Extract Of Azadirachta Indica Research Articles

Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Smear Layer Removal Ability of Conventional Endodontic Irrigation Regimen, MTAD, and QMix™ Versus a Mixture of Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon: An In Vitro Study.

Smear layer removal from root canals aid in the penetration of both irrigants and endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules, thereby improving the efficacy of endodontic treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the smear layer removal ability of a conventional endodontic irrigation regimen, MTAD (mixture of tetracycline, acid, and detergent), and QMix™ (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States) with that of a mixture of herbal irrigants, namely, aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Citrus limon (lemon), evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We selected 40 extracted human premolar teeth for the study, which we randomly divided into five groups (eight samples each) according to irrigation solution: (i) Group A (normal saline); (ii) Group B (conventional endodontic regimen, 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 2% chlorhexidine (CHX)); (iii) Group C (MTAD); (iv) Group D (QMix 2-in-1); and (v) Group E (aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon). After we prepared the canals with ProTaper Universal nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary files (Dentsply Sirona) and the respective irrigants, we split the teeth longitudinally to evaluate the amount of remnant smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds using SEM photomicrographs. We performed statistical analyses of the data using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, where the level of significance was set at 0.05. The SEM analysis of the coronal third showed mean valuesof 3.83 in Group A, 3.67in Group B, 2.79in Group C, 3.63in Group D, and 4.00in Group E. The SEM analysis of the middle third showed mean values of 4.00 in Group A, 3.88in Group B, 3.75 in Group C, 3.50in Group D,and 3.50 in Group E.The SEM analysis of the apical third showed mean values of 3.92 in Group A, 3.63in Group B, 3.71in Group C, 3.88 in Group D, and 3.17 in Group E.Therefore, we found that there were significant statistical differences between the groups when an overall comparison was done for the coronal, middle, and apical third, with a p-value of 0.001. On multiple comparisons across the different tooth-section thirds. Groups A and B showed statistically significant differences in the apical third (p-value=0.017). Groups A and C showed statistically significant differences in the coronal third and middle third (p-values=0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Groups A and D showed statistically significant differences in the middle third (p-value=0.001). Groups A and E showed statistically significant differences in all thirds (p-values=0.039, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively) Conclusion: The conventional needle irrigation with MTAD showed the highest level of smear layer removal ability on the root canal surface, followed by QMix 2-in-1, the Azadirachta indica leaf and Citrus limon extract mixture, and the conventional endodontic regimen. Normal saline showed the lowest smear layer removal effect.

A comprehensive study on ZrO2-ZnO nanocomposites synthesized by the plant-mediated green method

Zirconia—zinc oxide (ZrO2-ZnO) nanocomposites with three different amounts of zirconia (ZrO2) contents (5%, 10%, and 15%) were successfully synthesized using the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (also known as Neem). The prepared nanocomposites were examined from the microstructural and optical point of view. The existence of the mixed phase of hexagonal ZnO together with the tetragonal ZrO2 in each sample was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction data. Rietveld refinement was performed to determine the microstructural parameters. A significant morphological as well as microstructural change was also noticed from SEM and HRTEM images with the admixture of increasing quantities of zirconia. A characteristic metal oxide band within 1000 cm−1, was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. UV–visible spectra confirm the decrease in optical band gap energy values from 3.30 eV to 3.15 eV for the ZnO phase and from 3.93 eV to 3.73 eV for the tetragonal ZrO2 phase with the increasing amount of ZrO2 admixture into the ZnO host material. All of these findings would likely be useful not only in the manufacture of electronic and optical devices, but would also be useful for water purification through photocatalytic activities.

Evaluation of Seed Extracts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i>. Juss (Meliaceae) as Pesticide for the Treatment of Stored Bean Seeds

This study sought to ascertain the potentials of extracted oil and various partition portions of the seed extract of Azadirachta indica in the control of insect (Callosobrochus maculatus) infestation of stored bean seeds. The extracted oil significantly enhanced feeding deterrence in the insect, grain damage was greatly reduced as well as weight loss and oviposition of the insects. The extracted oil at different doses significantly reduces oviposition and adult emergence of C. maculatus in the treated bean seeds. Methyl allyl disulphide, n-propyl benzoate, n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienenoic acid, Methyl nonanoate, Methyl hexadecanoate, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid and Campesterol were the major components in the extracted oil through GC-MS analysis. Regression analysis of the available data on individual in the treated bean seeds confirm that significant reduction of the oviposition and adult emergence of Callosobrochus maculatus decreases with increasing doses of the extract. It was also observed that feeding deterrent, oviposition and adult emergence of the Callosobrochus maculatus of the bean seeds were found to reduce as the polarity of the partition portion of the extracts increases significantly. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the n-hexane and methanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, triterpenes, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids. The findings have demonstrated the bioefficacy for the use of the extracted oil and various partition portion of the seed extract against insect infestation of the stored beans, hence strengthening the possibility of using it as an alternative to synthetic chemicals for the preservation of grains.

Comparative Study to Determine Antimicrobial Property of Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica) Extracts Using Various Solvents Obtained from Two Geographical Area

Comparative Study to Determine Antimicrobial Property of Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica) Extracts Using Various Solvents Obtained from Two Geographical Area

Superparamagnetic and antimicrobial biosynthesis of Ce/NiO nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Nanomaterials have been used in advanced biomedical applications due to their superparamagnetic and antimicrobial properties. The adequate superparamagnetic and antimicrobial capacity has improved the nanomaterials applicability in biomedical applications. Herein, superparamagnetic and antibacterial Ce doped NiO nanomaterials were developed by dissolving cerium(III) nitrate and nickel(II) nitrate at different concentrations (1-X, X = 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003, and 0.099, 0.098 and 0.097 M, respectively) using Azadirachta Indica extract as a nucleation agent. The oxidation states Ni(2p), Ce(3d) and O(1s) of the nanomaterials were investigated by XPS spectra. The XRD patterns determined that the Ce doped NiO nanomaterials exhibit face-centred​ cubic structures. FE-SEM illustrates the surface structure of the nanomaterials, which have non-uniform spherical particles. Photoluminescence spectra reveal multi-emission centres​ created in the nanostructure. In addition, the electrical and magnetic behaviours of the Ce-doped NiO nanomaterials were investigated to determine the dielectric polarization and magnetic properties. The nanomaterials’ superparamagnetic behaviour was studied using a vibrating sample magnetometer at ambient temperature. Additionally, nanostructures’ bacterial activity significantly inhibited Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebsiella Pneumoniae. This investigation indicates that forming a nanostructure has significant advantages in biomedical applications.

Revolutionizing the effect of Azadirachta indica extracts on edema induced changes in C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in albino rats: in silico and in vivo approach.

The aim of the present study is to determine the in vivo and in silico anti-inflammatory effect of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) in carrageenan-induced rats and its blood biomarkers. A. indica (Neem) is a widely used medicinal plant across the world, especially in Pakistan. Neem leaves have been traditionally used for the synthesis of drugs and treatment of a wide variety of diseases. In this study, sixty albino rats (160-200 g) were divided into 4 groups: control (group I), standard (group II), ethanolic and aqueous (group III and IV) at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed maximum inhibition in paw size at the 5th hour (400 mg/kg). Similarly, biomarkers measured, including Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at the highest dose of 400 mg/kg in both experimental groups but were more distinct in the group treated with ethanolic extracts. Correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and inter-leukin-6 (IL-6) showed positive correlation in group III, while negative in group IV. Similarly, positive and negative correlations were observed between CRP biomarkers and paw size in group III and IV, and the same results were also shown in the case of IL-6 and paw size. In molecular docking, the binding energy value of protein CRP and IL-1β with the identified ligands quercetin and nimbosterol showed (-8.2 kcal/mol and -7.7 kcal/mol) the best binding affinity as compared to standard drug diclofenac with -7.0 kcal/mol binding energy respectively. In conclusion, in silico and in vivo analysis revealed that the extracts of A. indica leaves can be used as an effective drug to manage inflammation.

Antimicrobial properties of green synthesized silver and chitosan nanocomposites.

An eco-friendly and simple approach was carried out for the synthesis of silver-chitosan nanocomposites using Azadirachta indica and fluconazole-mediated aqueous extract. This extract acted as a reducing agent as well as a capping agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles on the other hand were synthesized from the deacetylation of the chitin matrix. To confirm the nanoparticle synthesis, a UV- A visible spectrophotometer was used and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the prepared extract. The morphological characteristics of silver and chitosan nanoparticles and as nano-composites were studied and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The synthesized silver-chitosan nanocomposites were subjected to well-loaded agar plates for the evaluation of antibacterial properties against the Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans for their antifungal properties. The synthesized silver and chitosan nanoparticles showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against common oral micro flora such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans which were measured using the zone of inhibition method. This approach is a one-step, economical and eco-friendly, biocompatible, and effective alternative for nanoparticle synthesis for various prosthetic applications.

Immunomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper Guineense on Newcastle disease vaccination in cockrels

The increased incidence of Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks in the country even amongst vaccinated flocks, has given rise to the search for other means of boosting the immune system besides vaccination alone. A lot of plants have been shown to possess antimicrobial, antipyretic and anticoccidial effects. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Piper guineense and Azadirachta indica (Neem) on immune response to Newcastle vaccination in birds. A total of 110 cockrels were used in this study (30 for acute toxicity test and 80 for immuonomodulatory effects of extracts). The 80 cockerels were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), each consisting 20 birds. Group A and B were treated with 100mg/kg of the aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense respectively for the first three weeks. All the birds in groups A to C were vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine Lasota (NDV-L) at day 21, while Group D was given distilled water only. Blood samples were taken from all groups on day 1, 7, 14 and 21 post-vaccination. Serum antibody level against ND virus were measured by HI test and antibody titre was found to be significantly (p≤0.05) higher in the group treated with Azadirachta indica but low in those treated with Piper guineense. There was no significant (p≥0.05) difference in the immune response seen in Group A compared to the positive control (Group C), but significantly (p≤0.05) higher compared to the negative control (Group D). It was therefore concluded that the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica may enhance immunomodulatory effects against Newcastle disease virus, unlike that of Piper guineense.

Pig mange in Ossha Umuahia Southern Nigeiria – A case report

The increased incidence of Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks in the country even amongst vaccinated flocks, has given rise to the search for other means of boosting the immune system besides vaccination alone. A lot of plants have been shown to possess antimicrobial, antipyretic and anticoccidial effects. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Piper guineense and Azadirachta indica (Neem) on immune response to Newcastle vaccination in birds. A total of 110 cockrels were used in this study (30 for acute toxicity test and 80 for immuonomodulatory effects of extracts). The 80 cockerels were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), each consisting 20 birds. Group A and B were treated with 100mg/kg of the aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense respectively for the first three weeks. All the birds in groups A to C were vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine Lasota (NDV-L) at day 21, while Group D was given distilled water only. Blood samples were taken from all groups on day 1, 7, 14 and 21 post-vaccination. Serum antibody level against ND virus were measured by HI test and antibody titre was found to be significantly (p≤0.05) higher in the group treated with Azadirachta indica but low in those treated with Piper guineense. There was no significant (p≥0.05) difference in the immune response seen in Group A compared to the positive control (Group C), but significantly (p≤0.05) higher compared to the negative control (Group D). It was therefore concluded that the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica may enhance immunomodulatory effects against Newcastle disease virus, unlike that of Piper guineense.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles from Leaf Extracts of Amaranthus retroflexus and Azadirachta indica

Among plant extracts, neem leaf extract was found effective for successful synthesis of MgO nanoparticles. The main phytochemicals present in neem leaf extract acts as reducing and capping agents for synthesis of MgO nanoparticles. The bio reduced MgO nanoparticles were characterized by using surface plasmon resonance analysis (UV–Vis spectroscopy), particle size and distribution analysis (PSA), surface morphology analysis (SEM) and elemental distribution analysis (EDX). The UV–Vis spectral analysis confirmed that the maximum absorption at 279 nm range corresponds to the intrinsic band gap of MgO nanoparticles. Particle size analyzer confirmed synthesized particles are of nanoscale i.e., 48.1 nm. SEM images confirmed synthesized nanoparticles were found to be relatively oval shaped and EDX confirmed peak is of MgO nanoparticles. This is a simple and effective method which could be an alternative for chemical and physical methods for the large-scale production of MgO nanoparticles.

Ecofriendly fabrication of cobalt nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica (neem) for effective inhibition of Candida-like fungal infection in medicated nano-coated textile.

This study involves the formulation of cobalt nanoparticles by means of ethanolic Azadirachta indica (neem) extract (CoNP@N). Later, the formulated buildup was incorporated into cotton fabric in order to mitigate antifungal infection. Optimization of the formulation was carried out by considering the effect of plant concentration, temperature, and revolutions per minute (rpm) used, through design of the experiment (DOE), response surface methodology (RSM), and ANOVA of the synthetic procedure. Hence, graph was potted with the aid of effecting parameters and the related factors (size of particle and zeta potential). Further characterization of nanoparticles was performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) was considered for the detection of functional groups. The structural property of CoNP@N was calculated with the aid of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The surface property was measured with the use of a surface area analyzer (SAA). The values of Inhibition concentration (IC50) and zone of inhibition (ZOI), were calculated, so as to determine the antifungal property against both the strains (Candida albicans, MTCC 227and Aspergillus niger, MTCC 8652). The further nano-coated cloth was subjected to a durability test, and hence the cloth was washed (through the purpose of time 0; 10; 25; and 50 washing cycles), and then its anti-fungal operation to a couple of strains was retained. Primarily, 51 μg/ml of cobalt nanoparticles incorporated on the cloth was retained but after 50 washing cycles in 500 ml of purified water, the cloth showed more efficiency contrary to C. albicans than towards A. niger.

Phytochemical and UV spectrum Analysis of Azadirachta indica, Calotropis gigantea, and Ricinus communis

The objective of this study was to identify different phytochemicals present in aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and Ricinus communis, aqueous flower extract of Calotropis gigantea. Aqueous extracts of these plants were prepared and subjected to qualitative phytochemical and UV spectrum analysis. The presence of various phytochemical compounds was determined using standard screening tests and the results indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, saponins, Terpenoides in all three plant extracts. Uv spectrum analysis of A. indica, C. gigantea and R. communis showed absorption maxima at 286, 271 and 281 nm, respectively.

Total Phenolics and In-vitro Antioxidant Activities in Methanol Extracts of Raw, Ripe and Overripe Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Seeds

The harvesting of fruits at different developmental stages until maturity may influence their antioxidant activities. Therefore, thepresent study aimed to investigate the changes in total phenolics, flavonoid contents, and in-vitro antioxidant activities in methanolseed extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss at different maturity stages (raw, ripe and overripe). All the tested biochemical parametersvaried significantly with maturity stages (p < 0.05%). Total phenolics [mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw] and flavonoids contents[mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dw] were highest in ripe (33.7 and 0.28, respectively) followed by raw (19.4 and 0.16, respectively)and least in overripe seeds (12.9 and 0.15, respectively). 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activities in methanol seed extracts [μM ascorbic acid equivalent(AAE)/g dw] varied between 83.6–106.5, 68–93.8 and 44.8–177.9, respectively. IC50 values (mg/mL) for overripe, raw and ripe seedmethanol extract were 0.60, 1.11, and 2.10, respectively. The study concludes that seeds of A. indica were rich in natural phenolics andalso possess significant antioxidant activities. Thus the present study suggested that fruit industries should harvest ripe fruit seeds ofA. indica to meet out the need of natural phenolics for health benefits of local people.

Screening for In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Leaves Extracts of Certain Selected Plants against Rhodococcus equi

In the present study, the research work was carried out during June 2018 to March 2019 at ICAR-NRCE-EPC (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Research Centre on Equines, Equine Production Campus), Jorbeer, Bikaner (Rajasthan), India. The study was conducted to investigate in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic, chloroformic and Sequentially Extracted Water Extract (SEWE) leaves extracts of Aegle marmelos, Morus alba, Nerium indicum, Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold, Plumeria alba L. and Azadirachta indica against Vap A and Vap C positive Rhodococcus equi. Fresh leaves of these plants were collected manually from campus of ICAR-NRCE-EPC, Jorbeer, Bikaner (Rajasthan). In initial screening ethanolic leaves extract of these plants except Azadirachta indica, were found non-active against Rhodococcus equi. Chloroformic leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica did not showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. While ethanolic and Sequentially Extracted Water Extract (SEWE) leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica showed good in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. Further, solvent based fractionation, Ethanol Soluble Fraction (ESF), Methanol Soluble Fraction (MSF) and Water Soluble Fraction (WSF) of polar compounds of SEWE did not showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. On comparison with currently used antibiotics (azithromycin and rifampicin), required concentration of the leaves extract of Azadirachta indica was too high for their possibilities of in vivo use, so abundant availability of Azadirachta indica leaves and their activity against Rhodococcus equi suggests their potential for use as disinfectant against Rhodococcus equi.

Toxicity of Plant Based Chemicals Against <i>Trogoderma granarium</i>, a Destructive Pest of Stored-Grains

Stored products of agricultural and animal origin are attacked by more than 600 species of beetle pests. Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium is most destructive causing quantitative and qualitative losses of wheat in Pakistan. In this study, 0, 50, 150, 250, 350 and 450 mg/ ml concentration of extracts of Azadirachta indica and Euclyptus globulus were tested against T. granarium. The extract of A. indica was found to be more toxic. The number of emerged adults decreased while mortality of larvae and adults increased with concentration. The number of emerged adults was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in control and maximum larval mortality (36.82 ± 2.95% and 30.70 ± 2.90%) was observed with at 450 mg/ml dose of A. indica and E. globulus, respectively. Each extract showed high toxicity towards the adult stage than larval. Wheat losses were reduced by treating with plant extracts and botanicals are more effective.

Influence of Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens aqueous extract on cattle ruminal gas production and degradability in vitro.

Mitigation of ruminant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial for more appropriate livestock production. Thus, there is a need of further research evaluating feed supplementation strategies to mitigate enteric GHG emissions and other gases produced within the rumen. This study was conducted as a completely randomized experimental design to determine the effectiveness of liquid extracts from A. indica (AZI), C. angustidens (CNA), or their combination (Mix. 1:1) at dosages of 0, 36, 72, and 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate incubated in reducing GHG production in vitro, particularly methane (CH4), from the diet of steers during anaerobic incubation in rumen fluid. Total gas production, CH4, CO, H2S, and fermentative characteristics were all measured in vitro. Treatment AZI at a dose of 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the highest (P < 0.05) gas volume at 6 h, whereas CNA at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/ g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 6 and 24 h, and Mix. at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 48 h. In addition, CH4 levels at 6 and 24 h of incubation (36 mg/g DM substrate) were highest (P < 0.05) for CNA, and lowest (P < 0.05) for AZI, whereas this variable was lowest (P < 0.05) at 72 mg of liquid extract for CNA at 24 and 48 h. At 6 and 24 h, CO volume was highest (P < 0.05) for AZI at 108 mg of liquid extract and lowest (P < 0.05) for Mix. at 72 mg of liquid extract. Treatment Mix. had a high (P < 0.05) concentration of short chain fatty acids at 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM of substrate. In general, herbaceous perennial plants, such as AZI and CNA, could be considered suitable for mitigating enteric GHG emissions from animals. Specifically, the treatment Mix. achieved a greater sustainable reduction of 67.6% in CH4 and 47.5% in H2S production when compared to either AZI. This reduction in CH4 might suggest the potential of the combination of both plant extracts for mitigating the production of GHG from ruminants.

Green and Facile Approach for the Synthesis of ZnO/MgO Nanocomposite using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract: Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity

In this study, biomolecules of the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica were used as a green catalyst for the synthesis of bimetallic- ZnO/MgO nanocomposites (ZM NCs). The function of biomolecules for the fabrication of biosynthesized ZM NCs was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy while the existence of both MgO and ZnO in ZM NCs was confirmed by SEM and TEM micrographs. Results of EDX spectroscopy with element mapping revealed the homogenous distribution of magnesium and zinc in the as-prepared nanocomposites. Powder XRD analysis reflects the polycrystalline nature of NCs with crystallite size ~33nm whereas XPS analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO-MgO heterojunction in ZnO/MgO NCs. In addition, biosynthesized and characterized ZMNCs were evaluated for photodegradation performance using methylene blue solution (40ppm) under visible light irradiation. The achieved degradation efficiency of ZnO/MgO NCs (95.7%) was higher compared to biosynthesized monometallic nanoparticles {ZnO (82.4% and MgO (80.1%)}.

Synergistic Antibacterial Screening of Cymbopogon citratus and Azadirachta indica: Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Hemolytic Activities.

Current studies were performed to investigate the phytochemistry, synergistic antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (EA and WA) and Cymbopogon citratus (EC and WC) leaves. Fourier transform infrared data verified the existence of alcoholic, carboxylic, aldehydic, phenyl, and bromo moieties in plant leaves. The ethanolic extracts (EA and EC) were significantly richer in phenolics and flavonoids as compared to the aqueous extracts (WA and WC). The ethanolic extract of C. citratus (EC) contained higher concentrations of caffeic acid (1.432 mg/g), synapic acid (6.743 mg/g), and benzoic acid (7.431 mg/g) as compared to all other extracts, whereas chlorogenic acid (0.311 mg/g) was present only in the aqueous extract of A. indica (WA). Food preservative properties of C. citratus can be due to the presence of benzoic acid (7.431 mg/g). -Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated the presence of 36 and 23 compounds in A. indica and C. citratus leaves, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma analysis was used to determine the concentration of 26 metals (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Zr, Ti); the metal concentrations were higher in aqueous extracts as compared to the ethanolic extracts. The extracts were generally richer in calcium (3000-7858 ppm), potassium (13662-53,750 ppm), and sodium (3181-8445 ppm) and hence can be used in food supplements as a source of these metals. Antioxidant potential (DDPH method) of C. citratus ethanolic extract was the highest (74.50 ± 0.66%), whereas it was the lowest (32.22 ± 0.28%) for the aqueous extract of A. indica. Synergistic inhibition of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) was observed when the aqueous extracts of both the plants were mixed together in certain ratios (v/v). The highest antibacterial potential was exhibited by the pure extract of C. citratus, which was even higher than that of the standard drug (ciprofloxacin). The plant extracts and their mixtures were more active against S. aureus as compared to E. coli. No toxic hemolytic effects were observed for the investigated extracts indicating their safe medicinal uses for human beings.

Characterization of Control Methods for Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) in the Maize (Zea mays L.) Cropping Systems in Central Benin

In Benin, the Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) causes severe damage to maize crop and threatens the food security of thousands of small farmers. The objectif of this study was to inventory local knowledge on the management of the Fall armyworm (FAW) by maize farmers in central Benin. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 1885 maize farmers in six communes in central Benin. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis and logistic regressions. Results showed that farmers consider FAW attacks as a major constraint to maize production. The common control method used by maize farmers is chemical control (90% of respondents) with synthetic products. Chemical families such as Pyrethroids, Avermectins, Neonicotinoids, Organophosphates are used. The farmers (4%) use organic products such as aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Jatropha curcas and Carica papaya to control FAW. Certain farmers do not used any control method for FAW. Socioeconomic characteristics such as area planted, age, experience in maize production, farmer&amp;rsquo;s organization membership, level of education, gender, and income level of the farmer significantly determine (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the type of control method used against FAW. These factors should be taken into account by extension programs. Extension services can use farmers in these socio-economic categories as innovators to spread new and more effective control methods against Fall armyworm.

Comparative In Vitro Anticancer Study of Cisplatin Drug with Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles on Cervical Squamous Carcinoma (SiHa) Cell Lines.

In this article, we aimed to develop a unique treatment approach to cure cervical cancer without harming healthy normal cells and overcome the limitations of currently available therapies/treatments. Recently, chemotherapeutics based on metal oxides have gained attention as a promising approach for treating cancer. Herein, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized with the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. These green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were used for a cytotoxic study on the cervical squamous carcinoma cell line SiHa and murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Moreover, a hemolytic assay was performed to check the biocompatibility of ZnO nanoparticles. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were labeled as L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. Various assays like crystal violet, MTT assay, and AO/PI dual staining method were performed to assess the anticancer potential of ZnO. The concentration of ZnO nanoparticles was taken in the range of 100-250 μg/mL in the in vitro anticancer study on SiHa cancer cell lines. The findings of the MTT assay revealed that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxicity against SiHa cancer cell lines dose-dependently at two incubation times (24 and 48 h). Also, a decrease in cell viability was observed with an increased concentration of ZnO. The IC50 values obtained were 141 μg/mL for L1, 132 μg/mL for L2, 127 μg/mL for L5, and 115 μg/mL for L10 nanoparticles. In addition, cisplatin drug (10 μg/mL) was also used to compare the anticancer activity with the biosynthesized L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. The results of the crystal violet assay and AO/PI dual staining method revealed that morphological changes like cell shrinkage, poor cell adhesion, and induction of apoptosis occurred in the SiHa cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the stability of the ZnO nanoparticles at physiological pH has been assessed by recording the UV-visible spectrum at various pH values. Hence, the overall findings suggested that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles can be utilized for cervical squamous cancer treatment in addition to the current treatment strategies/techniques.