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Background: Plant poisoning is a common scenario in a toxicology unit . Some of the plants contain active components used as medicines. However, some of the plant constituents are poisonous with wide variety of clinical manifestations. Authors aimed to study the pattern of various types of plant poisons and clinical presentations and complications of various plant poisons admitted in our toxicological unit.Methods: A total of 87 patients admitted with history of plant poison ingestion, in toxicological unit of Tirunelveli medical college were studied . It was a retrospective observational study and was done over a period of one year.Results: Out of 87 cases studied, 92%were due to consumption with suicidal intention. Plant poisoning ranks second only to pesticide poisoning . among the plant poisons encountered 66.6% were due to Oleander poison, followed by Datura (8%) and Glory lily(5.7%). Common parts of plant consumed by patients include seeds and plant oils . Vomiting and abdominal pain were the commonest presentations. Encephalopathy, dyselectrolytemia and arrhythmias were the notable complications in our study.Conclusions: Early admission and prompt first aid and monitoring at tertiary care center are key to the reduced mortality. The study throws light on various manifestations, toxic parts and complications of plant poisons.
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Conventional extraction of oil and azadirachtin, a botanical insecticide, from Azadirachta indica involves defatting the seeds and leaves using hexane followed by azadirachtin extraction with a polar solvent. In order to simplify the process while maintaining the yield we explored a binary extraction approach using Soxhlet extraction device and hexane and ethanol as non-polar and polar solvents at various ratios and extraction times. The highest oil and azadirachtin yields were obtained at 6 h extraction time using a 50:50 solvent mixture for both neem leaves (44.7 wt%, 720 mg(Aza)/kg(leaves)) and seeds (53.5 wt%, 1045 mg(Aza)/kg(seeds)), respectively.
Subject(s)
Azadirachta , Ethanol , Limonins , SolventsABSTRACT
Objective: To find the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of neem oil extract on the selected cancerous (A-549, PC-3 and DU-145) and noncancerous (NIH3T3 and CCD-18Co) cell lines. Methods: Viability and cytotoxic effect induced by the extract was measured by using MTT assay and apoptotic effect of the extract was evaluated by using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide dual staining through a fluorescent microscope and activity of caspases 3, 8 and 9 through colorimetric assay kits. Results: The results showed that neem oil extract significantly reduced the viability in all selected cancer cells treated with varying concentrations of extract as compared with untreated cells and had less effect on noncancerous cell lines. It significantly increased the percentage of necrotic and apoptotic cells, and caspases 3, 8 and 9 activities in all cancer cells treated with extract as compared with untreated cells whereas no effect on noncancerous cell lines. It suggested that neem oil extract exerted a higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells than normal cells and lower concentration induced apoptosis only in cancer cells. One of the apoptosis-inducing mechanism was through the activation of caspases signaling pathways. Conclusion: Conclusively, it implies that neem oil extract may contain one or more potential agents that can be used as a safe and effective anticancer therapy.
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Objective:To find the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of neem oil extract on the selected cancerous (A-549, PC-3 and DU-145) and noncancerous (NIH3T3 and CCD-18Co) cell lines.Methods:Viability and cytotoxic effect induced by the extract was measured by using MTT assay and apoptotic effect of the extract was evaluated by using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide dual staining through a fluorescent microscope and activity of caspases 3, 8 and 9 through colorimetric assay kits.Results:The results showed that neem oil extract significantly reduced the viability in all selected cancer cells treated with varying concentrations of extract as compared with untreated cells and had less effect on noncancerous cell lines. It significantly increased the percentage of necrotic and apoptotic cells, and caspases 3, 8 and 9 activities in all cancer cells treated with extract as compared with untreated cells whereas no effect on noncancerous cell lines. It suggested that neem oil extract exerted a higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells than normal cells and lower concentration induced apoptosis only in cancer cells. One of the apoptosis-inducing mechanism was through the activation of caspases signaling pathways.Conclusion:Conclusively, it implies that neem oil extract may contain one or more potential agents that can be used as a safe and effective anticancer therapy.
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To evaluate the toxic effect of commercial formulations of neem oil, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, pre-pupae (PP), young pupae (YP) and old pupae (OP) of Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were sprayed with the diluted extract in distilled water at concentrations of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%. The neem extract caused concentration-dependent effects on mortality of pupae, and the pupae that failed to emerge in adults had multiple abnormalities. The longevity of pupae that emerged in adults (YP and OP group) did not differ from the control group. The abnormalities found in adults were related to mortality in all treatments, except at the concentration of 1.0%. Fertility was assessed according to the oviposition of adult females from the YP group that showed no abnormalities, through the evaluation of the number of deposited eggs and the rate of undeveloped eggs. The results showed a reduction in the number of eggs laid and an increase in the percentage of undeveloped eggs. These results show that neem oil has a high potential to control the toughest stage of the sugarcane borer and also reduces the further development. Therefore, commercial formulations of neem oil have a toxic effect on pupae and adults of D. saccharalis.(AU)
Para avaliar o efeito tóxico de formulações comerciais de óleo de neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, pré-pupas (PP), pupas jovens (PJ) e pupas velhas (PV) da Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) foram pulverizadas com o extrato diluído em água destilada, em concentrações de 0,0, 0,3, 0,5, 1,0 e 2,0%. O neem provocou diferentes efeitos sobre a mortalidade de pupas, dependendo da concentração. As pupas que não conseguiram emergir em adultos apresentaram anormalidades múltiplas. Quanto às pupas que emergiram em adultos (grupos PJ e PV), foi calculada a sua longevidade, que não diferiu da do grupo controle. As anormalidades encontradas em adultos estão relacionadas com a mortalidade em todos os tratamentos com exceção da concentração de 1,0%. A fecundidade foi avaliada de acordo com a oviposição de adultos fêmeas do grupo PJ, que não apresentaram anormalidades; dentro dos ovos depositados foi avaliado o número de ovos não desenvolvidos. Os resultados demonstraram redução no número de ovos depositados e aumento na porcentagem de ovos não desenvolvidos. Esses resultados mostraram que o óleo de neem tem elevado potencial para o controle do estágio mais resistente da broca da cana-de-açúcar, além de reduzir o aparecimento das fases subsequentes. Portanto, formulações comerciais de óleo de neem apresentam um efeito tóxico em pupas e adultos de D. Saccharalis.(AU)
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Azadirachta , Saccharum , Toxicity , Insecticides , InsectaABSTRACT
Abstract Sweet or bell pepper is a member of the Solanaceae family and is regarded as one of the most popular and nutritious vegetable. Blight, in the form of leaf and fruit blight, has been observed to infect bell pepper crops cultivated at the horticulture farm in Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, India. Based on disease severity, we attempted to curb this newly emerged problem using different fungicides, plant extracts, bio-control agents, and commercial botanicals against the fungus in laboratory and pot experiments. Bio-control agent Trichoderma viride and plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolate Neist-2 were found to be quite effective against bell pepper blight. All evaluated fungicides, botanicals, commercial botanicals, and bio-control agents in vitro were further studied as seed dressers and two foliar sprays at ten days interval in pot experiments. The combinations of Vitavax, PGPR isolate Neist-2, and Mehandi extract were found to be very effective against bell pepper blight followed by Vitavax, T. viride, and Mehandi extract used individually. All treatments in the pot experiments were found to significantly reduce seedling mortality and enhance plant biomass of bell pepper. Thus, these experimental findings suggest that a better integrated management of bell pepper blight could be achieved by conducting field trials in major bell pepper- and chilli-cultivated areas of the state. Besides fungicides, different botanicals and commercial botanicals also seem to be promising treatment options. Therefore, the outcome of the present study provides an alternate option of fungicide use in minimizing loss caused by Drechslera bicolor.
Subject(s)
Plant Diseases/microbiology , Ascomycota , Capsicum/microbiology , Ascomycota/drug effects , Capsicum/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Seedlings/drug effects , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemistryABSTRACT
Introduction: Anti‑microbial therapy is essential along with conventional therapy in the management of periodontal disease. Instead of systemic chemical agents, herbal products could be used as antimicrobial agents. Herbal local drug delivery systems are effective alternative for systemic therapy in managing the chronic periodontal disease. In this study, 10% neem oil chip was used as a local drug delivery system to evaluate the efficacy in the periodontal disease management. Materials and Methods: Twenty otherwise healthy patients with the bilateral periodontal probing depth of 5–6 mm were included in the study. After scaling and root planning (SRP), 10% nonabsorbable neem chip was placed in the pocket in one side of the arch. Other side was done with SRP only. Clinical parameters were recorded on the baseline, 7th day, and 21st day. Plaque samples were obtained for a microbiological study on the baseline and 21st day. Porphyromonas gingivalis strains were seen using quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction assay. All results were statistically evaluated. Results: Clinical parameters showed statistically improved on the neem chip sites and presence of P. gingivalis strains were significantly reduced on the neem chip sites. Conclusion: Hence, 10% neem oil local delivery system delivers desired effects on P. gingivalis. Further research is needed to evaluate the neem oil efficacy on other periodontal pathogens.
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A 35-year-old female was referred to our hospital with bilateral loss of vision of two days duration. She gave history of consumption of about 150 ml of neem oil five days back. Examination revealed no perception of light in both eyes. Both pupils were dilated and sluggishly reacting to light. Her fundus examination showed bilateral hyperemic, edematous discs and also edema extending along the superior and inferior temporal vascular arcade. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed bilateral putaminal regions with altered signal, hypointensities in T1-weighted images, hyperintensities on T2-weighted, images and hyperintense on Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) images suggestive of cytotoxic edema due to tissue hypoxia. Her vision improved to 20/200 in both eyes with treatment after two months. This is the first case report of such nature in the literature to the best of our knowledge.
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Zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium, including F. graminearum, triggers reproduction disorders in certain animals and hyperestrogen syndromes in humans. Current research investigates three concentrations of neem oil extract (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 percent) in reducing the production of zearalenone. Neem oil extract decreased zearalenone amount in the three concentrations but highest inhibition (59.05 percent) occurred at 0.1 percent.
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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 andA. 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.