Azadirachta Research Articles

Management of surgical wounds using crude neem oil in one year old ram: A successful report

Wound healing effect of crude neem (Azadirachta indica Juss) oil, processed locally from the seed kernel was assessed on septic surgical wound in a one year old Uda ram. A wound approximately 7 cm in diameter created as a result of surgical drainage of abscess on the left caudal part of the elbow joint was flushed with the crude neem oil. A single application of the crude neem oil to the sutured wound resulted in a complete healing after seven days without systemic or topical application of antibiotics. Wound infection and dehiscence were not observed and the animal’s appetite improved significantly after the intervention and treatment. Thus, the study reveals crude neem oil may act as a cheaper, more convenient and effective wound healing oil in animals, especially, in the rural areas where veterinary services and/or orthodox chemically-based animal medicaments may not be readily available. Key words: Neem oil, ram, small ruminant, wound healing.

Physiological and histological impact of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract in a rat model of cisplatin-induced hepato and nephrotoxicity

This study investigated the protective effect of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves against cisplatin-induced hepato and nephrotoxicity. Neem leaves showed significant protection as evidenced by the decrease of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid and urea. This improvement of physiological function was associated with high protection against histopathological injury induced by cisplatin on liver and kidney. These results suggest that neem leaves pre, co and post-treatment can prevent the hepato and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. Key words: Cisplatin, Azadirachta indica, liver, kidney, rats.

Antifungal activity of leaf extracts of some medicinal trees against Macrophomina phaseolina

Present study was carried out to investigate the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of four medicinal trees namely Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Eucalyptus citriodora Roxb. (family Myrtaceae) Azadirachta indica L. and Melia azedarach L. (family Meliaceae), againstMacrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, the cause of charcoal rot disease in more than 500 plant species. Three organic solvents viz. methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate were used for extraction from the leaves. Antifungal bioassays were carried out by using leaf extracts of 0.3, 0.6, …, 1.5% w/v concentrations in 100 ml conical flasks containing 15 ml of malt extract broth. In general, all the extracts significantly reduced the biomass of the target fungal species. However, there was significant difference among the plant species and extracting solvents for their antifungal activity. Highest antifungal activity was exhibited by ethyl acetate extract of A. indica followed by chloroform extract of the same tree species where different concentrations of these extracts reduced the fungal biomass by 81 to 90% and 78 to 84%, respectively as compared to control. Present study concludes that the leaf extracts of allelopathic trees especially ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of A. indicacontain natural fungicides which can be used for the management of M. phaseolina. Key words: Allelopathic trees, charcoal rot, leaf extracts, Macrophomina phaseolina,natural fungicides.

Effect of composts on microbial dynamics and activity, dry root rot severity and seed yield of cowpea in the Indian arid region.

Nutrient-deficient sandy soil, having poor moisture retention, favors Macrophomina phaseolina, a soil-borne plant pathogen, occurring in severe form on many important crops grown in the Indian arid region. In a 2-year field experiment, five composts (4 ton/ha) prepared from residues of Calotropis procera, Prosopis juliflora, Azadirachta indica, Acacia nilotica, and on-farm weeds were tested on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) to determine their effectiveness in limiting the severity of charcoal rot caused by M. phaseolina in relation to the microbial population dynamics, microbial activity and the seed yield of cowpea. In general, compost-amended plots retained 8.9% higher moisture than unamended plots. The microbial population increased in amended plots during the crop season. Populations of total fungi and actinomycetes were heighest in Calotropis compost-amended soil, while total bacteria were maximum in weed- compost amended soil. Microbial activity in amended plots was 26.3% higher than in unamended plots. Among trace elements, uptake of Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu was heighest in plants grown in weed-compost amended soil followed by A. nilotica compost-amended soil. Soil amendment with the composts significantly reduced plant mortality due to charcoal rot. The lowest mortality was recorded in plants amended with A. nilotica compost (5.5%) followed by P. juliflora compost (5.8), while the highest plant mortality (11.5%) from charcoal rot occurred in the unamended control on the basis of the pooled average of two years. There was a significant inverse correlation between microbial activity and charcoal rot incidence in cowpea at 20 days after planting. Composts also had a beneficial effect on yield, with a 28.3% increase in seed yield in P. juliflora compost-amended plots. These results suggest that in resource-deficient farming , certain on-farm wastes can be effectively utilized for managing soil-borne pathogens, as well as for enhancing crop productivity.

Antidiabetic activity of a polyherbal formulation (Karnim Plus)

Karnim Plus, an herbal formulation marketed for diabetes, was investigated for its glucose tolerance, hypoglycaemic, and antidiabetic effects in rats. The glucose tolerance test was studied at 400 mg/kg. Hypoglycemic studies were carried out in normal rats at two dose levels, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Antidiabetic effect was analyzed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at two dose levels, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Glibenclamide, 4 mg/kg, was used as the standard drug. The biochemical parameters such as glucose, urea, creatinine, serum cholesterol, and serum triglyceride were also assessed in experimental animals. The product showed its effectiveness in oral glucose tolerance test and antidiabetic activity, but it did not produce hypoglycemic effect. Treatment of diabetic rats with the product restored the elevated biochemical parameters significantly. The present study supports the use of this product as an antidiabetic. Key words: Karnim Plus, antidiabetic activity, Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Ocimum sanctum, Zingiber officinale

Contact toxicity of some fixed plant oils and stabilized natural pyrethrum extracts against adult maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky)

The contact toxicity of some selected fixed plant oils and stabilized natural pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) blends against adult maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) were investigated. Natural pyrethrum extract was stabilized against ultraviolet (UV) light by blending with fixed oils extracted from Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem tree), Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) and Gossypium hirsutum L. (cotton) seeds. Cottonseed oil had the highest stabilization effect on the pyrethrum blend exposed to UV light of 366 nm. The results indicated that the natural pyrethrum extract blended with cottonseed oil was the most potent against maize weevils and that the potency was concentration-time dependent. Cottonseed and neem seed oils enhanced the stabilization of the natural pyrethrum insecticide.

Influence of extract methods on the hepatotoxicity of Azadirachta indica leaf

No Abstract. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 4 (1) 2008: pp. 106-109

NÃO-PREFERÊNCIA PARA OVOPOSIÇÃO DE Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman, 1833) EM FEIJÃO TRATADO COM DIFERENTES PRODUTOS DE ORIGEM VEGETAL

It was studied the non-preferential oviposition of Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman, 1833) in common beans ( P. vulgaris L.) cv. carioca applied with some vegetal products. The applied products were andiroba oil ( Carapa guianensis ), neem oil ( Azadirachta indica ), neem solution and the commercial product Azatin with rates 2, 4 and 6 ml/kg grain. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial scheme 4 x 4 with 5 replications. Data were transformed in (x + 1)^1/2 and variance analysis while averages were evaluated by Tukey test 5%. All products differed in control. Neem solution and Azatin at 4 ml/kg grain, neem oil at 6 ml/kg grain and andiroba oil (2, 4 and 6 ml/kg grain) showed better results than other treatments. KEY-WORDS: Zabrotes ; Phaseolus ; Carapa ; Azadirachta ; resistance.

Leaf blight of Azadirachta indica and its management in vitro

Leaf blight, a moderate to severe foliar disease of Azadirachta indica was caused by Colletotrichum dematium and Fusarium solani. Previously F. solani was reported on A. indica but the presence of C. dematium is a new document. F. solani was highly virulent against seedlings of A. indica compared to C. dematium in seeds subjected to top of the paper method. In vitro management of these pathogens using Poison Food Technique suggested that of the seven fungicides tested at 50, 100 and 150 ppm concentrations, 100% growth inhibition was recorded in all the three concentrations of ContafPlus and Tilt against C. dematium whereas in F. solani all the three concentrations of Bavistin inhibited the growth of mycelial colony in the range of 88.54 - 86.32%. However, in both C. dematium and F. solani 50 ppm Blitox showed least inhibition.

Phytoremediation of a sodic forest ecosystem: plant community response to restoration process.

The creation of a new biotope on degraded lands is the focused objective nowadays, on a global level. An attempt was made to rehabilitate sodic waste lands through the establishment of plant cover, with diverse plant communities within Banthra Research Station of the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India (80degr45min-53degr53min E and 26degr40min- 26degr45min N) for the last three decades. A rehabilitated forest ecosystem developed in this way consists in a number of herbs, shrubs and trees. Derris indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Terminalia arjuna, Syzigium cumin were the dominant species in this rehabilitated forest, whereas Sporobolus, Desmostachya and Dactyloctenium were a common genera of grasses /forbs on a barren land. This study showed that species diversity and productivity significantly influenced the soil amelioration process. A comparison of three afforested sites with a varying degree of productivity and diversity indicated that some soil properties were influenced by diversity while others by productivity. Individual effects of diversity and productivity were classified as 42% and respectively 58%, in soil reclamation. A combined effect of both biomass productivity and species diversity contributed about 92% towards amelioration. There was an appreciable reduction in soil pH and ESP (exchangeable sodium percentage) and an increase in organic C and N contents showing that sodicity has receded in the forested soil. This experience can be tried out on similar sites of arid and semiarid regions of the world for the bioreclamation of sodic lands.

Vegetative propagation on some key malaria medicinal plants in Nigeria

Vegetative propagation studies on some key medicinal plants for malaria treatment in Nigeria were carried out. The identified plants are Azadirachta indica, venonia amygdalina andAgeratum conyzoides. Methods of harvesting plant parts by the enthomedicinal practitioners were observed to be injurious and could create enabling environment for plant pathogens. Result from vegetative propagation using 50 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed significant difference in response to the effect of IBA in rooting stem cuttings. From A. indica70% cuttings rooted, 30% died in treatment and in the control 10% rooted, while 90% died. From A. conyzoides 23.3% rooted and 76.7% died in treatment while none rooted in the control. V. amygdalina had 60% rooted and 40% died in treatment respectively. The control had 13.3%. Key words: Malaria, medicinal plants, conservation, Vernonia amygdalina, Ageratum conyzoides, Azadirachta indica.

Discrete levels of desiccation sensitivity in various seeds as determined by the equilibrium dehydration method

This study examined the hypothesis that desiccation sensitivities of recalcitrant and intermediate seeds can be categorized into discrete levels of critical water potential. The equilibrium dehydration method was used to determine the critical water potential (CWP) below which desiccation damage started to occur. The CWP values of Bruguiera cylindrica, Lansium domesticum, Litchi chinensis and Lumitzera racemosa are approximately ‐4 MPa. The CWP values of Andira inermis, Avicennia alba, Castanea sinensis (from New Zealand), Citrus aurantifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Nephelium lappaceum and Theobroma cacao (immature axis) are approximately ‐8 MPa. The CWP values of Acer pseudoplatanus, Castanea sinensis (from China), Quercus rubra and Theobroma cacao (mature axis) are approximately ‐12 MPa. The CWP values of Artocarpus heterophyllus and Hevea brasiliensis are approximately � 23 MPa, while the CWP values of Acer platanoides, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Coffea arabica are approximately ‐73 MPa. Together with data available in earlier literature, these CWP values suggest that there are five discrete levels of critical water potential among desiccation-sensitive seed tissues. These data support the hypothesis that discrete levels of desiccation sensitivity occur among recalcitrant and intermediate seeds, and suggest that specific damaging and protective mechanisms exist at certain hydration levels.

Effects of Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) Leaf Extracts on Lipid and C-reactive Protein Concentrations in Cholesterol-fed Rats

Objectives: Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) leaf extract on serum lipid parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. The association between CRP and serum lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats is also investigated. Methods: Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and CRP were measured at week 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 in 4 groups of animals; the control group (C), cholesterol control group (CC), cholesterol-fed groups treated with Neem leaf extract at doses of 50 and 300 mg/kg/day orally (N1&N2), respectively. Results: Cholesterol feeding had resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in TC, LDL&TG in group CC starting from week 2 and a decrease in HDL levels (p<0.05). CRP concentrations also showed a significant increment in the cholesterol-treated rats (CC) compared to group C, N1&N2 (p<0.05). Neem extract treated, TC, LDL and TG levels remained within the normal range similar to Group C and CRP concentrations were lowered but HDL levels were not. Conclusions: It is shown in this study that the concentrations of CRP had increased in CC rats but not in rats with normal cholesterol levels. Neem extract at 50 and 300 mg/kg doses had prevented the rise of TC, LDL and TG in cholesterol-fed rats. No significant changes in CRP concentrations were noted in the Neem-treated animals. Association between CRP and serum lipid concentrations is directly proportionate. They also suggest that Neem leaf extracts at 50 and 300 mg/kg concentrations are excellent lipid-lowering agent.

Dispersion of Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica A Juss)

Pesticidal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) are well known. Hence attempts are being made to develop neem oil based dispersions to be used as pesticides. Some surfactants and their mixtures, such as AOT, SDS, CTAB, LABS, siloxy-N and castor oil based surfactants were tried for developing stable dispersions. Neem oil based surfactant was also prepared by sulfonation and was used for the dispersion of neem oil in water. Stability of dispersions as a function of type of surfactant, hardness of water and effect of temperature was studied. Antimicrobial activity of selected dispersions were examined. Limited laboratory experiments have shown effectiveness of these dispersions as a mosquito and house flies repellant.

Cultivation of Neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae) in Saudi Arabia

What is probably the world’s largest neem (Azadirachta indica) plantation is on 10 sq km in the Plains of Arafat, Saudi Arabia, where 50,000 trees have been planted recently. The project, designed to provide shade to the ca. 2 million Muslim pilgrims who camp there annually for “Haj” rites, has economic potential. Pest-control materials, soap, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products are among items that could be produced for home consumption and export. Introduced into the country more than 40 yr ago, the tree has acclimated itself remarkably well to the local hot and arid conditions. La Culture du Neem (Azadirachta indica,Meliaceae)en Arabie Seoudite. La plus grande plantation de neem (Azadirachta indica) entourne dix kilometres carres dans les Plaines d’Arafat, Arabie Seoudite, ou 50.000 arbres ont etes plantes recemment. Le projet, cree pour fournir ombrage aux 2 millions de pelerins musulmans qui y campent annuellement pour les rites de “haj,” a potentiel economique. Les articles que l’on pourra produire pour consommation domestique et exportation incluent les materiels pour regler des pestes, le savon, le dentifrice, et les produits pharmaceutiques. Introduit au pays il y a plus que 40 ans, l’arbre s’est adapte remarquablement bien a la chaleur locale et aux conditions arides.

Ultrastrucrure and Histochemistry of Traumatic Gum Ducrs in the Wood of Azadiracht A Indica A. Juss.

Ultrastrucrure and Histochemistry of Traumatic Gum Ducrs in the Wood of Azadiracht A Indica A. Juss.