Indica Leaf Research Articles

Screening of Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties in the Leaf Extracts of Two Castanopsis Species

ABSTRACT The phytochemical compounds in the leaf extracts of Castanopsis indica and C. tribuloides were evaluated, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential were assessed. The TPC was found to be 193.12 and 159.49 mg GAE g−1 dry weight, and the TFC was 108.12 and 96.49 mg QE g−1 dry weight, for C. indica and C. tribuloides, respectively. C. indica had higher DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 15.10 μg mL−1. Both extracts showed substantial antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 76 VoCs in C. indica leaf, and 71 VoCs in C. tribuloides.

Experimental Investigation of the Structural Performance of Concrete Containing Cellulose Fibers and the Anti-corrosive Effect of Green Corrosion Inhibitors

This research was aimed to find the structural behaviour of Calotropis procera fibres added concrete and the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf slurry blended to concrete and exposed to seawater. Conventional and fibre reinforced concrete samples fabricated keeping the curing time as 7, 14 and 28 dayswere subjected to compression, split tensile, rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity test. Increase in curing time increased the structural properties and Calotropis procerafibres added samples produced respectively 19.5%, 15%, 10.3 and 14.5% improvement in the compression, tensile, rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity values. These fibres reduced the brittleness of the specimen and avoided unprecedented failures. Accelerated corrosion and gravimetric mass loss test conducted to estimate the anti-corrosive property of Azadirachta indica leaf slurry showed decrease in corrosion rate. The corrosion rate of concrete samples without and with inhibitors was 0.0654 ± 0.008 and 0.056 ± 0.011 mm/year respectively evincing the anti-corrosive effects of Azadirachta indica leaves. Thus green materials are compatible with concrete and can be used in making sustainable concrete structures.

Evaluation of the effect of the Azadirachta indica leaf syrup on the control of the caterpillar in Trichoplusia ni in the community of Phandira, Dunda, District of Macossa in Republic of Mozambique.

Evaluation of the effect of the Azadirachta indica leaf syrup on the control of the caterpillar in Trichoplusia ni in the community of Phandira, Dunda, District of Macossa in Republic of Mozambique.

Azadirachta indica leaf extract based green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles coated on spent tea waste activated carbon for pharmaceuticals and personal care products removal

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are emerging contaminants in aqueous systems, posing threat to both human health and environment. In prior research, predominant focus has been on examining various adsorbents for removing PPCPs from single-pollutant systems. However, no study has delved into simultaneous adsorption of PPCPs multi-pollutant mixture. This study evaluates performance of Azadirachta indica leaf extract-based green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles coated on spent tea waste activated carbon (ZTAC) for removing sulfadiazine (SZN) and acetaminophen (ACN). Adsorption investigations were conducted in single-component (ACN/SZN) and binary-component (ACN + SZN) systems. The synthesized ZTAC was characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX, porosimetry and pHpzc analysis. The study examines impact of time (1–60 min), dose (0.2–4 g/L), pH (2–12) and PPCPs concentration (1–100 mg/L) on ACN and SZN removal. Various kinetic and isotherm models were employed to elucidate mechanisms involved in sorption of PPCPs. Furthermore, synergistic and antagonistic aspects of sorption process in multi-component system were investigated. ZTAC, characterized by its crystalline nature and surface area of 980.85 m2/g, exhibited maximum adsorption capacity of 47.39 mg/g for ACN and 34.01 mg/g for SZN under optimal conditions of 15 min, 3 g/L and pH 7. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model best-fitted the experimental data indicating chemisorption mechanism. Removal of ACN and SZN on ZTAC demonstrated synergistic nature, signifying cooperative adsorption. Overall, valorization of ZTAC offers effective and efficient adsorbent for elimination of PPCPs from wastewater.

Green synthesis of Abutilon indicum (L) derived iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles with excellent biological, anticancer and photocatalytic activities

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death all over the world. Although there are many treatments available none of them are without side-effect and most of them are very expensive. Similarly, Inflammation is one of another common medical condition worldwide but most of the therapies available are not environment and pocket friendly. Thus, the aim of our study was to synthesize environmentally friendly, cost-effective FeO NPs with significant anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. The green synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using plant extract is one of the environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and a secure alternative to physical or chemical synthesis methods. In the present study we used Abutilon indicum leaf extract to synthesize the Ai-FeO NPs and performed various experiments to confirm the therapeutic potential of green synthesized Ai-FeO nanoparticles. In this method, an aqueous plant leaf extract (A. indicum: Ai) was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of FeO nanoparticles. The synthesized Ai-FeO NPs were characterized by the ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorbance of the surface at a resonance band 415 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study confirmed the inherent bioactive functional groups as capping and stabilizing agents for Ai-FeO NPs. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed crystalline nature of the NPs. Further, the synthesized NPs have been isolated in highly stable, crystalline nature with spherical shape having size 10–95 nm. In addition, the green synthesized Ai-FeO-NPs demonstrated dose-dependent antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The findings of this study suggested that A. indicum leaf extract mediated FeO nanoparticles could be potentially used as a therapeutic agent for many human diseases and breast cancer.

Isolation and Characterisation of Essential oils of Mango (M. indica) Leave

This research work aimed at isolation and characterisation of essential oils of Mangifera. indica (M. indica) leaves. Phytochemical screening was carried out to determine the bioactive components present in the leaf sample as well as the antimicrobial activity of the crude ethanolic extract. The percentage yield of essential oils (colourless) of the leaf was 0.19%. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, glycoside, flavonoid, saponin and tannin. Steroids was absent in the extract. The antimicrobial evaluation of the essential oil of M. indica leaf revealed a significant activity (zone of inhibition). The percentage (%) of Diphenyl picryl hydrazine (DPPH) scavenged of antioxidant activities for the essential oils of M. indica at different concentration of 5µl, 10µl, 25µl and 100 µl showed a significant antioxidant activity. In concluded results, it’s clearly observed that, when the concentration of both ethanolic extract and essential oils leaf sample increases, the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties increases when compared to the standard (Amoxicillin) and that of essential oils has a significant property than other extracts. Considering the results of phytochemical screening, it’s also a potential source of cost-effective food supplements, nutritive ingredients and antibacterial agent for improving human health and curing acute and chronic diseases. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils for the leaf sample revealed fifty two (52) different chemical compounds which include Alloaromadendrene, Humulene, Bicyclo[4,4,0]dec-1-ene, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-9-methylene, Bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene,4,11,11,-trimethyl 8-methylene-,[1R-(1R*,4Z,9S*)].

Biofabrication, Characterisation and Antimicrobial Activity of CuO/Ag-based Material

In this work, Azadirachta indica leaf extract and the ultrasonic method were applied for the fabrication of a CuO/Ag-based nanocomposite. The CuO/Ag was characterised using different analytical methods such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD. The well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of non-calcined and calcined CuO/Ag against some hazardous bacterial strains. After the incubation period, remarkable zones of inhibition were observed around the loaded CuO/Ag. The maximum zones of inhibition were found to be 17.9 (± 0.39), 20 (± 0.17), and 14.3 (± 0.31) mm for E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enterica, respectively. Experimental findings indicated that non-calcined CuO/Ag was a more effective antibacterial agent as compared to calcined CuO/Ag.

Biogenic and hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, antioxidant and anticancer activities of PdNPs using Abutilon indicum leaf extract

In this study, PdNPs are synthesized by using various concentrations of leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (AI), which acts as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing through a hydrothermal method. The synthesized AI leaf extract stabilized PdNPs (AI@PdNPs) were characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV–visible, Powder XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TEM analysis. The formation of PdNPs was primarily confirmed by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The synthesized AI@ PdNPs was found to be FCC crystal structure, spherical, well dispersed, without any agglomeration. PdNPs are highly stable with an average particle size of 7 ± 4 nm by using powder XRD, DLS and TEM studies respectively. FTIR spectra supports the hypothesis that biomolecules presented in AI extract are effectively involved in the reduction, stabilization and capping of AI@ PdNPs. The AI@ PdNPs were assessed for antioxidant capacity using free radical scavenging activity by DPPH and found to be 76.02 % compared to standard ascorbic acid, which is 96.7 %. The cytotoxicity study was showed that AI@ PdNPs have shown marked cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells with IC50 value of 157.5 μg/mL and did not show marked cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cells. The standard drug (Doxorubicin) was shown the IC50 value of 18.02 µM and 66.88 µM with a maximum inhibition up to 87.26 % and 72.48 % at the highest concentration tested at 100 µM for MCF-7 and HEK-293 cells, respectively. Therefore, AI@ PdNPs could be a potential candidate for future drug development as an anticancer agent.

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FED PSIDIUM GUAJAVA AND MANGIFERA INDICA LEAF EXTRACT

The length weight relationship (LWR) of Clarias gariepinus fed Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica leaf extract was evaluated for six (6) months. A total of 420, eight (8) weeks old fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus was used for this study. Experimental fish were fed 40 % crude protein diet with inclusion of both leaf extracts at 0 %, 4 %, 6 %, and 8 %. Experimental fish were stocked in twenty-one 4ft by 4ft tarpaulin tanks half filled with borehole water, acclimation was done for 7 days during which they were fed commercial diet. Aqueous extract was done for both leaves and stored in plastic cans for further use. Weight and length of fish was measured biweekly and data was used to assess the length-weight relationship. The result of this study showed that the best weight was recorded in treatment 2 fed 4 % Psidium guajava extract and the least in treatment 5 fed 4 % Mangifera indica extract. The result on LWR revealed the regression coefficient ‘b’ to be from 17.68-20.40 which indicates a positive allometric growth, since ‘b’ value is more than 3. This further means that the fish samples in this study became heavier, stouter, deeper bodied or bigger as it increases in length i.e all parts of the fish increase in size proportionately with the length.

Multi-functional copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Lagerstroemia indica leaf extracts and their applications

Developing multifunctional nanomaterials through environmentally friendly and efficient approaches is a pivotal focus in nanotechnology. This study aimed to employ a biogenic method to synthesize multifunctional copper oxide nanoparticles (LI-CuO NPs) with diverse capabilities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and seed priming properties, as well as photocatalytic organic dye degradation and wastewater treatment potentials using Lagerstroemia indica leaf extract. The synthesized LI-CuO NPs were extensively characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The colloid displayed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 320 nm, characteristic of LI-CuO NPs. DLS analysis revealed an average particle size of 93.5 nm and a negative zeta potential of −20.3 mV. FTIR and XPS analyses demonstrated that LI-CuO NPs possessed abundant functional groups that acted as stabilizing agents. XRD analysis indicated pure crystalline and spherical LI-CuO NPs measuring 36 nm in size. Antibacterial tests exhibited significant differential activity of LI-CuO NPs against both gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. In antioxidant tests, the LI-CuO NPs demonstrated a remarkable radical scavenging activity of 97.6 % at a concentration of 400 μg mL−1. These nanoparticles were also found to enhance mustard seed germination at low concentrations. With a remarkable reusability, LI-CuO NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, with a degradation efficiency of 97.6 % at 150 μg/mL as well as a 95.6 % reduction in turbidity when applied to wastewater treatment. In conclusion, this study presents environmentally friendly method for the facile synthesis of LI-CuO NPs that could potentially offer promising applications in biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation due to their multifunctional properties.

Growth performance, haemato-biochemical indices of broiler chicken fed Aristolochia indica as a phytogenic feed additive

This experiment was carried out to examine the growth performance and some heamato-biochemical indices of broiler chicken fed Aristolochia indica (ALM) as a phytogenic feed additive. A total of 500 – 1-day old (Vencobb 450) with initial body weight of 48.0 ± 0.02 g were randomly divided to 5 groups with 5 replicates for each group. Basal diet (a corn-soya meal based diet) was sufficient in all nutrients (NRC, 1994). Birds in group 1 was fed basal diet without A. indica leaf meal, those in group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed basal diet with supplemented with A. indica leaf meal at 100 g, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g per 100 kg-1 respectively. Fresh clean water and feed were offered ad libitum. Results on phyto-constituents of Aristolochia indica leaf meal showed that it contained flavonoids (996.05 mg/100 g-1), tannins (609.7 mg/100 g-1), phenols (1341.8 mg/100 g-1), steroids (206.17 mg/100 g-1), alkaloids (151.8 mg/100g) and saponins (91.21 mg/100g). Average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were higher in group 4 and 5, intermediate in group 3 and lower in group 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Mortality of 2.20 % was recorded in group 1 while none was recorded in the other treatment (P < 0.05). Pack cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, lymphocytes and monocyte values were significantly (P < 0.05) different among the groups except for basophil values (P > 0.05). Total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, urea, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol were influenced (P < 0.05) by the treatment except for alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase values (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ALM can be fed up to 400 g in the diet of broilers without compromising their performance and health status.

Production, Quality Test, and Activity Evaluation of Methanol Extract and Nanoparticles from Pluchea indica (L.) Leaves as Additives in Natural Soap against Propionibacterium acnes

Pluchea indica (L.) leaves, both in the form of extracts and silver nanoparticles, are known to exhibit antibacterial activity, but they have not been widely utilized in the health sector, especially in dermatology. This study aims to determine the quality test and antibacterial evaluation of natural soap formulated with methanol extract and nanoparticles of Pluchea indica (L.) leaves against Propionibacterium acnes. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was conducted using the reduction method, with AgNO3 as a precursor and methanol extract of Pluchea indica (L.) leaves serving as a reducing agent or bioreductor. Natural soap was produced through the cold process method, with a curing period of 3 to 4 weeks. Natural soap, derived from herbal ingredients, was made by combining NaOH, essential oils, and additives such as methanol extract and silver nanoparticles from Pluchea indica (L.) leaves. Quality tests were performed to assess moisture content (MC), fatty acid content, and pH levels. Antibacterial activity was assessed utilizing the well-diffusion method, with various sample concentrations ranging from 1.0 g/mL to 0.0625 g/mL. The quality test results for all soap samples met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) requirements for acidity, free fatty acids, and moisture content. The bar soap without additives exhibited antibacterial activity, with a maximum inhibition zone of 14.26 mm (at 0.25 g/mL) after 15 hours. Natural soap with methanol extract of Pluchea indica (L.) leaf demonstrated an inhibition zone of 11.49 mm (at 0.0625 g/mL) after 15 hours, while nanoparticle soap exhibited an inhibition zone of 12.77 mm (at 0.25 g/mL) after 12 hours. In summary, all soap samples showed antibacterial activity, indicating the potential of Pluchea indica (L.) leaves as effective antibacterial agents.

Identification and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Erythrina indica and its antioxidant and Uropathogenic antimicrobial properties

The plant Erythrina indica comes under Fabaceae family, mainly used for used in traditional medicine as nervine sedative, antiepileptic, antiasthmatic, collyrium in opthalmia, antiseptic. Current study focused synthesize of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by E. indica leaf ethanol extract. The green-synthesized AgNPs underwent characterization using multiple analytical techniques, including UV–visible, FTIR, DLS, SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDX, and estimation of their antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis identified alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols as secondary metabolites. The Total Phenol Content (TPC) was determined to be 237.35 ± 2.02 mg GAE-1, indicating a substantial presence of phenolic compounds. The presence of AgNPs was verified through UV–Visible analysis at 420 nm, and FT-IR revealed characteristic phenolic functional groups. DLS analysis indicated a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index - PDI: 3.47%), with SEM revealing spherical AgNPs of approximately 20 nm. TEM showed homogeneous, highly polycrystalline AgNPs with lattice spacing at 0.297. XRD analysis demonstrated crystallinity and purity, with distinct reflection peaks corresponding to miller indices of JCPDS card no. 01 087 1473. In vitro, AgNPs exhibited robust antioxidant activity like; DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2, surpassing E. indica-assisted synthesis. ABTS assay indicated higher antioxidant activity (81.94 ± 0.05%) for AgNPs at 734 nm, while E. indica extraction showed 39.67 ± 0.07%. At 532 nm, both E. indica extraction (57.71 ± 0.11%) and AgNPs (37.41 ± 0.17%) exhibited H2O2 scavenging. Furthermore, AgNPs displayed significant antimicrobial properties, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus (15.7 ± 0.12 mm) and Candida albicans (10.7 ± 0.17 mm) byfor the concentration of 80 μg/mL. Through the characterizations underscore of the potential of Erythrina indica-synthesized AgNPs, rich in polyphenolic compounds, for pharmacological, medical, biological applications and antipyretic properties.

Effect of Shape and Size on Synthesized Triple (Co/Ni/Zn)-Doped α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on their Photocatalytic and Scavenging Properties

Co/Ni/Zn triple doped [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized via polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Azadirachta indica (A. Indica) leaf extract coating. XRD, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, VSM were used to characterize the synthesized NPs. XRD pattern revealed that the crystallite size of NPs ranges from 14[Formula: see text]nm to 21[Formula: see text]nm. Spherical NPs were found by SEM/TEM examination ranging from 16[Formula: see text]nm to 26[Formula: see text]nm of doped [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 NPs. Analysis of the magnetic properties of [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 NPs revealed antiferromagnetic characteristics, convergence between magnetization curves (MS), and switching field distribution dM/dh below an irreversible temperature of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K. Produced catalyst was used for the degradation of anionic azo dye Malachite green (MG) and Rhodamine blue (RhB) dyes under the influence of UV radiation. RhB and MG were reduced as a result of the doped [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 catalyzing the conversion of dissolved O2 to hydroxyl radicals (OH) when exposed to visible light. This shows that the main active radical specifically engaged in the photo-catalytic breakdown of dyes is OH. The most effective photo-catalyst was determined by investigating the proposed doped [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 NPs reusability over three cycles. The catalyst was retrieved and utilized three times after the reaction without suffering a substantial loss of catalytic activity. The plant-mediated [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 NPs have significant antioxidant activity due to their higher phenolic content. These have a promising future with potential applications in health, aging, food preservation, cosmetics, agriculture and environmental protection.

Comparative Study of Hepatoprotective and Hematinic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Flacourtia indica's Leaf and Stem Bark

Comparative Study of Hepatoprotective and Hematinic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Flacourtia indica's Leaf and Stem Bark

Pharmacological Effect of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract and Application for its Antibacterial Properties

ABSTRACT Nanoparticles prepared from bio-reduction agents are of keen interest to researchers around the globe due to their ability to mitigate the harmful effects of chemicals. In this regard, the present study aims to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). CuNPs show a characteristic absorption peak at 347 nm, while SEM reveals the spherical but agglomerated shape of CuNPs of the size within the range of 51.26–56.66 nm. The crystallite size measured by using XRD was found to be within a range of 23.38–46.64 nm for ginger-doped CuO and 26–56 nm for garlic-doped CuO. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows the crystalline structure of copper nanoparticles with prominent peaks. Bragg’s reflection of copper nanoparticles shows diffraction peaks around 2θ =43.4°, 50.3°, and 74.39°, representing [111], [200], and [220] crystallographic planes of face-centered cubic (fcc). The synthesized CuO NPs tested antibacterial properties against various strains of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, 25 μg/mL 2.3 ± 0.21 and 100 μg/mL 6.5 ± 0.17, Staphylococcus aureus, 25 μg/mL 2.3 ± 0.29 and 100 μg/mL 11.5 ± 1.17, Streptococcus mutans, 25 μg/mL 01.05 ± 0.21 and 100 μg/mL 15.8 ± 0.17, Enterococcus faecalis). The short novelty of Azadirachta indica lies in its potential relevance to human health, as it has been found to possess bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a promising natural resource for therapeutic applications.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum tenuiflorum and Azadirachta indica leaf extract and their antibacterial activity

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum tenuiflorum and Azadirachta indica leaf extract and their antibacterial activity

Guardians of Citrus Groves: An In-Depth Analysis of Neem Leaf Extract's Effects on Asian Citrus Psyllid Attractiveness, Diaphorina citri kuwayama, And its Potential for Integrated Pest Management

Background: The pervasive impact of fungal diseases on wheat crops necessitates the exploration of sustainable and safe pest control alternatives. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is renowned for its medicinal properties and is being investigated for its potential as a biopesticide in agriculture. Objective: To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts on fungal pathogens in wheat crops, aiming to offer an environmentally benign alternative to chemical fungicides. Methods: Neem leaves were collected, sterilized, dried, and ground to powder. This powder was subjected to solvent extraction using methanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, petroleum ether, and distilled water. The resulting extracts were tested for antifungal activity against Diaphorina citri kuwayama using the agar well diffusion method. Wheat plants treated with the extracts were monitored for fungal disease incidence and yield changes. Results: Methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica showed a significant zone of inhibition of 34.67 mm against Diaphorina citri kuwayama. Additionally, methanolic extracts displayed a zone of inhibition of 31.6±2.04 mm, while the control showed 31.33±0.58 mm. The MIC values ranged from 35 µg/ml for methanol to 24 µg/ml for distilled water, with the control at 20 µg/ml. Treatment of wheat crops with these extracts resulted in reduced fungal contamination and enhanced yield. Conclusion: The study confirms that Azadirachta indica leaf extracts have substantial antifungal properties, demonstrating potential as a natural and environmentally friendly pest management strategy in wheat production. This approach aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and could have a beneficial impact on human health by reducing harmful chemical residues in food.

Potential health and environmental benefits of the identified phytochemicals screening of (Azadirachta indica) neem leaves in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria

The phytochemical screening of (Azadirachta indica) Neem leaf extract was conducted to identify and quantify the presence of bioactive compounds. The study conducted various tests to assess the phytochemical components. About 1kg of matured fresh leaves of (Azadirachta indica) neem was collected from five (5) different location in Bauchi metropolis, these locations are; Kobi Street, Gida Dubu, Yelwan Tudu, Wuntin dada and Federal Low-cost areas in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The leaves of the plant, which were ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. An ethylacetate solvent was used to derive the A. indica leaf extract. The results of the research shows that the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides in the neem leaf extract is significant, and flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids were not detected in the neem leaf extract. The presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides suggests that neem leaves may hold promise in traditional and contemporary medicinal practices. Alkaloids, known for their pharmacological significance, may contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. Saponins, with their frothing and foaming characteristics, have been associated with immunomodulatory effects and their potential in agrochemical applications. Phenolic compounds, as evidenced by the positive response to the Ferric chloride test, indicate the antioxidant potential of neem leaves, which can combat oxidative stress. Conversely, the absence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids suggests that these specific phytochemical classes may be limited in neem leaves. These findings open avenues for further research and utilization of neem as a valuable natural resource.

Protective effect of neem leaf extract and dexamethasone in cigarette-smoke induced liver and kidney injury in Swiss mice: A comparative analysis

Cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the leading causes of lung injury where co-morbidity in different organs including liver and kidney can be observed. CS contributes as one of the causes of mortality across the globe. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid is widely used as an anti-inflammatory medication despite being associated with several side effects with long-term usage. Therefore, the present study focused on the comparison between dexamethasone and Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AILE) for treating hepatic and renal injury caused by CS in mice. The phytochemical screening of AILE revealed the abundance of phytocompounds as sterols, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids and diterpenes that might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In this context, Swiss mice were treated with CS, dexamethasone and AILE. CS-induced mice expressed elevated inflammatory cells, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) with higher levels of both liver and kidney function markers: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine respectively which was reversed by AILE. No mortality was observed in CS or AILE-treated group while dexamethasone-treated mice exclusively resulted in 20% mortality. Moreover, CS-induced mice also exhibited declined SOD levels in the liver and kidney and higher Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) which was modulated by AILE treatment. This is the first report demonstrating in vivo the effects of A. indica ethanolic leaf extract in treating CS-induced hepatic and renal chronic inflammation in an animal model which gave better results when compared to dexamethasone.