Neem Extract Research Articles

Important Insect Pests on Cabbage in Lao PDR

This study was conducted in Xiengkhouang province, Vientiane province, Saravane province, Champasak province, Vientiane Capital, and Plant Protection Center, from January to March 2017. The aims of study were to investigate to major insect pests on cabbage and compared the efficacy of Jeevatu, Jeevatu+botanical pesticide and chemical pesticide to control Diamondback moth in laboratory condition. The study was divided into two treatments: 1) survey important insect pests of cabbage in 3 purposive sampling areas (field)/village, 10 points/rai, and 3 cabbages/point to identify insect pests and survey the life cycle of Diamondback moth of cabbage, and 2) conduct the efficacy experiment of Jeevatu, Jeevatu+botanical pesticide and chemical pesticide to Diamondback moth in laboratory. The experiment was done by Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The survey showed that there are 8 species of insect pests on cabbage and the most important species is Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) which was found in all provinces that had been survey than followed by striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae), taro caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), cabbage webworm (Hellula undalis), cabbage looper (Trichoplasia ni) and flea beetle (phyllotreta cruciferae). Life cycle of Diamondback moth was investigated in that laboratory, and it showed that the total of life cycle took about 14-21 days that included 3-5 days for egg stage, 8-12 days for lavae stage, 3-4 days for pupae stage, and 13-31 days of bebeing mature. The efficacy of Jeevatu+Sugar apple leaf extracts, Jeevatu+Neem extracts, and Jeevatu with water for control Diamondback moth indicated that after 5 days sprayed, the mortality percentage was up to 90%, 80% and 57% respectively. For chemical sprayed for 2 days, the mortality percentage was up to 100%. The results of this study showed that the Jeevatu+botanical pesticide can be used as a substitute for substituting chemical in preventing the control Diamondback moth.

Pests, Diseases, Growth and Yield of Tomato as Influenced by Variety and Cultivation Technology

Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world. However, dearth of knowledge exists on cultivation technology that contributes to increased production of the crop. Meanwhile, low yielding varieties, high pests and diseases attacks, climate variability and poor soil fertility are among key production constraints that limit the increased production and productivity of tomato in Sierra Leone. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences experimental site during 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the effects of variety and cultivation technology (CT) on pests, diseases, growth, yield and productivity of tomato. The experiment was laid in a 2 × 4 factorial (i.e. two varieties of tomato, and four treatments: CT 1, CT 2, CT 3 and CT 4 known as control) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that organic (CT 1 and CT 2) and inorganic (CT 3) treatments had a positive impact on growth parameters of tomato. The CT 1 (chicken dung, mulching, and neem extract biopesticide) was most effective in promoting vegetative growth and higher fruit yield, while CT 2 (NPK 15:15:15, urea, promethrin herbicide, and chlorpyrifos pesticide) exhibited highest potency in reducing population and damage caused by diseases and pests. Findings demonstrate that improved variety and cultivation technology boost tomato tolerance to pests and diseases, as well as its growth and yield performances that could be exploited for increased production and fruit quality of the crop. The CT1 was the most effective, followed by CT 2, while CT 4 or control plots had the lowest performance. The outperformance of the organic treatments relative to the inorganic and control is suggested to be attributable to its nitrogen-rich components. Weed control was also established to be effective in both inorganic and CT 2 treatments. The findings suggest that the CT 1 should be promoted for sustainable tomato cultivation, prioritizing environmentally friendly methods for long-term success.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle for catalytic applications and priming study by seed germination

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been successfully synthesized using leaf extract of Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Mint (Mentha Piperita), Tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum), Bermuda grass (Cynodon Dactylon) and silver salt. As plant extracts produce best capping material for the stabilization of nanoparticles. AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy in range of 200–800 nm and transmission electron microscopy TEM, XRD and FTIR. The nanoparticles synthesized were mainly in sizes between 25 and 100 nm. They appeared to be spherical, nanotriangles and irregular in shape. Catalytic application was observed for all the aqueous solution of leaves, quantity taken was 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 4 ml and 5 ml. Furthermore, prepared Ag nanoparticles are also used for seed germination.

Assessment of Calcium Concentration and pH at the Periapical Environment on Placing Calcium Hydroxide with Different Natural Vehicles – An In vitro Study

Abstract Background: In root canal therapy, the number of microorganisms in canals can be controlled by giving proper intracanal medication dressing. Calcium concentration and changes in pH at the periapical region denote the effect of antibacterial action in the periapical region. Aim: The aim is to determine a suitable natural vehicle for calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as an intracanal medicament by assessing the calcium concentration and changes in pH at the periapical region. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 extracted single-rooted permanent teeth were equally allotted into four groups – Group I: Ca(OH)2 with distilled water, Group II: Ca(OH)2 with aloe vera, Group III: Ca(OH)2 with coconut water, and Group IV: Ca(OH)2 with neem extract. pH was determined by pH meter and calcium by chromatography. The values were taken on days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14. Results: All the materials showed alkaline pH and release of calcium ion throughout the study. For day 1, the mean pH value was highest for distilled water (10.06) and lowest for aloe vera extract (9.42). The highest calcium release during day 1 was by coconut water (67.85) and the least calcium release was by aloe vera (42.01). On day 14, the highest calcium release was by distilled water (89.98) followed by coconut water (67.24) and least by neem extract (61.13). pH values and calcium release in four different natural vehicles were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All natural materials used in this study showed good Ca(OH)2 diffusion when used as a vehicle with Ca(OH)2 in root canals.

Elucidating the effect of dietary neem (Azadirachta indica) on growth performance, haemato-biochemical, immunonological response, and anti-pathogenic capacity of Nile tilapia juveniles.

This investigation attempts to evaluate the effect of diet additives via aqueous or ethanolic herbal extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Five dietary categories were assigned to the fish: the first category (N1, with no extract) was kept under control conditions; two categories contained aqueous extract (N2 (1.0g/kg) and N3 (2.0g/kg); and two categories contained ethanolic extract, N4 (1.0g/kg) and N5 (2.0g/kg), with each group being fed for 60 days. After the feeding trial, Aeromonas hydrophila was injected intraperitoneally into fish for 14 days; fish mortality was recorded during this period. The results showed that the fish-fed dietary A. indica significantly improved growth performance and intestinal health (digestive enzymes and intestinal morphology), especially in the N4 and N5 categories. However, N4 and N5 categories demonstrated a significant decrease in AST and ALT activities and an increase in total protein, serum albumin, globulin, growth hormone (GH), leptin hormone (LEP), hemoglobin, white blood cells, and hematocrit (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control category (N1). Compared to the control category, the N4 and N5 categories have revealed a significant reduction in MDA activity and improvements in immunological activities (lysozyme, complement C3, and nitric oxide) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GPX). Moreover, in tilapia-fed A. indica, the expression of IL-8, IL-1β, and Nf-κb genes was downregulated partially in the N4 and N5 categories than the control category. In contrast, the lysozyme, C3, GPX, and CAT genes were upregulated partially at N4 and N5 compared to the control category. Following the bacterial challenge, fish in the N4 and N5 categories also displayed the lowest fish mortality compared to the control category. The ethanolic extract displayed a more potent resistance against the parasite Cichlidogyrus tilapia in vitro than the aqueous and control categories, partially at 2g/L. According to these findings, an ethanolic neem extract (2.0g/kg feed) activates the immune system and antioxidant response in Nile tilapia fingerlings, improving growth and fish resistance to parasitic and bacterial infections.

Neem-Extract Formulation onHypothenemus hampeiPreference and Performance in Arabica Coffee Fruits and Artificial Diet.

Coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei is a major biotic threat to coffee production worldwide. Studies have reported negative effects on CBB by oil-based formulations of neem (Azadirachta indica), but little information is available for other neem-extract formulations. This study evaluated CBB preference and performance in arabica coffee fruits and artificial diet treated with a neem-extract formulation (Openeem Plus®) in the field and laboratory conditions. Field experiments were performed using CBB females artificially infested in cherry or green coffee fruits confined in voile-fabric cages tied to branches of neem-treated and control plants, recording the adult mortality and offspring production. Dual-choice and no-choice bioassays assessed CBB preference and development in fruits and artificial diet treated with the neem extract compared to controls in the laboratory, respectively. As main results obtained in the field and laboratory experiments, the neem extract significantly reduced CBB oviposition in both cherry and green fruits, as well as in artificial diet compared to controls. However, the botanical product did not affect CBB adult survival and preference in the laboratory bioassays. The neem extract is promising for use in pest management strategies in sustainable arabica coffee crops by reducing CBB oviposition and offspring. These effects can contribute to lowering the pest population buildup along the crop cycle and damage potential to coffee production.

Characterization and Management of Post-harvest Fungal Diseases in Banana (Musa paradisiaca)

Banana (Musa spp.) is a vital crop globally, contributing significantly to food security and income generation, particularly in tropical regions like India. However, post-harvest fungal diseases pose a considerable threat to banana production, affecting both fruit quality and marketability. The current study investigated the isolation, characterization, and management of post-harvest fungal diseases in banana (Musa paradisiaca). Infected banana fruits were collected from the Dharashiv fruit market (Maharashtra, India), and pathogenic fungi were isolated and identified. Fusarium napiforme, Talaromyces atroroseus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sp., and Fusarium equiseti were the primary pathogens identified. DNA extraction and sequencing were employed for accurate identification, and sequences were submitted to GenBank. The antifungal activity of essential oils and plant extracts was evaluated using the Poisoned Food Technique. Essential oils from Syzygium aromaticum, Mentha piperita, and Punica granatum showed significant inhibition (P&lt;0.05) of fungal growth, with clove and peppermint oils achieving 100% inhibition at higher concentrations. Plant extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Piper betel, and Cymbopogon citratus were also tested, revealing notable efficacy, particularly with neem and peppermint extracts. The study that the efficacy of essential oils was more compared to aqueous plant extracts. The results suggested sustainable strategies for managing post-harvest fungal diseases in bananas and explained the importance of conducting field trials to validate laboratory results.

Impact of Neem Seed Extract on Mortality, Esterase and Glutathione-S-Transferase Activities in Thai Polyvoltine Hybrid Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Neem, a biopesticide, offers a safer alternative to the synthetic insecticides commonly used in mulberry cultivation, which can harm silkworms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Thai neem seed extract on all instar larvae of the Thai polyvoltine hybrid silkworm, Bombyx mori L., Dok Bua strains, focusing on the mortality rate and the activities of esterase (EST) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) enzymes. Acute toxicity was assessed using the leaf-dipping method. Results showed that the mortality rate tended to be higher in younger instars than in older ones. The first instar larvae exhibited the highest mortality rate at 94%, whereas the LC50 was highest in the third instar at 5.23 mg L-1 at 72 h. This trend aligns with the activities of EST and GST, which were evaluated in the whole bodies of the first instar larvae and the midgut tissue of fifth instar larvae. As the extract concentration increased, EST activity decreased while GST activity increased in both the first and fifth instar larvae. These findings highlight that neem extract is toxic to all instar larvae, with GST playing a crucial role in detoxification, particularly in the whole body of the Thai polyvoltine hybrid silkworm.

Polyherbal Nanoparticulate Gel Containing Herbal Extracts of Harad, Neem, Liquorice and Turmeric: Characterization and In-vitro Assessment

Polyherbal Nanoparticulate Gel Containing Herbal Extracts of Harad, Neem, Liquorice and Turmeric: Characterization and In-vitro Assessment

Efficacy of neem and basil leaf extracts in controlling whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) infestations and enhancing yield in curly red chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are a major pest of curly red chili peppers, acting as vectors for gemini viruses that significantly reduce crop productivity. This study evaluated the efficacy of neem and basil leaf extracts at three different concentrations for controlling whitefly infestations on chili plants. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with 8 treatments and 2 controls: PA (Neem 1%), PB (Neem 2%), PC (Neem 3%), PD (Basil 1%), PE (Basil 2%), PF (Basil 3%), PKM (commercial pesticide as positive control), and P0 (distilled water as negative control). Parameters assessed included whitefly infestation intensity, yellowing of shoots, fruit weight, total fruit count, and the number of infested fruits. The results indicate that both neem and basil leaf extracts effectively reduced whitefly infestation intensity and yellowing of shoots compared to the negative control (P0). Despite some increase in infestation intensity in subsequent observations, both neem and basil extracts positively impacted fruit yield, including higher fruit weight and total fruit count. However, there was no significant effect on the number of infested fruits with the treatments. These findings suggest that neem and basil leaf extracts are promising alternatives for managing whitefly infestations and improving yield in curly red chili peppers.

Exploring Natural Solutions: Botanical Approaches for Controlling Early Blight in Tomato Plants under Laboratory Conditions

Around the world, Alternaria solani is the culprit behind the deadly and devastating early blight of tomatoes. To control the mycelial growth of A. solani in this investigation, a concentration of 10% for each plant extract was examined using the poison food technique. In comparison to the control, the pathogen mycelial growth was greatly suppressed by all examined extracts. With a 90.54% inhibition at 10% concentration, garlic clove extract proved to be the most successful of the extracts. Other extracts that showed promise were neem leaf extract (87.83%), ginger (83.78%), eucalyptus (75.67%), bael (71.67%), onion bulb extract (68.67%), and ashwagandha (63.51%). On the other hand, with a mycelial growth of 35 mm and 52.70% inhibition, lantana proved to be the least successful. After seven days of incubation at 24°C, the chemical fungicide mancozeb proved to be the most effective overall, offering a 93.24% inhibition at a 0.25% dose. Chemicals pose health dangers even though farmers use them extensively to control tomato rot. This study provides useful information for farmers by highlighting appropriate plant extracts as less risky substitutes for treating tomato early blight.

Investigating the antimicrobial activity of neem and clove extract on biofilm-producing oral microflora

Periodontal disease, a serious gum infection, is reported to be widespread in the Indian population. A heterogeneous microbial population, predominantly consisting of gram-negative anaerobes such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Porphyromonas intermedia, is associated with periodontal plaque formation. This condition may be worsened by the invasion of soft tissues by different species of Candida. Natural products like clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) are very popular and easily available in the Indian climate and have great potential in preventing periodontitis. Azadirachta indica (Neem) exhibits versatile modes of action, including reported antimicrobial effects against several species associated with periodontal disease. Therefore, this study aims to detect the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of Neem and clove on oral biofilm both before and after biofilm formation. Results of the study revealed that both neem and clove crude extracts and their different dilution showed a significant reduction in the growth of fungal strains (Candida sp.) isolated from oral samples from people with poor hygiene and the biofilm produced by them.

Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Push-Out Bond Strength Efficacy of Traditional and Herbal Root Canal Irrigants Across Different Root Levels: An In Vitro Study.

Endodontic therapy requires meticulous root canal debridement, pathogen elimination, and effective obturation to prevent microbial intrusion. The presence of the smear layer hinders sealer penetration, compromising sealing effectiveness. Sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine are esteemed endodontic irrigants. Herbal extracts like neem and tulsi, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, show promise for root canal irrigation. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various irrigants in removing the smear layer and enhancing push-out bond strength at different root canal levels. One hundred mandibular premolars with single canals were collected, and 50 samples each were used for the smear layer and push-out bond strength analysis. Neem and tulsi extracts were prepared for irrigation. Teeth were decoronated, and up to 30 (6%) canals were prepared and were randomly divided into five groups based on irrigants used. A smear layer examination was conducted after longitudinally sectioning the tooth and sections were observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Obturation was done in the remaining samples, and the push-out bond strength was assessed using a universal test machine. Sodium hypochlorite showed the highest smear layer removal efficacy followed by chlorhexidine, neem, tulsi leaves with rose water extract, and normal saline. Chlorhexidine exhibited the highest push-out bond strength, with the coronal third presenting the strongest values, followed by neem, tulsi with rose water, normal saline, and sodium hypochlorite. The study underscores the potential of herbal irrigants in endodontic therapy, indicating promising results while emphasizing the necessity for further clinical trials to validate their efficacy and other properties.

Synthesis, Characterization, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Potential of Azadirachta indica Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Study on Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties.

Nanotechnology has become a major topic of study, particularly in the medical and health domains. Because nanomedicine has a higher recovery rate than other conventional drugs, it has attracted more attention. Green synthesis is the most efficient and sustainable method of creating nanoparticles. The current work used ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray diffraction to thoroughly characterize the synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaf extract. Characterization confirmed the synthesis of the AgNPs along with the possible linkage of the phytochemicals with the silver as well as the quantitative analysis and nature of NPs. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs and neem extract was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay using various concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100µg/ml). Additionally, using diabetic mice that had been given alloxan, the in vivo antidiabetic potential of biosynthesized AgNPs was assessed. Eight groups of mice were used to assess the antidiabetic activity: one control group and seven experimental groups (untreated, extract-treated, AgNPs at low and high doses, standard drug, low dose of AgNPs + drug, and high dose of AgNPs + drug). At days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28, blood glucose levels and body weight were measured. After 28days, the mice were dissected, and the liver, kidney, and pancreas were examined histologically. The results depicted that the AgNPs showed higher (significant) radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 35.2µg/ml) than extract (IC50 = 93.0µg/ml) and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 64.6µg/ml). The outcomes demonstrated that biosynthesized AgNPs had a great deal of promise as an antidiabetic agent and exhibited remarkable effects in diabetic mice given AgNPs, extract, and drug. Remarkable improvement in the body weight and blood glucose level of mice treated with high doses of AgNPs and drug was observed. The body weight and blood glucose level of diabetic mice treated with a high dose of AgNPs + standard drug showed significant improvement, going from 28.7 ± 0.2 to 35.6 ± 0.3g and 248 ± 0.3 to 109 ± 0.1mg/dl, respectively. Significant regeneration was also observed in the histomorphology of the kidney, liver's central vein, and islets of Langerhans after treatment with biosynthesized AgNPs. Diabetic mice given a high dose of AgNPs and drug displayed architecture of the kidney, liver, and pancreas that was nearly identical to that of the control group. According to the current research, biosynthesized AgNPs have strong antioxidant and antidiabetic potential and may eventually provide a less expensive option for the treatment of diabetes.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica and Syzygium aromaticum Extract and Its Antibacterial Action Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter at the atomic scale involving particles smaller than 100 nm. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining popularity across diverse sectors including medical, food, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial fields due to their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics. The eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs offers a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally benign method devoid of hazardous chemicals. Methodology Eighty milliliters (mL) of silver nitrate mixed with 20 mL of Azadirachta indica and Syzygium aromaticum plant extract underwent two days of magnetic stirring for AgNP synthesis. Characterization was done via ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis)-spectroscopy (300-700 nm), and antimicrobial properties, which were checked with Enterococcus faecalis, were assessed using the agar-well diffusion method. Results The change in color and peak observed in the UV-vis spectrum confirmed the successful synthesis of AgNPs. Both neem and clove extract-mediated synthesis of AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. However, neem extract synthesized AgNPs displayed a larger inhibitory zone diameter and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values compared to those synthesized using clove extract. Conclusion Incorporating neem and clove extracts in AgNP synthesis offers a practical, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient method with notable efficacy. These AgNPs exhibit antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, suggesting their viability as potent antibacterial agents for addressing oral pathogens. Their sustainable synthesis underscores a promising avenue for developing effective antimicrobial solutions in oral healthcare.

Developing phytocompound-based new drugs against multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent component of the human microbiota, is associated with skin infections to life-threatening diseases, presenting challenges in treatment options and necessitating the development of effective treatments. This study integrated computational and in vitro approaches to identify promising phytocompounds with therapeutic potential. Staphopain B emerged as a target protein for its role in immune evasion, exhibiting stability during molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) with a root mean square deviation value of 2.376 Å. Screening 115 phytocompounds with antibacterial properties from the PubChem database identified 12 with drug-like properties, nine of which showed superior binding affinity to Staphopain B compared to a commercial antibiotic, doxycycline (-7.8 kcal mol-1). Notably, epoxyazadiradione and nimbolide displayed higher estimated free energy of binding scores (-7.91 and -7.93 kcal mol-1, respectively), indicating strong protein-ligand interactions. The root mean square fluctuation values for epoxyazadiradione and nimbolide were 1.097 and 1.034 Å, respectively, which was confirmed through MDS. Crude ethanolic extracts (100% and 70%) of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves demonstrated narrow inhibition against the bacteria in comparison to doxycycline in the disc-diffusion assay. This study underscores the potential of phytocompounds as therapeutic agents against S. aureus; however, further in vitro experiments and testing of the phytocompounds in vivo are required.

Effect of neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) in reducing the degree of parasitemia and apoptosis in C57BL mice with cerebral malaria.

Brain malaria, which results from Plasmodium falciparum infection, is responsible for substantial fatalities and health issues. These processes, including cytoadherence, rosetting, and sequestration, induce an immune response, hypoxia, brain microvascular obstruction, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and cell death. Parasitemia level can reveal the presence of infection and its association with apoptosis-related genes. Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves with antimalarial properties could replace ineffective Indonesian malaria medications. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of neem leaf extract on cerebral malaria-induced parasitemia and neuron cell apoptosis in mice through an in vivo approach. 13-16 weeks old C57BL mice received infection by Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA. Parasitemia was estimated daily from the mice's tail blood. 8 mg, 12 mg, and 16 mg of a 96% ethanolic neem leaf extract were orally given for 6 days. Healthy, positive, and negative controls were included for treatment comparisons. On the 7th day, brain tissue was analyzed for (p > 0.05) gene expression. Through immunohistochemistry, both cell apoptosis in neurons expressing caspase-3 within a brain sample and the degree of parasitemia in a blood smear were assessed. The Pearson correlation test and one-way analysis of variance were employed to analyze the data. Neem leaf extract reduces parasitemia and neuron cell apoptosis at multiple dosages (p < 0.000). Apoptosis in brain neurons and parasitemia show a strong positive correlation (r = +0.939). Neem leaf extract at doses of 12 and 16 mg was the most effective in reducing parasitemia levels and causing cell death. Neem leaf therapy significantly reduced the degree of parasitemia and cell apoptosis in C57BL mice compared with the control group without treatment (p = 0.05). This shows that neem leaves have the potential to be a candidate drug for malaria.

Formulation of Neem and Echinacea Gel for Oral Health Along With the Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Anti-inflammatory, and Free Radical Scavenging Activity: An In Vitro Study.

Background Herbs have been used in medical practice for centuries and continue to play a significant role in modern complementary and alternative medicine.Phytochemicals in these herbs possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in targetingoral health issues, such as dental plaque, gingivitis, and oral microbial infections.As research progresses, the challenge remains to translate these natural compounds into safe, effective, and accessible treatments for a wide range of diseases. Aim The aim of this research was to formulate the neem and echinacea gel along with the evaluation of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxic potential. Materials and methods The neem and echinacea gel was prepared using a concentrated powdered mixture of neem and echinacea (5 grams each) to which 100 ml of distilled water was added, and the mixture was boiled for 30 minutes at 60°C. The 10 ml concentrate was mixed with 20 ml of a carbopol and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) mixture and mixed thoroughly, which resulted in neem and echinacea gel. Then, theantimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic potential, and free-radical scavenging activity of the gel were evaluated. The data obtained were statistically analyzed with the help of a paired t-test, where a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The antimicrobial assay showed that neem and echinacea gel at the concentration of 100 micrograms showed a greater zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus(3.15 ± 0.26), Streptococcus mutans (2.48 ± 0.45), Enterococcus faecalis (2.89 ± 0.15), and Candida albicans (4.28 ± 0.87). The cytotoxic test revealed that even at an 80 µg concentration of the extract,more than 70% of the nauplii were vital, which indicated that the gel was not cytotoxic.The highest anti-inflammatory activity (78.39 ± 1.82) of the gel was seen at 50 micrograms when compared with diclofenac sodium (73.16 ± 1.80). The free radical scavenging activity showed that the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) absorbance of the neem and echinacea extract was highest at 50 micrograms. Conclusion The combination of neem and echinacea extract-based gel possessed high antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity when compared with standard drugs, such as amoxicillin and diclofenac sodium. The antioxidant activity of the gel was equal to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and also the gel has a low cytotoxic potential even at its higher concentrations. Hence, the gel can be used as a natural remedy with minimal side effects, making it a valuable alternative to chemical agents.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Azadirachta Indica Leaves Against Tooth Decay Microbes in Kirkuk City

100 samples were collected from people suffering from tooth decay attending dental clinics in Kirkuk City. The results showed that 59(59%) of samples have positive growth on Mannitol salt agar, MacConkey agar, and blood agar. While the remaining samples had no growth. Isolates were identified using biochemical and microscopic tests, 20 samples of Streptococcus mutans bacteria were isolated, with the highest percentage reaching (33.9%), 16 Staphylococcus aureus isolates representing (27.1%), followed by 13 (22%) Candida albicans isolates and 10 (17%) Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the neem plant were prepared, the aqueous extract showed higher activity against the isolates than the alcoholic extract. Neem extracts also showed higher effectiveness against bacteria compared to fungi, Ciprofloxacin was used as a control agent for bacteria and fluconazole for fungi. Streptococcus mutans recorded the highest inhibition zone of 4.5±0.53 and 2.3±0.51 at 100 mg/mL concentrations for aqueous and alcoholic extracts, respectively, followed by the rest of the isolates with different inhibition zones. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the aqueous extract of neem was (40 mg/ml) and (60 mg/ml) for the alcoholic extract, While C. albicans recorded (20 mg/ml) and (40 mg/ml) for the aqueous and alcoholic extracts, respectively. Keywords: dental caries, neem plant, bacteria, fungi.

Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Anti-Acne Face Wash Gel

Aim: To study the preparation of herbal anti-acne face wash gel remedies are more tolerable as well as safer as with side effects than the synthetic ones. We have prepared formulation using herbals. Objectives: Acne is common problem that 85% of the teenagers face today. Inthis study, poly herbal anti-acne face wash gel where prepared using herbal materials. Material and methods: Herbal face wash was prepared from the extract of neem leaves (azadirachta indica), tulsi, lemon juice, aloe Vera, glycerin, carbopol, methyl paraben, trie-thanolamine; sodium lauryl Sulphate is generally used in the preparation of face wash to avoid the maximum side effects