Medicinal Plant-Derived Copper Nanoparticles Effectively Manage Early Blight Disease in Tomato: An In vitro Study

Aims: Early blight of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) incited by Alternaria solani is an economically important disease. This paper analyses the efficacy of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) as an alternative to its existing management practices that predominantly rely on toxic fungicides which are potentially harmful to humans and the environment.Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with 7 treatments viz. T1:Cu-NPs from tulsi leaves, T2:Cu-NPs from neem leaves, T3:Cu-NPs from bael leaves, T4: Cu-NPs from chemical A (prepared from 0.2 M of Cu(NO3)2.3H2O + 0.2 M Ascorbic acid), T5: Cu-NPs from chemical B (0.2 M Cu(NO3)2.3H2O + 0.2 M CuCl2 + 0.4 N NH4OH), T6: Carbendazim 50 WP as check and T7: Control. Each treatment was tested at two levels of in vitro concentrations (i.e. 300 and 500 ppm) and the treatments were replicated thrice.Place and Duration of Study: Considering the importance of the disease and for developing an effective management strategy, the present study was carried out in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2020-21.Methodology: Stable Cu-NPs were synthesized through three green synthesis methods by using bael (Agel marmelos L.), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), and neem (Azadirachta indica L.) leaves and two chemical synthesis methods (i.e. chemical A and B).Results: The size (diameter) of the Cu-NPs from Agel marmelos, Ocimum sanctum, and Azadirachta indica were 427.4, 1,019, and 246.5 nm, and that from the aqueous solution reduction method and precipitation method were 1,537 and 867.8 nm, respectively. The synthesized Cu-NPs were evaluated against Alternaria solani at 300 and 500 ppm while Carbendazim 50 WP served as the standard check. The Azadirachta indica leaf-derived Cu-NPs at 300 and 500 ppm in the in vitro potato dextrose ager (PDA) medium exhibited the maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 60.24% and 75.9%, respectively. The size of Cu-NPs showed an inverse relation with the antifungal efficacy that indicated greater cellular penetration of smaller nanoparticles whereas much lower inhibition of mycelial growth in Carbendazim 50 WP as a check showed the lowest growth inhibition of 39.75% (300 ppm) and 59.03% (500 ppm).Conclusion: The results thus indicated higher efficacy of nanoformulations at lower concentrations that can be effectively used for the development of new nano-based plant protection agents against the early blight of tomatoes.

Nimb (Azadirachta Indica): Validation of Classical Pharmacological Properties Through Reverse Pharmacology

Plants have been the main source of therapeutic agents in world’s most ancient system of medicine, the Ayurveda. Nimb (also known as Margosa tree) is one of the most commonly used plants in Ayurveda for the management of a large number of ailments. It is a member of the Meliaceae family, found commonly in India, Africa and America. Nimb has been used exclusively by mankind to treat various diseases since even before the availability of manuscripts that recorded the beginning of history. Nimb is well described in Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Ashtang Hridayam, Chikitsa grantha and Nighantus. It is having Laghu guna, Tikta kashaya rasa, Sheeta virya and Katu vipaka, due to which it has been considered as Kapha-pitta shamaka. Acharya Bhav Mishra considers it Tridosh Shamak. It is traditionally used in the treatment of various ailment i.e., Krimi, Kushtha, Jwara, Kandu, Shopha and many more. All the parts of the plant have been used in the preparation of therapeutic formulations. Nimb contains various bioactive compounds like Nimbinin and Nimbidin, due to which it shows antibiotic, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antihelmenthic, antifungal, diuretic, antihistaminic, nematicidal and spermicidal properties and other biological activities. Present paper is an effort to validate pharmacological properties of Nimb described in Ayurveda through reverse pharmacology.

Molecular Docking Of Selected Bioactive Compounds From Azadirachta Indica For The Inhibition Of Covid19 Protease

Objective: COVID-19 caused by novel SARS-coronavirus 2 belonging to family Coronaviridae, is a global public health emergency infecting many people all around the world, especially in India with more than 2,98,000 cases. Hence there is a need for a novel drug that counters SARS-CoV2 is the prime requirement at this time. Methods: The present study aimed to assess bioactive compounds found in Azadirachta indica as a potential inhibitor of COVID-19 Mpr °(6Y2E, 6LU7, and 2GTB) by Autodock 4.2, with the Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm. COVID-19 Mpr ° was docked with thirteen bioactive compounds, and docking was analyzed by Autodock 4.2 and Pymol. Nelfinavir and Saquinavir were used as positive standards for comparison. Results: Azadirachtanin, Azadirachtol, and Salannolide, were left out because of the violation of Lipinski’s rule. The binding energies obtained from the docking of 6Y2E with a native ligand, Azadiradione, Beta-sitosterol, Epiazadiradione, Epoxyazadiradione, Kaempferol, Meldenin, Myricetin, Nimbaflavone, Nimbinene, Nimbione, Nimbocinolide, Quercitrin, Vepnin, Saquinavir, and Nelfinavir were-7.32,-6.63,-6.69,-7.52,-5.27,-4.54,-6.07,-4.19,-5.02,-5.58,-6.23,-4.71, -3.72,-6.4,-7.14 and-4.67 kcal/mol respectively. The binding energies obtained from the docking of 6LU7 with the native ligand, Azadiradione, Nimbione, Vepnin, and Saquinavir were-6.14,-6.48,-6.79 and-6.49 kcal/mol correspondingly. The binding energies obtained from the docking of 2GTB with the native ligand, Azadiradione, Epiazadiradione, Epoxyazadiradione, Kaempferol, Meldenin, Myricetin, Nimbaflavone, Nimbione, Nimbocinolide, Quercitrin, Vepnin, Saquinavir, and Nelfinavir were-6.96,-7.13,-6.69,-5.22,-6.44,-5.06,-5.93,-6.66,-5.3,-5.63,-7.11,-6.89 and-5.42kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion: Azadiradione, Epiazadiradione, Nimbione, and Vepnin seemed to have the greatest potential to act as COVID-19 protease inhibitors. However, further research is necessary to explore their prospective medicinal use in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf Extract Effect as an Option of Treatment of Ibuprofen-induced Nephrotoxicity

Aim:This study investigated the curative effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indicaon Ibuprofen-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rat Study Design:This is an experimental researchPlace of Research:Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology.Methodology:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, with 4 rats in each group. Group 1 was control and received oral normal saline 0.5ml daily. Group 2-6 had induction of nephrotoxicity using oral Ibuprofen 400mg/Kg daily for 5 days. Group 3-5 were subsequently treated with gavage Azadirachta indicaleaf extract 200mg/Kg, 400mg/Kg and 800mg/Kg, respectively, for 5 days. And Group 6 was treated with oral Vitamin E 1000 iu/kg for 5 days Results:Ibuprofen induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by elevation of serum creatinine level in group 2 (1.99 ± 0.83), when compared to 0.48 ± 0.07 obtained in group 1 (control), and Bowman’s capsule enlargement with glomerular degeneration observed in group 2. The serum creatinine levels progressively approached the level of that of the control in groups treated with Azadirachta indicaleaf extract, groups 3 (1.69 ± 0.52), 4 (0.69 ± 0.10) and 5 (0.49 ± 0.10). Also, the histoarchitecture progressively normalized to that of control with each increase in dose of the extract.Conclusion:Azadirachta indica(neem) leaf extract administration led to the resolution of Ibuprofen-induced kidney injury in this study. Thus, it can serve as a treatment option for kidney injury resulting from ingestion of Ibuprofen, after the identification of the molecule responsible for this effect.

Prophylactic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Azadirachta indica Leaf in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background:Medicinal plants are now becoming indispensable in the treatment and management of many ailments. The unaffordability, unavailability and adverse effects of conventional therapy in the treatment and management of many diseases have geared keen interest in the use of herbal medicine. This work was carried out to investigate the prophylactic effect of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indicaleaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods:A total of one hundred (100) rats were randomized into four (4) groups (n=25) and used for the study. Each group of 25 rats was sub-divided into five (5) groups (n=5). The sub-groups comprise: Group A-normal control that was not treated, group B-100mg/kg body weight of metformin and groups C to E -graded doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight) of the ethanol leaf extracts of A. indicaleaves. The standard drug and the extracts were consecutively administered to groups B-E for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days before the induction of diabetes. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using 50mg/kg bodyweight of streptozotocin. Results: Thegroups thatwere administered 100, 200 and400mg/kg bw of ethanolextract of A. indica showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in their weight after 21 and 28 days of pre-treatment compared with the control group that was not treated. The graded doses of the extract also have a remarkable effect in the fasting blood glucose levels which was made visible by the significant (p<0.05) reduction recorded in the fasting blood glucose levels compared with the control group that was not pre-treated and the group pre-treated with metformin. Conclusion: The results obtained in this research suggest that ethanol extract of A. indicahas the potential to protect against diabetes by delaying its onset. However, the longer the period of pre-treatment, the better the condition of the animals pre-treated as well as the protection as can be seen from the results of the weight and fasting blood glucose levels.

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Effect of Consumption of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Azadirachta indica during Pregnancy and Lactation on Body Weight Changes in Rats

Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Azadirachta indica (AI) are widely used in Nigeria for medicinal purposes and have also been shown to affect weight changes anecdotally through mechanisms not yet defined. There are reports of decreased food consumption and weight gain in rats consuming HS extracts as the drinking solutions but there is paucity of data on the effect of these two extracts, administered by gavage, on weight changes during pregnancy and lactation. This study was therefore designed to investigate this in relation to food and fluid intake. 40 pregnant rats weighing 150-200 g were used for this study. They were divided into three groups: control, HS and AI groups. HS and AI groups were subdivided into two subgroups of low and high doses. Extract administration was orally by gavage and commenced on day 1 of pregnancy and ended on postnatal day 21. Food and fluid consumption were monitored throughout pregnancy and lactation. The results showed that the aqueous extract of HS and AI increased consumption of food and fluid during pregnancy and lactation, increased maternal weight gain during pregnancy and lactation. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that consumption of aqueous extracts of HS and AI during pregnancy and lactation increased fluid and food intake and weight gain of dams with a possible potential to accelerate weight loss or decrease postpartum weight retention during lactation.

Minor Sesquiterpenoid and Steroid Constitutes from Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Their Cytotoxic Activity

Background Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is a plant belonging to the meliaceae family. It was used widely asherbal medicine in ancient India and Burma. It possesses a variety of chemical constitutes. Recent studies showedthat some of major constitutes have remarkable anticancer activities. However, the minor constitutes in neem arestill studied insufficiently.Aim The aim of the study is to identify the minor constitutes in neem, and investigate their cytotoxic activity.Material & methods The dry seeds of neem were extracted with 95% ethanol. The ethyl acetate fraction of theextract was systematically separated by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, High Performance Liquid Chromatography(HPLC) and other chromatographic techniques. The structures of the resulting isolates were elucidated byspectroscopic methods, such as mass spectrum (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR), etc.Results A sesquiterpenoid, 11,13-dihydroqinghaosu V (1), together with two known steroids, (24R)-ergosta5,7,22E-trien-3β-ol (2) and 5α,8α-epidioxiergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (3), was isolated from the dry seeds of neem. 1is a compound which is isolated from nature for the first time. In vitro cytotoxic bioassays showed that compound1 selectively inhibited the growth of Hela cell lines, with an IC50 value of 37.26 ±6.02 µM.Conclusion The study indicated that besides some major constituents of neem possessing anticancer activity, itsminor metabolites may also inhibit growth of cancer cells

Limonoids from seeds of Azadirachta indica and their antibacterial activity / 中国中药杂志

Fifteen limonoids were isolated from 95% ethanol extracts of the dry seeds of neem( Azadirachta indica) by various column chromatography techniques including silica gel,Pharmadex LH-20 gel and ODS resin. Based on spectroscopic analysis,their structures were determined as nimbocinol( 1),17β-hydroxynimbocinol( 2),1α,3α,7α-triacetylvilasinin( 3),7α-benzoyltrichilinin( 4),1,3-diacetyl-7-tigloyl-12-hydroxyvilasinin( 5),3-deacetylsalannin( 6),1-O-acetyl-1-detigloylsalannin( 7),2'( R),3'-dihydrosalannin( 8),2'( S),3'-dihydrosalannin( 9),2,3-dihydronimbolide( 10),6-homodesacetylnimbin( 11),gedunin( 12),7-deacetyl-7-epi-dihydrogedunin( 13),7-deacetoxy-7α-hydroxygedunin( 14) and nimbinene( 15). Compound 7 is a new natural product. 4,8,9,13 and 14 are isolated from the genus Azadirachta for the first time. Compound 2 showed inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis,with MIC values of 32 and 128 mg·L~(-1),respectively. Compound 10 showed moderate inhibitory activity against S. epidermidis with a MIC value of 64 mg·L~(-1). Compound 11 inhibited the growth of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,both with MIC values of 128 mg·L~(-1). Compound 15 exhibited inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa,with a MIC value of128 mg·L~(-1).

Effectiveness of neem seed oil methanolic extract shampoo versus permethrin shampoo in the reduction of head lice infestation in children / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#This study compared the effectiveness and safety of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil methanolic extract shampoo against permethrin shampoo in reducing head lice infestation among children.@*METHODS@#A single-blind, non-inferiority, randomized clinical trial was conducted on children aged 6-14 years with pediculosis. Using block randomization, the participants were assigned to receive either 10% neem seed oil methanolic shampoo, 1% permethrin shampoo, or pure shampoo for three treatment applications at 10-day intervals. The presence of head lice after each application was determined by standard quadrant counting and compared with the baseline count within and among treatment groups.@*RESULTS@#There was a statistically significant difference in lice count after treatment for both neem and permethrin, with mean reductions of 17.8 ± 23.97 (p = 0.043) and 22.5 ± 23.47 (p = 0.014), respectively. Repeated Measures ANOVA showed a summary p-value of 0.041 for neem, 0.013 for permethrin, and 0.193 for the shampoo alone with a linear trend indicating a significant decrease in the lice counts from the baseline to the third application of neem and permethrin shampoo, but not in the shampoo group. There was no significant difference in the mean decrease in lice count from baseline to the third application between the neem and permethrin shampoo groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Neem seed oil methanolic extract shampoo is non-inferior and comparable to permethrin in the reduction of head lice count. There were no reported dermatologic adverse effects such as burning sensations, redness, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.

Antiplasmodial activity of silver nanoparticles: A novel green synthesis approach

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles using silver nitrate by a green technique which involves different compositions of aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi). Methods: Their shape and size were determined using transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Their antiplasmodial activity was studied using the malarial parasite strain (Plasmodium falciparum, 3D7). The parasite strain (3D7) was collected and revived in vitro using Trager and Jensen method in RPMI 1640 medium for 7-8 cycles. Half maximal effective concentration values were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis. Results: Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles with size ranging from 4.74-39.32 nm and their size differs by varying the concentrations from 20% to 100% of neem extract in neem and tulsi extracts. It was observed that samples B and C showed half maximum effective concentration of about 0.3 μ M. Conclusions: It can be easily established that the aqueous leaf extracts of neem and tulsi in combination can be a good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticles with small size possessing appreciable antiplasmodial activity.

Antiplasmodial activity of silver nanoparticles: A novel green synthesis approach

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles using silver nitrate by a green technique which involves different compositions of aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi). Methods: Their shape and size were determined using transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Their antiplasmodial activity was studied using the malarial parasite strain (Plasmodium falciparum, 3D7). The parasite strain (3D7) was col ected and revived in vitro using Trager and Jensen method in RPMI 1640 medium for 7-8 cycles. Half maximal effective concentration values were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis. Results: Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles with size ranging from 4.74-39.32 nm and their size differs by varying the concentrationsfrom20％to100％ofneemextractinneemandtulsiextracts.Itwasobservedthat samples B and C showed half maximum effective concentration of about 0.3μM. Conclusions:It can be easily established that the aqueous leaf extracts of neem and tulsi in combination can be a good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticles with smal size possessing appreciable antiplasmodial activity.

Limonoids from seeds of A. Juss. and their cytotoxic activity

Four new limonoid-type nortriterpenoids, 1-detigloyl-1--methacryloylsalannin (), 28-deoxo-2,3-dihydronimbolide (), 12-acetoxy-3--acetyl-7--tigloylvilasinin () and 12-acetoxy-3--acetyl-7--methacryloylvilasinin (), along with five known ones, were isolated from seeds of A. Juss. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, MS, NMR, X-ray crystallography, quantum chemical calculation, as well as by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. In the cytotoxic assay, showed inhibitory activity against human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line with IC value of 7.68±1.74 μmol/L, and inhibited growth of human cervical cancer Hela cell line, melanoma A375 cell line and promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line, with IC 12.00±2.08, 17.44±2.11, and 13.95±5.74 μmol/L, respectively.

Limonoids from seeds of Azadirachta indica and their cytotoxic activity / 中国中药杂志

Eight limonoids were isolated from 95% ethanol extracts of neem(Azadirachta indica) seeds by various chromatographic methods. By comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literatures, these limonoids were determined as salannin(1), 1-detigloyl-1-isobutylsalannin(2), salannol-3-acetate(3), salannol(4), spirosendan(5), 1-detigloyloxy-3-deacetylsalannin-1-en-3-one(6), nimbin(7) and 6-deacetylnimbin(8). Compounds 2 and 5 were firstly isolated from this genus and 5 represented the only example of its type. And 6 is a new natural product. 6 showed inhibitory activity against HeLa and HL-60 cells, with IC₅₀ of(21.61±4.37) and(27.33±5.74) μmol·L⁻¹, respectively. Both 7 and 8 mildly inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, with IC₅₀ of (33.15±5.24) and (38.56±6.41) μmol·L⁻¹, respectively.

Importance of Neem Leaf: An insight into its role in combating diseases.

The neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is a tropical evergreen tree (Fam. Meliacae; Subfam. Melioideae) traditionally well known for its medicinal value. Beneficialt effects of different parts of neem are attributed to its biologically active principle ‘Azadirachtin’. Apart from Indian subcontinent, neem is widely used in African countries as therapeutics, preservatives and insecticides. Neem leaves, natural source of flavonoids, polyphenols, isoprenoids, sulphurous and polysaccharides, play important role in scavenging the free radical and subsequently arresting disease pathogenesis. Considerable research has gone into neem for developing cost effective and non-toxic products. The present review has compiled different phytochemicals isolated from neem leaves, methods of extraction and their therapeutic use in preventing several diseases. Here, we highlighted the mechanism of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of neem leaf that underscores the disease through regulation of physiological responses. Also, multiple roles of neem leaf and commercial use of neem formulation as an alternative in paving a frontier in the field of drug discovery are discussed.

Neem by-products in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases:Biotoxicity of neem cake fractions towards the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (Diptera：Culicidae)

Objective: To evaluate the ovicidal, larvicidal and adulticidal potential of neem cake fractions of different polarity against the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (An. culicifacies). Methods: Neem cake fractions' total methanol extract (NTMeOH), total ethyl acetate extract (NTAcOEt), ethyl acetate fraction after repartition with NTMeOH (NRAcOEt), butanol fraction after repartition with NTMeOH (NRBuOH), and aqueous fraction after repartition of NTMeOH (NRH2O) were tested against An. culicifacies eggs, fourth instar larvae and adults. Results: In larvicidal experiments, NTMeOH, NTAcOEt, NRAcOEt, NRBuOH and NRH2O achieved LC50 values of 1.32, 1.50, 1.81, 1.95 and 2.54 mg/L, respectively. All fractions tested at 150 mg/L were able to reduce egg hatchability of more than 50%, with the exception of NTAcOEt and NRAcOEt. In adulticidal assays, NTMeOH, NTAcOEt, NRAcOEt, NRBuOH and NRH2O achieved LC50 values of 3.01, 2.95, 3.23, 3.63 and 3.00 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that the methanolic fractions of neem cake may be considered as a new and cheap source of highly effective compounds against the rural malaria vector An. culicifacies.

Neem by-products in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases: Biotoxicity of neem cake fractions towards the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective: To evaluate the ovicidal, larvicidal and adulticidal potential of neem cake fractions of different polarity against the rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (An. culicifacies). Methods: Neem cake fractions' total methanol extract (NTMeOH), total ethyl acetate extract (NTAcOEt), ethyl acetate fraction after repartition with NTMeOH (NRAcOEt), butanol fraction after repartition with NTMeOH (NRBuOH), and aqueous fraction after repartition of NTMeOH (NRH

Anti-Helminthic Potential of Solvent Extracts of Indigenous Botanicals.

Ethno botanical studies reveal that the indigenous knowledge of a community is a key player in the identification of medicinal plants and such plants have been often tested by generations of indigenous people. In the present investigation, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Swertia chirayta (Chirayta) were assessed for anti-helminthic potential against helminths (earthworms were used as model) at 10, 50 and 100 mg/ml. No anti-helminthic potential was observed at 10 mg/ml of dose of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Swertia chirayta. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of both the plants showed significant anti-helminthic activity on selected worms at higher doses. Hydro-alcoholic leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem) was found to be more active as compared to hydro-alcoholic whole plant extracts of Swertia chirayta (Chirayta) at concentration of 100 mg/ml. It was observed that with the variation in dose, the death time and paralysis time of the worms’ decreases. The results indicated that extracts possessed dose dependent anti-helminthic activity. The results were compared to Piperazine citrate and Albendazole (15 mg/ml). The hydro-alcoholic extracts demonstrated paralysis as well as death of worms in a less time in comparison to the standard drugs. The anti-helminthic activity of the extracts indicates the presence of active principle responsible for anti-helminthic activity.

Estudo da atividade antifúngica de extratos vegetais de Azadirachta indica frente a cepa padrão de Candida albicans ATCC 10231 / Study on the antifungal activity of vegetable extraxts from Azadirachta indica in face to standard Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, conhecida popularmente como "Neem" é uma árvore indiana, pertencente à família Meliaceae. Apresenta diferentes propriedades terapêuticas, dentre elas, a atividade antibacteriana, antiparasitária, antifúngica e moluliscida. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antifúngica do extrato bruto das folhas de A. indica frente às cepa padrão de Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Os extratos de A. indica foram preparados utilizando o álcool etílico 70%, acetato de etila e hexano como agentes extratores. Para a determinação da CIM (Concentração Inibitória Mínima) dos extratos foram realizadas as técnicas de macrodiluição em tubos e microdiluição em placa empregando a técnica do MABA (Microplate Alamar Blue Assay). Para o extrato bruto produzido com álcool etílico 70% e hexano, revelaram-se incapazes de inibir a cepa C. albicans mesmo na concentração de 2000 µg/mL, o extrato a base de acetato de etila foi o único capaz de exercer efeitos inibitórios em C. albicans ATCC 10231 na concentração de 2000µg/mL.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, popularly known as "Neem", is an Indian tree belonging to the Meliaceae family. It has several therapeutic properties, among them, the antifungal activity. The objective was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the crude extract from the leaves of A. indica in face of the standard Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strains. The extracts of A. indica were prepared using 70% ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane as the extracting agent. For the determination of the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of the extracts, the techniques of macrodilution in tubes and microdilution on plates were performed, using the MABA (Microplate Alamar Blue Assay) technique. The crude extract produced with 70% ethanol and hexane proved to be unable to inhibit C. albicans strain even at a concentration of 2000µg/mL, whereas the ethyl acetate extract was the only one able to exert inhibitory effects on C. albicans ATCC 10231 at a concentration of 2000µg/mL.

Molecular approach to identify antidiabetic potential of Azadirachta indica.

Background: Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a medicinal plant, used in Ayurveda for treating various diseases, one of which is diabetes mellitus. It is known to possess antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and diverse pharmacological properties. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of A. indica on insulin signal transduction and glucose homeostasis is obscure. Objective: The aim was to study the effects of A. indica aqueous leaf extract on the expression of insulin signaling molecules and glucose oxidation in target tissue of high‑fat and fructose‑induced type‑2 diabetic male rat. Materials and Methods: The oral effective dose of A. indica leaf extract (400 mg/kg body weight [b.wt]) was given once daily for 30 days to high‑fat diet‑induced diabetic rats. At the end of the experimental period, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, serum lipid profile, and the levels of insulin signaling molecules, glycogen, glucose oxidation in gastrocnemius muscle were assessed. Results: Diabetic rats showed impaired glucose tolerance and impairment in insulin signaling molecules (insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate‑1, phospho‑IRS‑1Tyr632, phospho‑IRS‑1Ser636, phospho‑AktSer473, and glucose transporter 4 [GLUT4] proteins), glycogen concentration and glucose oxidation. The treatment with A. indica leaf extract normalized the altered levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile and insulin signaling molecules as well as GLUT4 proteins at 400 mg/kg b.wt dose. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that A. indica may play a significant role in the management of type‑2 diabetes mellitus, by improving the insulin signaling molecules and glucose utilization in the skeletal muscle.