Indica Leaf Extract Research Articles

The Insecticidal Activity of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract: Optimization of the Microencapsulation Process by Complex Coacervation.

The objective of the present work was to optimize the microencapsulation conditions of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf extracts for the biocontrol of Tenebrio molitor. The complex coacervation method was used for the encapsulation of the extracts. The independent factors considered were the pH (3, 6, and 9), pectin (4, 6, and 8% w/v), and whey protein isolate (WPI) (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% w/v). The Taguchi L9 (33) orthogonal array was used as the experimental matrix. The response variable was the mortality of T. molitor after 48 h. The nine treatments were applied by immersion of the insects for 10 s. The statistical analysis revealed that the most influential factor on the microencapsulation was the pH (73% of influence), followed by the pectin and WPI (15% and 7% influence, respectively). The software predicted that the optimal microencapsulation conditions were pH 3, pectin 6% w/v, and WPI 1% w/v. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was predicted as 21.57. The experimental validation of the optimal conditions allowed us to obtain an S/N ratio of 18.54, equivalent to a T. molitor mortality of 85 ± 10.49%. The microcapsules had a diameter ranging from 1-5 μm. The microencapsulation by complex coacervation of neem leaf extract is an alternative for the preservation of insecticidal compounds extracted from neem leaves.

Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Early Blight in Tomato

Silver nanoparticles have gained considerable interest in recent decades due to their antimicrobial activity and are used in water disinfection, wound healing, food packaging, and plant protection. This study tested the potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using the neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against Alternaria solani causes early blight disease in tomato plants. The pathogen was isolated from infected tomato plants and identified using morphological and molecular features. The results showed significant variation among isolates. Isolates, Shk-1 and Ksr-1 were highly pathogenic, causing up to 80% disease incidence. The potential of silver nanoparticles against each isolate was determined using different concentrations of silver nanoparticles. During in vitro and in vivo experiments, the growth inhibition rate of the pathogen was 70–100% at 50 ppm. Lower concentrations of silver nanoparticles (5 and 10 ppm) increased phenolics, PO, PPO, and PAL production by more than 50% as compared to the untreated control. These defensive mechanisms clearly demonstrate the fungicidal potential of AgNPs and recommend their utilization in different crop protection programs.

Effects of Leea indica leaf extracts and its phytoconstituents on natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in human ovarian cancer

BackgroundThe rich biodiversity of medicinal plants and their importance as sources of novel therapeutics and lead compounds warrant further research. Despite advances in debulking surgery and chemotherapy, the risks of recurrence of ovarian cancer and resistance to therapy are significant and the clinical outcomes of ovarian cancer remain poor or even incurable. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of leaf extracts from a medicinal plant Leea indica and its selected phytoconstituents on human ovarian cancer cells and in combination with oxaliplatin and natural killer (NK) cells.MethodsFresh, healthy leaves of L. indica were harvested and extracted in 70% methanol by maceration. The crude extract was partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Selected extracts and compounds were analyzed for their effects on cell viability of human ovarian cancer cells, NK cell cytotoxicity, and stress ligands expression for NK cell receptors. They were also evaluated for their effects on TNF-α and IL-1β production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human U937 macrophages.ResultsLeaf extracts of L. indica increased the susceptibility of human ovarian tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Treatment of cancer cells with methyl gallate but not gallic acid upregulated the expression of stress ligands. Tumor cells pretreated with combination of methyl gallate and low concentration of oxaliplatin displayed increased levels of stress ligands expression and concomitantly enhanced susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytolysis. Further, NK cells completely abrogated the growth of methyl gallate-pretreated ovarian cancer cells. The leaf extracts suppressed TNF-α and IL-1β production in human U937 macrophages. Methyl gallate was more potent than gallic acid in down-regulating these cytokine levels.ConclusionsWe demonstrated for the first time that leaf extracts of L. indica and its phytoconstituent methyl gallate enhanced the susceptibility of ovarian tumor cells to NK cell cytolysis. These results suggest that the combined effect of methyl gallate, oxaliplatin and NK cells in ovarian cancer cells warrants further investigation, for example for refractory ovarian cancer. Our work is a step towards better scientific understanding of the traditional anticancer use of L. indica.

Sustainable and Safe Treatment of Wastewater of Paint Industry Using Azadarachta indica Leaf Extract Combined with Silver Nitrate Solution

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a combined green and synthetic solution for the sustainable treatment of wastewater from the paint industry. Effluent was treated with a natural plant extract (Azadarachta indica) and a silver nitrate solution (AgNO3). Three composite samples of wastewater were collected from the paint industry, transferred to the laboratory for analysis, and three case studies were applied for treatment. The parameters of the treated water were compared with the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS). Case 1 was a control treatment in which discharged industrial effluent was collected and analyzed for various pollutants (pH, COD, TDS, TSS, and BOD). All the target parameters were higher than the limits in the PEQS. In Case 2, the wastewater was treated by reaction with an A. indica solution for a 4 to 72 h retention time. Some pollutants were remediated as a result of the reaction, while the majority of pollutants required a longer retention time and a higher concentration of A. indica extract, making this case applicable for the treatment of wastewater. In Case 3, the discharged industrial effluent was reacted with A. indica solution combined with AgNO3 solution for wastewater treatment with a 4 to 72 h retention time; after reaction, all the pollutants were remediated at high pH of 12 at a retention time of 24 h. However, a longer retention time and a better solution are required for the treatment of priority pollutants. However, Case 3 treated more pollutants, so was far superior to Cases 1 and 2. As a result, this instance is suitable for the treatment of wastewater from the paint industry.

Assessment of Structural, Optical, and Antibacterial Properties of Green Sn(Fe : Ni)O2 Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract.

Metal oxide nanoparticles have attained notable recognition due to their interesting physicochemical properties. Although these nanoparticles can be synthesized using a variety of approaches, the biological method involving plant extracts is preferred since it provides a simple, uncomplicated, ecologically friendly, efficient, rapid, and economical way for synthesis. In this study, the Azadirachta indica leaf extract was used as a reducing agent, and a green process was used to synthesize tin(ferrous: nickel)dioxide (Sn(Fe : Ni)O2) nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to characterization by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. Furthermore, Sn(Fe : Ni)O2 nanoparticles were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains. XRD patterns revealed that Sn(Fe : Ni)O2 nanoparticles exhibited a tetragonal structure. The hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles was 143 nm, as confirmed by the DLS spectrum. The FESEM image showed the spherical form of the synthesized nanoparticles. Chemical composites and mapping analyses were performed through the EDAX spectrum. The Sn-O-Sn and Sn-O stretching bands were 615 cm-1 and 550 cm-1 in the FTIR spectrum, respectively. Various surface defects of the synthesized Sn(Fe : Ni)O2 nanoparticles were identified by photoluminescence spectra. Compared to traditional antibiotics like amoxicillin, the inhibition zone revealed that Sn(Fe : Ni)O2 nanoparticles displayed remarkable antibacterial activity against all tested organisms, indicating the valuable potential of nanoparticles in the healthcare industry.

Facile biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Mangifera indica leaf extract: Characterization and bioactivities

In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were facilely synthesized via a bio-pathway with the Mangifera indica leaf extract. The characterization results showed the development of monoclinic CuO as relatively stable nanospheres (15 – 40 nm) and also confirmed the great stability of the CuONPs. Bioactivities of CuONPs were assessed against bacteria strains and cytotoxicity. Accordingly, the CuO-2 sample well-restrained the microbe with over 60 % of inhibition at 50 µg/mL as well as exhibited excellent cytotoxicity, especially low IC50 value towards the cancerous HepG2 (1.98 µg/mL). The material also exhibited a negligible inhibitory against normal HEK293 cell lines, which affirms the great biocompatibility in the anticancer activity. Conclusively, green-synthesized CuONPs show good bioactivities and are highly promising for medical applications.

Green and environmentally sustainable fabrication of SnS2 quantum dots/chitosan nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic performance: Effect of process variables, and water matrices.

Concerns over the availability of clean water and the quality of treated wastewater are significant problems that call for an appropriate solution to improve the water quality. The present work emphasized the synthesis of novel SnS2 quantum dots (QDs) deposited on chitosan via a facile green precipitation method involving neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract and investigating its photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Crystal violet (CV) dye under varying reaction parameters, other organic and inorganic salts and water matrices. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and elemental composition of the prepared SnS2 (QDs)/Ch composite were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) techniques. The average size of SnS2/Chitosan nanoparticles was calculated to be 8.8nm using XRD, with the average diameter of SnS2 QDs to be 3.3nm from TEM. UV-visible spectroscopy was used to investigate its optical properties. The direct band gap of SnS2/Chitosan estimated from Tauc's plot came to be 2.5eV. The prepared novel SnS2/Ch composite showed outstanding photocatalytic activity for the degradation of CV through the Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). The fabricated photocatalyst caused 98.60±1.34 % degradation of CV within a short period of 70min under optimum conditions. The photodegradation reaction followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0815min-1. Furthermore, the photocatalyst showed high stability and was reusable for up to four cycles. The present work fulfils the aim of designing a novel, green, and efficient visible light-active nano-photocatalyst.

Studies on the Pharmacological Effects of Saraca Indica Leaf Extract on the Nerves of Mice

Abstract: People in India think that the Ashoka tree, also called the Saraca indica tree, is one of the holiest plants. Ayurvedic doctors have used the properties of the Saraca indica plant for a long time to treat pain, promote a healthy complexion, help with digestion and absorption, stop thirst, get rid of all infectious agents, treat blood diseases and inflammation, and calm the central nervous system. The goal of this study was to find out if different extracts of Saraca indica leaves have any CNS-depressing effects. In earlier research, it was thought that Saraca indica might have a depressant effect on the central nervous system. This led to the current study. Because of their different levels of polarity, petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water were used in this order to get the leaves of Saraca indica. The depressant effect of pentobarbitone on the central nervous system (CNS) was measured by timing how long it took for the drug to make the subject fall asleep and by tracking how much the subject moved with an actophotometer. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, an extract of Saraca indica leaves that was made with methanol showed the most helpful effects. Significantly (P 0.01), this dose both slowed down the time it took for pentobarbitone to cause sleep and made it last longer. When the extract was given, the amount of movement decreased by 67.33 percent. The effect of extracts in water, chloroform, and petroleum ether on the CNS was different depending on the dose. Even so, neither animal showed any clear signs of the CNS being slowed down by the petroleum ether extract. Based on what was found, some Saraca indica leaf extracts may make the CNS feel down.

Sustainable Synthesis of Iron-Zinc Nanocomposites by Azadirachta indica Leaves Extract for RSM-Optimized Sono-Adsorptive Removal of Crystal Violet Dye.

Environmental pollution has exacerbated the availability of clean water to mankind. In this study, Azadirachta indica leaf extract was used for sustainable synthesis of Fe-Zn nanocomposites (IZNC). The instrumental techniques of Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the structural and chemical composition. The overall surface was mildly acidic in nature, as the pHPZC was observed to be 6.00. The ultrasonicated adsorption experiments were designed by central composite design (CCD). The best responses, which proposed a contaminants removal of 80.39%, were assessed using the response surface methodology (RSM). By repeating experimental runs at the expected optimum operating parameters (OOP), the method was experimentally affirmed with the %mean error and %RSD9 being 2.695% and 1.648%, respectively. The interaction of CV dye and the nanocomposite showed tremendous adsorption efficiency towards crystal violet (CV) dye, as revealed by isotherm studies. Fitting kinetics and isotherm models were affirmed by root mean square error (RMSE), χ2, and a Pearson regression coefficient. Thermodynamic studies proved spontaneity of the CV dye adsorption over the nanocomposites. The values for ΔGo, ΔHo, and ΔSo were observed to be -1.089 kJ/mol, 28.59 kJ/mol, and -3.546 kJ/mol, respectively. Recovery of CV dye was carried out in a variety of media, including NaOH, NaCl, and CH3COOH. The maximum CV recovery was achieved in an acidic media. The robustness of adsorption was affirmed by the interference of various matrix ions, including KCl, LiCl, NaCl, and MgCl2, which did not significantly affect the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at a low concentration of LiCl. The results show that a green synthesis approach for nanocomposite synthesis might be an effective and economical way to remove organic contaminants from wastewater. Moreover, it is also effective for effluent treatment plants (ETP) for waste management purposes, in which it may be coupled with chlorine as a disinfectant to purify water that can be used for domestic and irrigation purposes.

Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf: chemical composition and antibacterial activity as determined by different polarity solvents

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis. This was performed using the disc diffusion method and the microdilution method (MIC). Solvents of variable polarity were used to extract the components of A. indica. The highest yield of extraction was obtained from methanol (3.30%), followed by ethanol (3.00%), ethyl acetate (1.50%) and hexane (0.90%). In general, A. indica leaf extracts exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity. The extracts of A. indica were shown to inhibit all tested strains in a dose dependent manner and the maximum activity was reported for the methanol extract followed by ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts. The most effective extract was methanolic leaf extract against P. mirabilis (inhibition zone equal to 28 mm and MIC equal to 0.47 μg/mL). Hexane extract showed no antibacterial activity against all strains tested. The chemical composition of the most effective extract, methanolic extract, has been analyzed using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrophotometer (LC-MS) and the most dominant components were quercetin (20.4%), linoleic acid (14.5%), β-sitosterol (13.5%), myristic acid (11.3%) and oleic acid (7.3%). In conclusion, the potent antibacterial activity of A. indica is due to the polar compounds. The best solvents to extract the active antibacterial ingredients are solvents with high polarity such as ethanol and methanol.

Effect of Azadirachta indica on Pheretima posthuma

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are worm infections that can be facilitated by one or more intestinal parasitic worms such as roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworm (HW; Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), threadworm (Strongyloides stercoralis), and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). More than two billion people are thought to be affected by STH infections globally. Eggs in human feces, which are commonly seen in low-resource countries, spread STH by contaminating the soil and water in unhygienic places. The transmission is by human exposures to the infective stages, either by direct skin penetration or through ingestion that could result in a serious illness, though infections remain asymptomatic in the majority of cases with light-intensity infections. Azadirachta indica, usually called Indian neem, has been extensively used in ayurveda, unani, and homoeopathic medicine since time immemorial. A. inidica has been used ethnopharmacologically to treat diseases such as cancer, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, wound infections, trypanosomiasis, malaria, and tuberculosis. A. indica leaf extracts in methanol were tested for their ability to treat Pheretima posthuma worms. From the experimental outcome, we find that the leaf extracts of A. indica, when compared to the usual medication, the plant was found to exhibit substantial anthelmintic activity. The present research concludes that neem has a variety of bioactive compou

Effect of Azadirachta indica against Sodium Benzoate Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Wistar Rats- An Experimental Interventional Study

Introduction: Azadirachta indica (Neem) is one of the widely used plants which has various medicinal properties like antipyretic, antimicrobial, antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antidiabetic effects. Silymarin-a milk thistle derivative has its own clinical significance. Sodium Benzoate (SB) is a versatile food preservative used in packaged food and drink industries which is consumed by the people unknowingly above World Health Organisation (WHO) standards which causes potential cytotoxicity. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract and the combination effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract (Neem) with Silymarin against SB induced hepatorenal toxicity in adult male albino wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental interventional animal study was conducted at Central Animal House at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India from July 2021 to August 2021 for a period of 14 days. Total 30 male wistar rats were randomised into five groups with six rats into each group. The groups were Group 1 Control received only distilled water, Group 2 SB 200 mg/kg bw (SB) alone, Group 3 SB+Silymarin 100 mg/kg bw, Group 4 SB+ Azadirachta indica aqueous extract 400 mg/kg bw, Group 5 SB+Silymarin 100 mg/ kg bw+Azadirachta indica aqueous extract 400 mg/kg bw for 14 days through oral gavage. Doses and duration were determined based on previous studies. Blood was drawn from a retroorbital puncture, animals were sacrificed by euthanasia, a part of Liver and Kidney samples were sent for histopathological examination-cell structure, integrity, inflammation. Biochemical parameters of liver function tests-Serum Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Serum Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Kidney function tests: urea, creatinine and uric acid were measured in serum. Statistical analysis were done by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet’s post-hoc test used for intergroup comparison, p-value <0.05 considered to be significant. Results: There was a significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP and kidney function (creatinine, uric acid) in the SB alone treated group when compared with the control group. Hepatorenal protection of Neem extract was shown by significant decrease in liver and renal parameters which was comparable to that of control and Silymarin standard drug. Combination of silymarin and neem showed significant protection in liver (ALT, AST, ALP) and kidney function (urea, creatinine, uric acid) when compared to neem alone treated group. All the results were substantiated by histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. Conclusion: This study suggests effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract with Silymarin possess hepatorenoprotective effect against SB induced damage in rats. Combination effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract with Silymarin significantly proved the hepatorenal protectivity when compared with Neem alone treated group.

Abstract 1415: Modulatory effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in mitigating isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity

Abstract 1415: Modulatory effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in mitigating isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity

In vitro studies for the antiparasitic activities of Azadirachta indica extract

Coccidiosis and helminthiasis are two parasitic diseases that harm both health and the economy. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts (AILE) as an anti-parasitic modulator during murine coccidiosis as well as helminthic infection. Phytochemical analysis using FT-IR showed the presence of eleven compounds. A dose-dependent efficacy was observed in all experiments. At the highest concentration (200 mg/mL), time consumed to induce paralysis and death for worms was recorded at 9.329 ± 2.183 and 10.024 ± 1.542 min, respectively. Histological study revealed conspicuous deformity of surface architecture in all treated worms. SEM also revealed cuticular shrinkage of the body surface in all treated worms. In vitro study showed that incubation with AILE (100 mg/mL) for 96 hr inhibited sporulation by approximately 60%. AILE (50 and 25 mg/mL), amprolium, DettolTM, phenol, and formalin-induced variable inhibition levels at 96 hr of 28%, 44%, 37.33%, 81.33%, 89.33%, and 0% respectively. In addition, IC50 of AILE was obtained at 66.214 µg/mL with a percentage of antioxidant activity to be 74.76 ± 2.23. Our results indicate that AILE exhibits powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial activities and it could be exploited further for the development of a novel therapeutic agent.

Coccinia Indica Leaf Extract Inhibits Herpes Simplex 2 Viruses' Propagation In vitro

Background: Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is known to cause genital herpes a well-characterized sexually transmitted disease among humans. Although there are a couple of antiviral drugs available, poor adherence toward the treatment makes it more complicated. Recent reports on HSV drug resistance due to mutations have paved the way for the search of new antivirals required to control rising new virus infections. Objectives: The objective of this study was to screen the antiviral property of Coccinia indica ethanolic leaf extracts over the HSV-2 strain. Subjects and Methods: C. indica ethanolic extracts were assessed for anti-HSV-2 properties by the standard in vitro microtissue culture assay. Results: The results presented the least concentration of 75 μg of C. indica ethanolic leaf extract inhibited 100% of HSV-2 propagation and 50 μg inhibited around 60% of virus and showed a residual titer of 100.8 ± 0.04 at day 5. Conclusion: The C. indica ethanolic extracts exhibited a significant antiviral activity against the HSV-2 virus in vitro.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome Extract and Selenium Protect Effects of Nerium indicum Leaf Extract on Serum Calcium and Phosphate of Male Wistar Rats

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome Extract and Selenium Protect Effects of Nerium indicum Leaf Extract on Serum Calcium and Phosphate of Male Wistar Rats

Tailoring the size and magnetic property of biogenic silver nanoparticles

By exploring biological sources, the area of nanotechnology is currently thriving and offers a fresh method. Plant extract-mediated green nanomaterial synthesis has gained appeal as a result of its cost-effectiveness and environmentally beneficial characteristics. In this study, Ag NPs were successfully synthesized from reducing Ag+ ions using Mangifera indica leaf extracts as a source of reducing and capping agents. Several different microscopic and spectroscopic approaches were used in order to characterize the produced Ag NPs. Analyses using XRD and SEM have been carried out to look into the morphology of the generated Ag NPs. The (XRD) pattern peaks are associated with the metallic silver in the (FCC) shape. Silver nanoparticles average grain size is in the 10–100 nm range for all concentrations of AgNO3. The shape of the produced silver nanoparticles was determined to be round and spherical by (SEM), and their total size was determined to be between 50 and 100 nm. Analysis using EDX spectroscopy also demonstrated the production of silver and the presence of components that performed the function of a capping agent. (FT-IR) spectra were performed in order to determine the organic groups like carbonyl, hydroxyl, amine, and protein molecules. Analysis using (FT-IR) spectroscopy publicized the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and amide groups, all of which are candidates for being responsible for the environmentally friendly creation of silver nanoparticles. From (VSM) analysis, the biosynthesized Ag NPs were weak ferromagnetic in nature, which would be a potential research arena, especially for device application and medical equipment construction using these magnetic crystalline AgNPs. Keywords: Ag NPs, synthesized, X-ray Diffraction, TGA, magnetization

Pluchea indica Leaf Extract Alleviates Dyslipidemia and Hepatic Steatosis by Modifying the Expression of Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes in Rats Fed a High Fat-High Fructose Diet.

This study evaluated the effect of Pluchea indica leaf extract (PIE) on dyslipidemia and lipid accumulation in the liver, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms in regulating lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat-high fructose diet (HFFD). Male rats were fed HFFD (40% lard and 20% fructose) for ten weeks. They were then divided into four groups receiving distilled water, PIE (100 or 300 mg/kg/d), and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/d) for a further six weeks, during which the HFFD was continued. After the experiment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance (OGT), serum insulin and leptin levels, lipid profiles, and hepatic triglyceride content were measured. Histological examination and expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver were measured. HFFD-fed rats indicated a significantly increased FBG, serum leptin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores with impaired OGT and dyslipidemia compared to rats fed a normal diet. PIE significantly reduced FBG, serum leptin, and HOMA-IR scores and improved OGT. Additionally, PIE significantly improved dyslipidemia and decreased serum-free fatty acids and liver triglyceride content. Hepatic histological examination showed a marked reduction lipid accumulation in relation to HFFD controls. Interestingly, PIE significantly downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes and upregulated the expression of fatty-acid oxidation-related genes. In conclusion, PIE alleviates dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HFFD rats plausibly by increasing insulin resistance and modifying the gene expression associated with lipid metabolism. PIE may be used as preventive nutrition for dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis.

Phytochemical-assisted Synthesis of Titania Nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract as Photocatalyst in the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange

The biosynthesis procedure for nanomaterial preparation is a promising alternative due to its simplicity and environmental friendliness. In this work, TiO2 NPs were biosynthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. The influence of the extract volumes, solvents, and acetic acid on the properties of TiO2 NPs was studied. Phytochemical screening and ATR-FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the leaf extract. XRD patterns showed that the samples were mainly in the anatase phase. However, for the water-based samples and when 1 and 2 mL of extract volumes were used, anatase/brookite mixture was observed. FESEM images displayed almost spherical and agglomerated NPs. UV-Vis-NIR studies showed that the samples’ bandgaps values are within the range of anatase TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 NPs was evaluated in the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV light irradiation. The water-based sample synthesized using 2 mL of the extract achieved 98.62% of MO degradation within 270 min and demonstrated the highest pseudo-first-order photodegradation kinetic constant of 0.0147 min-1. These results indicate that the use of the plant-based biosynthesis method with water as the solvent successfully produced TiO2 NPs with good physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of organic dye. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Green and Eco-Friendly Treatment of Textile Wastewater by Using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract Combined with a Silver Nitrate Solution

The present study was conducted to treat textile industrial wastewater through the combination of green and synthetic solutions. Two case studies were applied for the treatment of wastewater. In the first case, discharged industrial effluent was reacted with Azadirachta Indica leaf extract solution for a 4 to 72 h retention time. After the reaction, some pollutants were treated but most required higher retention time and concentration of A. indica extract, which could be a potential adsorbent for wastewater treatment. In the second case, the discharged industrial effluent was reacted with A. indica solution with silver nitrate AgNO3 solution and was used as a treating agent for wastewater with a 4 to 72 h retention time. The second case was found to be better than the first case as it treated a greater number of pollutants. Moreover, treatment plant design feasibilities will be required for the application of findings of the present study on an industrial scale. This study can be useful to improve industrial estate’s environmental conditions for reducing pollution by industrial wastewater. There is also a need to raise environmental awareness regarding wastewater’s health effects in local communities.