIC for both extracts was 75 µg/ml. The bactericidal effect of the Azadirachta indica extract was found at a concentration of 25 µg/ml and a concentration of 75 µg/ml for Moringa extract. Conclusions. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera both have an antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis strains during the first 24 and 48 hours. None of the extracts exhibited toxicity against the cell lines under low concentrations.

A supercritical CO2 extract of neem leaf (A. indica) and its bioactive liminoid, nimbolide, suppresses colon cancer in preclinical models by modulating pro-inflammatory pathways.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Anti-inflammatory blockade has been proven to be a promising avenue of colorectal cancer prevention. However, NSAIDs while effective in curbing CRC risk are too toxic for long-term use in cancer prevention. The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is rich in liminoid terpenoids, collectively known as azadiractoids and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. To explore a role of neem in CRC, human colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 cells were treated with purified Super Critical Neem Extract (SCNE) or the neem liminoid, nimbolide. SCNE treatment resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of CRC cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Treatment with SCNE and nimbolide decreased the expression of transcriptional factors, STAT3 and NF-κB which plays a major role in gene regulation of multiple cellular processes. Protein expression of COX1, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased on treatment with SCNE in CRC cells. Western blots and Zymogram assays results revealed anti-invasive effect by decreased expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins in CRC cells. Overall, these data confirm a potential anti-cancer effect of SCNE, reducing cell proliferation, inflammation, migration, and invasion in human colon cancer cells. Confirming these indications, we found that treatment of mice bearing HT29 and HCT116 xenografted tumors exhibited striking inhibition of colon tumor growth. Clearly we must explore the effect of neem in preclinical animal models for anti-cancer therapy.

Bioactive constituents of neem

Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica), generally called Margosa or Indian Lilac, belongs to the family Meliaceae, subfamily Meloideae, and tribe Melieae. Neem has been known as a life-giving tree, holy tree, divine tree, village drug store, village pharmacy, panacea, and omnipotent tree of the Indian subcontinent. It has been widely mentioned in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Unani medicines. Neem is considered harmless to humans, animals, birds, beneficial insects, and earthworms and has also been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use as a food crop. The neem tree has been used traditionally for centuries in both medicine and agriculture. Although neem is one of the most ancient and most widely used herbs on Earth, intense investigations of the properties of neem are now being undertaken. This serve as an example, if the traditional wisdom scientifically explored, can guide the efforts of modern science in discovering remedies for human ailments. Neem has immense potential, as it is the most versatile, multifarious tree of tropics. It contains maximum useful nonwood products (leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seed, gum, oil, and neem cake) than any other phytochemically reach tree. Throughout the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent, the neem tree is referred to as a village pharmacy because it cures diseases and disorders ranging from bad teeth and bed bugs to ulcers and malaria (John, 2001). The health-promoting effect of neem is attributed to its rich source of antioxidant. Earlier finding confirmed that neem and its constituents play a role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. Recently, it has been reported as anticancerous and used for hepato-renal protective activities and hypolipidemic effect. The studies based on animal model established that neem and its chief constituents play a pivotal role in anticancer management through the modulation of various molecular pathways including p53, pTEN, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2, and VEGF. Neem seeds and leaves have the ability to kill some disease-causing fungus, viruses, and parasites. It is considered as a safe medicinal plant and modulates numerous biological processes without any adverse effect. Neem has been found highly useful in controlling the oral disease, dental infections, and gum care. It has also been found to have contraceptive properties and effective in controlling the sexually transmitted disease (STDs).

Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal gel containing extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata.

Abstract: In the Indian system of medicine-Ayurveda, azadirachta indica, adhatoda vasica, piper betle, ocimum tenuiflorum and pongamia pinnata has been mentioned as a remedy for treatment of various infectious diseases and ailments. Based on the folkloric use, the present study was designed to formulate and evaluate polyherbal gel containing extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata. Gel formulations (Formulation A, B and C) were prepared which comprised of the ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata in a concentration of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 %, respectively in a base. The prepared formulations were evaluated for appearance and homogeneity, pH, viscosity and rheological studies, spreadability, skin irritation test (patch test) and washability. The formulations were also screened for their antimicrobial activity by disc plate method against S. aureus, B. subtilis, A. niger and E. coli. The results of the studies revealed that all formulations under study viz. A, B and C showed better zone of inhibition as compared with the control. However, formulation C exhibited maximum activity against the selected strains which may be attributed to its greater amount of herbal extracts as compared to formulation A and B. The polyherbal gel formulations were observed to possess antimicrobial action. The effective activity may be attributed to the synergistic action of the plants constituents present in the formulation.

Tracing the biosynthetic origin of limonoids and their functional groups through stable isotope labeling and inhibition in neem tree ( Azadirachta indica ) cell suspension

Abstract: Neem tree serves as a cornucopia for triterpenoids called limonoids that are of profound interest to humans due to their diverse biological activities. However, the biosynthetic pathway that plant employs for the production of limonoids remains unexplored for this wonder tree. Herein, we report the tracing of limonoid biosynthetic pathway through feeding experiments using 13C isotopologues of glucose in neem cell suspension. Growth and development specific limonoid spectrum of neem seedling and time dependent limonoid biosynthetic characteristics of cell lines were established. Further to understand the role of mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways in limonoid biosynthesis, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)- tandem mass spectrometry based structure-fragment relationship developed for limonoids and their isotopologues have been utilized. Analyses of labeled limonoid extract lead to the identification of signature isoprenoid units involved in azadirachtin and other limonoid biosynthesis, which are found to be formed through mevalonate pathway. This was further confirmed by treatment of cell suspension with mevinolin, a specific inhibitor for MVA pathway, which resulted in drastic decrease in limonoid levels whereas their biosynthesis was unaffected with fosmidomycin mediated plastidial methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway inhibition. This was also conspicuous, as the expression level of genes encoding for the rate-limiting enzyme of MVA pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) was comparatively higher to that of deoxyxylulose-phosphate synthase (DXS) of MEP pathway in different tissues and also in the in vitro grown cells. Thus, this study will give a comprehensive understanding of limonoid biosynthetic pathway with differential contribution of MVA and MEP pathways. Limonoid biosynthesis of neem tree and cell lines have been unraveled through comparative quantification of limonoids with that of neem tree and through 13C limonoid isotopologues analysis. The undifferentiated cell lines of neem suspension produced a spectrum of C-seco limonoids, similar to parental tissue, kernel. Azadirachtin, a C-seco limonoid is produced in young tender leaves of plant whereas in the hard mature leaves of tree, ring intact limonoid nimocinol accumulates in high level. Furthermore, mevalonate pathway exclusively contributes for isoprene units of limonoids as evidenced through stable isotope labeling and no complementation of MEP pathway was observed with mevalonate pathway dysfunction, using chemical inhibitors.

Toxicity, Phytochemical Composition, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Some Indigenous Weed Plant Extracts in Fruit Fly, Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract: Drosophila melanogaster being used as model organism is considered as pest of homes, restaurants, and fruit markets. The damaged fruits are also reported to serve as a carrier for various diseases. The current study was designed to evaluate the toxicity of petroleum extract of some weed plants, namely, Euphorbia prostrata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Fumaria indica, Chenopodium murale, and Azadirachta indica, against D. melanogaster. Mortality at 10, 20, and 30% concentrations after 24 and 48 hours was found comparatively low. E. prostrata caused high mortality (51.64%) at 30% concentration and was found more toxic (LC50 27.76; value 0.00) after 72 hours. A. indica showed high LC50 value ( value 0.15) compared to other weed plants. The combination of E. prostrata and Bti showed highest mortality (100%; LC50 12.49; value 0.00) after 72 hours. Similarly, the same combination caused maximum reduction in the activity of AChE, AcP, AkP, -Carboxyl, and -Carboxyl enzymes. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and terpenoids. FTIR analysis of E. prostrata showed the presence of phenolic compounds. It is suggested that further studies are needed in order to incorporate weed plant extracts in combination with Bti for the management of fruit flies.

Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Bark Extract against Newcastle Disease Virus

Abstract: Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: February 14, 2017 April 12, 2017 April 18, 2017 May 09, 2017 In the present research, the in-vitro and in-ovo antiviral activity of Neem (Azadirachta indica) bark extract against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was evaluated. Various dilutions of Azadirachta indica extract were used against NDV. In-vitro evaluation was done by performing spot assay and micro-hemagglutination test, while in-ovo antiviral activity was assessed by injecting the extracts in 11 days old embryonated eggs. During in-vitro evaluation, it was found that the stock solution and 1:2 dilution of Neem bark extract exhibit antiviral activity but at the same time these concentrations showed cytotoxic activity as well, while higher dilution (1:8) showed non-significant antiviral activity. Same was true for in-ovo evaluation, higher dilutions showed non-significant activity. Taking together, it may be concluded there was no significant difference in the antiviral effects of different concentrations of Neem bark extracts but the exposure time was a significant variable for cytotoxicity. ©2017 PVJ. All rights reserved

Protective Effect of Azadirachta indica and Vitamin E Against Arsenic Acid-Induced Genotoxicity and Apoptosis in Rats.

Abstract: Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is one of the major environmental toxicants with severe toxicological consequences in some developing and developed countries. Rats in Group A received normal saline. Genot...

Antiproliferative Activity of Neem Leaf Extracts Obtained by a Sequential Pressurized Liquid Extraction.

Abstract: Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) extracts have been used in pharmaceutical applications as antitumor agents, due to their terpenes and phenolic compounds. To obtain extracts from neem leaves with potential antiproliferative effect, a sequential process of pressurized liquid extraction was carried out in a fixed bed extractor at 25 °C and 100 bar, using hexane (SH), ethyl acetate (SEA), and ethanol (SE) as solvents. Extractions using only ethanol (EE) was also conducted to compare the characteristics of the fractionated extracts. The results obtained by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry suggested a higher concentration of terpenes in the SEA extract in comparison to SH, SE, and EE extracts. Therefore, antiproliferative activity showed that SEA extracts were the most efficient inhibitor to human tumor cells MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, and HepG2. Hepatocellular cells were more resistant to SH, SEA, SE, and EE compared to breast, lung, hepatocellular, and cervical malignant cells. Neem fractioned extracts obtained in the present study seem to be more selective for malignant cells compared to the non-tumor cells.

Anti-mycotic potential of Trichoderma spp. and leaf biomass of Azadirachta indica against the charcoal rot pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid in cowpea

Abstract: Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is a destructive pathogen of cowpea that causes serious charcoal rot disease with significant yield losses. Antifungal activity of three indigenous Ascomycetes viz., Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, and T. hamatum, and two Meliaceae members, i.e., Melia azedarach L. and Azadirachta indica L. were assessed against the pathogen. Laboratory screening trials with cell-free culture filtrate showed the maximum reduction in growth of M. phaseolina with T. harzianum, followed by T. viride. Various concentrations (1–5%) of methanolic leaf extract of A. indica showed more reduction in fungal biomass than M. azedarach. Pot experiment was performed by T. harzianum, T. viride, and dry leaf biomass of A. indica against M. phaseolina. Results revealed that potted soil amended with T. harzianum in combination with 1–3% dry leaf biomass of A. indica held a significant potential to decrease disease incidence to 20–25% and improve plant growth attributes up to fourfolds over positive control inoculated with M. phaseolina only. Physiology of the host plant was altered due to the incorporation of various soil amendments resulting in reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase). It was concluded that fungal antagonists and allelopathic chemicals would be an effective and eco-friendly means of managing the charcoal rot disease.

Hydroethanolic Extracts of Erigeron floribundus and Azadirachta indica Reduced Plasmodium berghei Parasitemia in Balb/c Mice.

Abstract: Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases in Africa especially in Cameroon. The nonaccessibility to current treatments for poor people and the appearance of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites stimulate the search for alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial activity and the safety of hydroethanolic extracts from Erigeron floribundus and Azadirachta indica. The crude hydroethanolic extracts of E. floribundus (HEEF) and A. indica (HEAI) were prepared via maceration of the whole plant powder of E. floribundus and the leaves of A. indica in 70% ethanol. The antimalarial activity was determined according to Peter’s 4-day suppressive test using the murine model Plasmodium berghei/Balb C mice, while the acute and subacute toxicity tests were assessed according to the OECD 425 and 407 guidelines, respectively. The results indicate a reduction of parasitemia ranging from 49.75 ± 3.64 to 69.28 ± 1.36% for HEAI and from 30.46 ± 4.30 to 62.36 ± 2.32% for HEEI. Overall, HEEF and HEAI at doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg b.w. and 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively, showed a significant (p≤0.001) parasitemia reduction on P. berghei infecting BALB/c mice. HEEF and HEAI caused a significant (p<0.001) attenuation of body temperature drop in mice compared to negative control, except for the 150 mg/kg b.w. dose in the female group. Moreover, there was no mice mortality observed with these extracts even at 5000 mg/kg, while the aspartate amino transferase (ASAT) level of mice treated with 300 mg/kg b.w. of HEAI extract increased when compared with the control. The results of this study support the traditional use of these plants species extracts against malaria infection in rural zones of Northern Cameroon, therefore confirming their potential as sources for the development of efficient phytomedicines for malaria-poverty disease alleviation.

Antihypertensive Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Fraction of Azadirachta indica on Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester-Induced Hypertension and Cardiorenal Dysfunction

Abstract: Azadirachta indica (AI) is a medicinal plant with reported antioxidant and cardio-protective properties. The use of plant-based polyphenols has become greatly increased in the last one decade. The present study investigated the protective effect of the polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) of the methanol-extract of Azadirachta indica against Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension and cardiorenal dysfunction in rats. Fifty (50) Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups. Group A, the control, was administered potable water. Groups B-E received orally, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME only, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 100 mg/kg of AI extract, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 200 mg/kg of AI extract, and 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 25 mg/kg of captopril, respectively for 21 days. The results of the present study revealed that L-NAME administration led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde,protein carbonyl) increased significantly while there was reduction in reduced glutathione level, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase as well nitric oxide bioavailability. Immunohistochemistry revealed higher expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) and kidney injury molecule 1(Kim-1) and lower expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in hypertensive rats. Our results indicated that with PRF of AI restored high blood pressure, reduced markers of oxidative stress, normalized serum NO bioavailability and increased the expressions of Nrf2. Hence, PRF of Azadirachta indica could be used for the treatment of hypertension.