Neem Leaf Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of Phyto-extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Blight of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) Caused by Alternaria cucumerina

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf blight of cluster bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) caused by Alternaria cucumerina under field conditions. Three replications of cluster bean were planted in a randomized block design at the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Ginger rhizome extract @ 10%, onion bulb extract @ 10%, eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10%, neem leaf extract @ 10%, garlic clove extract @ 10% and mancozeb 0.2% were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (29.63) and maximum yield (2.50 t/ha). Neem leaf extract @ 10% was recorded maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 1.80), as compared to treated mancozeb @ 0.2%(treated) and T0 control.

Evaluation of the repellent effect of leaf and fresh kernel extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., 1830) on the sweet potato weevil (Cylas puncticollis Boheman, 1833) under laboratory conditions in Burkina Faso

Evaluation of the repellent effect of leaf and fresh kernel extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., 1830) on the sweet potato weevil (Cylas puncticollis Boheman, 1833) under laboratory conditions in Burkina Faso

“Comparative evaluation of cytotoxicity of three herbal endodontic irrigants at three intervals of time” – An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity of 25% of neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica), 20% of guava leaf extracts (Psidium guajava), and 20% of cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) irrigants at three intervals of time. Methodology: Four groups were formed (n = 15), Group 1 (control group) – normal saline solution, Group 2 – 25% of neem extract, Group 3 – 20% of guava extract, and Group 4 – 20% of cinnamon extract. Each group was further divided into three subgroups based on intervals (n = 5). Subgroup A – at 10 min, Subgroup B – at 20 min, and Subgroup C – at 30 min. One hundred microliters of each irrigant was added to 2 mL of the diluted red blood cells suspension obtained from a human volunteer. Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation was done with an automated hematology analyzer after incubating the test samples at 10, 20, and 30 min intervals. Results: The reduction in the mean Hb values was not statistically significant in the normal saline, guava, and cinnamon groups. However, in the neem extract group, the mean Hb values reduced significantly at P < 0.001. Among the subgroups, Subgroup A (10 min) showed the least cytotoxicity. Conclusion: In the present study, 20% guava extract had the lowest cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity increased with time. Hence, 20% guava extract can be used as an alternative to conventional irrigants as it has been shown to have the least cytotoxicity.

Sealing Ability of Bioceramic Sealer after Ultrasonic Activation of Different Root Canal Irrigating Solutions

Aim To evaluate and compare the sealing ability of bio ceramic root canal sealer after ultrasonic activation of root canal irrigation solutions 3% NaOCl , 40% Citric acid & Neem leaf extract .  Materials and Methods In this study, 42 mandibular premolar teeth with single roots and canals were divided into three groups for irrigation: 3% NaOCl, 40% citric acid, and Neem leaf extract. After access preparation and glide path creation with a #10 K-file (0.02 taper), the canals were instrumented using a crown-down technique to an ISO size of 30, with saline as the irrigant. Ultrasonically activated irrigation was used, followed by saline in all groups. The canals were obturated with Dentsply Gutta- percha and Bio C sealer, 1mm short of the working length, and sealed with temporary restorations. Teeth were incubated at 37°C for 3 days, and horizontal sections at 3mm from the apex were taken. Confocal laser scanning microscopy measured sealer penetration, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare results between groups.  Results The results suggest that 40% citric acid is the most effective irrigant for enhancing sealer penetration into dentinal tubules at the apical third, both in terms of percentage and depth of penetration, compared to 3% NaOCl and neem leaf extract. This indicates that citric acid may improve the sealing ability of root canal treatments more effectively than the other tested irrigants.  Conclusion The results suggest that 40% citric acid is the most effective irrigant for enhancing sealer penetration into dentinal tubules at the apical third, both in terms of percentage and depth of penetration, compared to 3% NaOCl and neem leaf extract. This indicates that citric acid may improve the sealing ability of root canal treatments more effectively than the other tested irrigants.

Evaluation of African Neem Plant (Dogon Yaro) antibacterial activity against certain pathogenic organisms

The neem plant is a tropical evergreen plant native to the Indian sub-continent. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years due to its medicinal properties. The phytochemical screening carried out on the extract of Neem plant revealed the presence of some active ingredients such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenols also glycosides, steroids, Terpenoids, flavonoids, and phlobatanins are present in this extract. It was observed that alkanoids has a concentration of 0.52g/ml, tannins has a concentration of 9.00g/ml, saponins has a concentration of 1.99g/ml, flavonoid has a concentration of 0.62g/ml and phenol has a concentration of 0.024g/ml. The antimicrobial activity of the Leaf, Stem, Stem-bark and Root extract of Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) against some of the pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, was determined. This was done by using alcoholic and water extracts of Neem leaves, stem, stem bark and roots. Varying concentration of each extracts 200mg/ml, 150mg/ml and 100mg/ml were prepared and tested. When compared with Gentamycin 10mg, the Ethanol Extract of Neem Root shows maximum inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli in an ascending order, followed by the ethanol extract of Neem Leaf which shows maximum inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis in an ascending order. Conclusively, this can explain the rationale for the use of the plant in treating infections in traditional medicine. The plant could be a veritable and cheaper substitute for conventional antibiotics since it is easily obtainable and the extract can easily be made via a simple process of maceration or infusion. However, further research is necessary to determine and purify the active components against micro-organisms.

Effect of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles on Seed Quality OF Maize

Nanotechnology is an emerging science and has wide applications in agriculture. Green synthesized nanoparticles are safer, cost effective and eco-friendly over chemical and physical synthesis. The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of green-synthesized silver and zinc nanoparticles on seed quality of maize hybrid (GH-150125) during 2023-24 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Green synthesis of silver and zinc nanoparticles were mediated through neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is as reducing and capping agent. The standardization for effective concentration and priming duration for silver and zinc nanoparticles were standardized from different concentrations of (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm). For priming effective duration were standardized from six, eight and twelve hours inclusive of hydropriming and control (untreated). The effective concentrations of 250-750 ppm and duration of 8 h and 6 h from AgNPs and ZnNPs recorded higher respectively as compared to control and hydropriming. In laboratory, the seed treated with zinc nanoparticles at 750 ppm for 6 h recorded significantly higher germination percentage of (97 %), shoot length (21.53 cm), root length (20.17cm) and seedling vigour index I (4045) compared to control. Hence, the results conclude that ZnNPs at 750 ppm for 6 hours was superior as seed treatment in maize to enhance seed germination and seedling growth than other treatments.

Augmented barrier properties of poly (lactic acid) composite packaging film reinforced by antibacterial hybrid bio‐filler: Extending the shelf life of fruits

AbstractThis work investigates the construction of biodegradable packaging film based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with a novel antibacterial hybrid nanofiller to improve barrier and mechanical properties. The study focuses on incorporating silver‐ingrained silica particles (Ag–In–Si) into PLA matrix to prepare the packaging film (Ag–In–SiPLA) that has superior antibacterial, and barrier property with negligible oxygen and water vapour penetration. The Ag was synthesized using natural neem leaf extract as a reducing agent. To ingrain silver over rice husk silica (Si) an in situ technique was adopted. Hence called Ag‐In‐Si bio‐filler. The Ag–In–SiPLA films were fabricated using melt blending and sheet extrusion methods by means of a micro‐compounder. The addition of rice husk silica served the purpose of cost‐effectiveness of the packaging film along with the enhancement of the oxygen and water barrier properties of the films. The optimized sample (PLA loaded with 3% Ag–In–Si), exhibited optimum transparency, moisture resistance, and barrier properties compared with control PLA film. The experiments on Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry) preservation have verified the remarkable effectiveness of Ag–In–SiPLA films in preserving their quality for an extended period. These biodegradable packaging films, composed of food‐grade materials and sustainable ingredients, have the potential to provide a compostable and environmentally friendly solution for various packaging applications. This research shed light on the antibacterial Ag–In–SiPLA film as a long‐term, high‐performance fruit packaging solution.Highlights Novel antibacterial PLA composite with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties. Silver‐ingrained silica particles improve antibacterial and barrier properties. Green synthesis of silver using neem leaf extract Melt blending and sheet extrusion used to create cost‐effective packaging films. Ag–In–SiPLA films extend Muntingia calabura preservation, proving effective.

Efficacy of Different Bio-agents, Botanicals, Fungicides and Nano-fungicides against Pyricularia oryzae

A study was conducted during the period 2021-2023 at, Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur and the field experiments at Student Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of agriculture and Technology, during research period different bio-agent, botanicals, Azotrix (Azoxystrobin 16.7 % + Tricyclazole 33.3% SC) and nanofunficides are used and data were recorded regarding there efficacy in inhibition of mycelial growth of Pyricularia oryzae causing rice blast in Completely randomised design (CRD) under in-vitro condition by adopting principle of dual culture technique and food poision technique. All the selected treatments proved effective and reduce mycelial growth of pathogen, among bioagents T. viride (46.47%) were superior over T. harzianum (43.26 %) and Pseudomonas fluorescence (57.71 %) was better than Bacillus subtilis (48.54%), in botanicals bael leaf extract were found superior (86.32%) over neem leaf extract (74.43%), Fungicide (Azotrix @ 25, 50 and 100ppm) can reduce growth upto 85% over control and among nanofungicides Silver nanoparticles @10ppm was found best which can inhibit (61.87%) mycelial growth.

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Organic Amendments Against Black Root Rot Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Black root rot of strawberry caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the devastating soil borne disease. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic amendments, PGPR (Pseudomonas Fluorescens) and botanical treatment for the management of R. solani on strawberry. The study was laid out in Randomized Block design (RBD) including 4 r eplications with 8 treatments in pot condition at the greenhouse of Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during Rabi season 20232024. The treatments consisted of combination of FYM, vermicompost, biomix compost, neem cake, cocopeat and botanical neem leaf extract were used as soil amendments and P. fluorescens as root treatment for evaluation on the plant growth, yield, physicochemical parameters (TSS and total ascorbic acid), disease intensity (%) and benefit cost ratio of strawb erry. The present investigation results revealed that T7 – P. fluorescens (0.3%) + FYM @ 100g + biomix compost @ 15g + vermicompost @ 15g + neem leaf extract @10% had the most promising results in term of maximum plant height (14.9 cm), maximum leaf number(15.75), days taken to first flowering (86 days), berry length (4.08 cm), berry diameter (2.84 cm), yield (38.87 qha-1), TSS (8.80 °Brix), total ascorbic acid (51.60mg/100g) and B:C ratio (1:2.24). It was also observed that T7 superior over other treatments giving least per cent disease intensity (30.75 %) followed by T6 – FYM @1 00g + P. fluorescens (0.3%) + biomix compost @15g + neem cake @15g + neem leaf extract @10% (35.50%). These findings highlight the potential of organic amendments, PGPR (P. fluorescens) and botanical treatments, as effective alternatives for managing black root rot disease caused by R. solani in strawberry cultivation.

Eco-friendly Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Among vegetables, brinjal or eggplant is an economically important vegetable crop and second major vegetable crop next to potato in India. This crop suffers from various diseases, among different fungal diseases of brinjal, Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata has currently become one of the most important diseases for all brinjal varieties. Loss due to the disease has been estimated up to 25-30 per cent. Therefore, present investigation was undertaken at Central Research Field of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj during the Kharif of 2023-2024, for the management of leaf spot using botanicals, bio-agent, cow urine and a fungicide (treated check) for their efficacy in vivo against Alternaria leaf spot of brinjal incited by Alternaria alternata. Effects of different botanicals, bio-agent and cow urine were evaluated on different growth, disease management and yield parameters of brinjal crop under field condition by foliar spray of botanicals, cow urine and a bio-agent, along with seedling treatment with Trichoderma viride at selected concentration. The effects of treatments on growth parameter were recorded i.e. maximum plant height at 30 DAT (22.78 cm), 60 DAT (37.16 cm), 90 DAT (53.87 cm) and maximum number of leaves at 30 DAT (10.83), 60 DAT (31.80), 90 DAT (47.33) and maximum number of branches at 30 DAT (4.23), 60 DAT (11.40), 90 DAT (13.83). Among the treatments, neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride was recorded significantly reducing disease intensity at 45 DAT (10.32%), 60 DAT (16.11%), 75 DAT (27.93%) of brinjal followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control. The maximum yield was found to be in neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (16.63 t/ha) followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control and the most economical treatment was Neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (1:2.62).

Effect of Neem Leaf Powder Supplementation in Casing Mixture on the Growth and Yield Parameters of white Button Mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach

Green mould caused by Trichoderma harzianum is a severe threat of white button mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach] cultivation causing heavy crop losses. The present experiment was conducted to manage the green mould fungus Trichoderma harzianum using neem leaf extracts. In vitro, results showed maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 64.59 % in T. harzianum using neem leaf extract at 4.5% concentration. Neem leaf extracts at 4.5% concentration showed maximum efficacy against pathogens. Further, an In vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate neem leaf powder at different concentrations @0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4.5% supplemented in the casing mixture combination viz., Farm yard manure (FYM) + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) to monitor the growth and yield aspects of white button mushroom. Among all treatments used in the study, the results revealed that minimum average time taken for completion of spawn run (15.14 days) and pinhead initiation (18.28 days) as well as maximum number of fruiting bodies (14.71), fruiting bodies weight (22.54g), stalk length (2.81 cm) stalk diameter (1.85 cm) and pileus diameter (5.64 cm), and were recorded in T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%]. Results have shown that T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%] had the highest yield (470.09 g) and biological efficiency (27.11%).

Enhanced tetracycline degradation using UV/Fenton/titanium dioxide (TiO2) hybrid process

TiO2 was synthesized using neem leaf extract as soft bio template and Titanium (IV) isopropoxide (C12H28O4Ti) as a precursor. Morphological properties revealed well crystalline anatase phase of 19.8 nm size for the biotemplated TiO2 (B-TiO2) compared to 24.2 nm of the non-templated TiO2 (N-TiO2). TEM revealed a nano sheet-like structure for the B-TiO2 and it exhibited a larger SBET surface area (35.45 m2/g) and average pore diameter (5.74 nm) compared to the N-TiO2 (19.72 m2/g) and (2.028 nm) respectively. XPS results showed carbon peaks indicating small bio-carbon doping on the lattice of the TiO2, which can promote charge transfer upon light excitation during photocatalyst reactions. The results of the photoluminescence study indicate reduced PL intensity of the B-TiO2 which signifies the suppression of recombination of charge carriers or electron-hole pairs in the B-TiO2. The photocatalytic activity was assessed by the photodegradation of tetracycline (TC: 50 mg/L) under UV irradiation and the B-TiO2 was employed as a photocatalyst. In the absence of UV light, B-TiO2 catalyst slightly removed TC due to limited active species. However, the degradation of TC increases significantly due to the synergetic effect of the UV/Fenton/B-TiO2 hybrid system. Moreover, the biotemplate exposes the surface of the B-TiO2 which permits improved utilization of all surface-active sites. Quenching experiments were also performed via scavengers, results confirmed that hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals and electrons are the key reactive species in the TC degradation. The effects of influential parameters such as B-TiO2 dosage, TC concentration, pH, and Fe2+ to H2O2 molar ratio were also investigated, in addition, the catalyst is stable, as it achieved > 80 % TC degradation efficiency after five reuse cycles.

Determination of insecticidal potential of selected plant extracts against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a devastating pest that attacks a wide range of crops, including sugarcane, rice, and maize. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the toxicity potential of native plant extracts (Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globulus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cannabis sativa, Citrullus colocynthis, Nicotiana tabacum) against S. frugiperda. Four different concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 400ppm) of the ethanolic plant extracts was evaluated against S. frugiperda third-instar larvae to determine their median lethal concentration (LC50). After 72 hours of exposure, the LC50 values of A. indica, E. globulus, P. hysterophorus, C. sativa, C. colocynthis, N. tabacum, and positive control (Spinetoram) were 186.104, 518.438, 320.027, 334.259, 252.651, 720.980 and 189.369 ppm respectively. The maximum percent mortality was caused by the highest concentration (400 ppm) of A. indica (64±0.18), E. globulus (48±0.22), P. hysterophorus (56±0.18), C. sativa (56±0.18), C. colocynthis (60±0.00), and N. tabacum (40±0.28), after 72 hours of treatment while Spinetoram induced 100±0.00 percent mortality of S. frugiperda and only 4±0.18 percent mortality was recorded in a control group. Results showed that all plant extracts were found to be effective against S. frugiperda. The compounds from the two most effective ethanolic plant extracts were identified by using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). The key compounds identified in neem leaf extract and kortuma fruit extract are predominantly biologically active molecules. Many of them were volatile compounds that belonged to different chemical categories, such as fatty acids, hydrocarbons, esters, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and amines. Terpenes exhibited a wide range of different biological activities, such as serving as insecticides and antifeedant. The presence of various functional groups in the plant extract was determined by conducting a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Farmers should employ these kinds of environmental friendly insecticides to lessen the impact of fall armyworm because these products are cheaper to use and better for the economy and the environment.

Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract Against Fungi Pathogen Associated with Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Spoilage

Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract Against Fungi Pathogen Associated with Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Spoilage

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Neem Leaf and Ginger Rhizome on Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters of Pure and Crossbred Chickens

Neem leaf and ginger rhizome contain numerous chemical components that are biologically active and are widely utilized in medications to treat various illnesses. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of aqueous neem leaf and ginger rhizome extracts on the growth performance and hematological parameters in the three breeds of chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks from 3 genetic groups consisting of 120 Noiler chicks, 120 Heavy Ecotype chicks, and 120 main cross chicks were considered for this study. Each breed of chickens was randomly distributed into four groups, with three replications per group. Each replication consisted of eight females and two males, raised in a deep litter system. A 3×4 factorial arrangement was employed, involving four levels of plant extracts: a control group receiving the basal diet without any extract, a group receiving 200 ml of neem extract (NE200), a group receiving 200 ml of ginger extract (GE200), and a group receiving 100 ml of neem + 100 ml of ginger extract (NE100+GE100). The chickens were evaluated for growth parameters such as initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), average feed intake (AFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as some haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (P), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Noiler chickens receiving NE100+GE100 and GE200 showed the highest final body weight and daily weight gain. The results of the haematological indices revealed that the interaction effect of genotype and plant extracts on all the treatment groups were significantly different for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet (P). Some haematological indices such as Hb, PCV, WBC, and platelet were better for chickens receiving GE200 and NE100+GE100 compared to NE200 and control groups. In conclusion, the interaction of GE200 and NE100+GE100 with Noiler and main cross chickens was beneficial, with no adverse effects on the physiological traits and health status of the chickens 16 weeks of age. Keywords: Haematology, Heavy ecotype, Heterosis, Noiler, Performance, Plant extracts

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Infused with Azadirachta indica Extract and Chlorhexidine Against Red-complex Pathogens.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles infused with Azadirachta indica extract and chlorhexidine against red-complex periopathogens. Neem leaf extraction was done followed by standardization to the synthesis of neem-infused silver nanoparticles and fractionation of compounds done by using thin layer chromatography to separate the mixture of neem leaf extract. Characterization of neem-infused silver nanoparticles was done by scanning electron microscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The compound identified in neem-infused silver nanoparticles was gedunin which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Determination of antibacterial activity done by disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Group I-99% ethanolic extract, group II-neem-infused silver nanoparticles (NAgNPs), group III-chlorhexidine. The relative inhibitory zone value for Tannerella forsythia (180) in neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group II) was greater when compared with other periopathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (133) and Treponema denticola (160) than 99% ethanolic extract (group I), chlorhexidine (group III). Neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group III) showed superior antimicrobial activity against T. forsythia (19.3 ± 31.1547) and T. denticola (18±0) when compared with P. gingivalis (17.6 ± 0.5774). On evaluating MIC and minimum bacterial concentrations, P. gingivalis is more resistant than other pathogens in neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group III). Neem-infused silver nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity as compared with gold-standard chlorhexidine against red-complex periodontal pathogens. For MIC and MBC all the three periopathogens were effective but P. gingivalis was more resistant. Antibiotics are effective against many drug-resistant bacteria. As a ready-made medicine, they can be used to treat many infections. Silver nanoparticles in drug delivery systems generally increase solubility, stability, and biodistribution, thereby increasing their effectiveness. Green synthesis using plant extracts as precursors to synthesize nanoparticles has proven to be environmentally non-hazardous combined with remarkably improved efficacy against bacterial and viral diseases. So neem-infused silver nanoparticles can be utilized as a drug delivery system. Hence, it can be used as a potential antibacterial ingredient in formulations for periodontal use like mouthwashes and gels for local drug delivery. How to cite this article: Krishnappan S, Ravindran S, Balu P, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Infused with Azadirachta indica extract and Chlorhexidine Against Red-Complex Pathogens. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):547-553.

Sodium alumino silicate (SAS) neem nanocomposite – A novel seed storage tool against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus causing deterimental effects on seeds health and quality of rice

Infection of rice grains in the field during harvest and storage by Aspergillus flavus, a toxigenic mold causes significant losses to market acceptability of seeds due to its detrimental effects on seed health and quality parameters. Production of aflatoxin by A. flavus interferes with physiological factors affecting the quality of seeds during storage in addition to nutritional losses to the grains. Chemical seed treatments are generally not recommended during storage due to their adverse effects on seed germination and vigor. Leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) are well known for antifungal properties against phytopathogenic fungi such as A. flavus. The paper presents the effect of neem leaf extract adsorbed onto sodium alumino-silicate (SAS) nanoparticles against A. flavus in rice seeds during storage. SAS-Neem nanocomposite, a novel unexplored seed storage material against toxigenic A. flavus, was synthesized for augmented antitoxin and seed invigorating potential. The nanocomposite was characterized using an array of microscopic and spectroscopic methods to evaluate the adsorption of neem leaf extract components on SAS nanoparticles. The antifungal mechanism of the nanocomposite was evaluated via scanning electron microscope, phase contrast, and fluorescence microscopy. The toxin analysis of pathogen-inoculated seeds was carried out at monthly intervals for 6 months during storage of two rice varieties, i.e. PR114 and Pusa-Basmati 1121. The results indicated that the nSAS-Neem composite used as seed coating material maintained significantly higher seed germination (86.23 and 81.49%) and minimized seed rot (6.70 and 5.30%, respectively) in the two varieties under study than the control after 6 months of storage. There was a notable decrease in toxin concentration from 20.58 to 11.19 μg/kg and 19.16 to 12.58 μg/kg in seeds of the two varieties i.e. PR114 and Pusa Basmati 1121, respectively. The nano-composite proved effective against toxigenic A. flavus during seed storage of rice without compromising the seed quality parameters.

Green synthesis of In2S3-supported Ni-MOF: Bifunctional photocatalyst for sustainable H2O2 production and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol photoreduction

This study describes a unique and sustainable strategy for synthesizing a highly effective photocatalyst using solvothermal synthesis to combine bioderived In2S3 and Nickel Metal-Organic Framework (Ni-MOF) forming In2S3/Ni-MOF. Bioderived In2S3 was produced using Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, providing a green and sustainable source for semiconductor material synthesis. The synergistic interaction of In2S3 with Ni-MOF led to better charge transfer kinetics, a wider band gap, and reduced charge recombination, all contributing to increased photoactivity. The constructed photocatalyst performed admirably under visible light irradiation in producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with an impressive 1528.5 μmol/g.h yield. Furthermore, the photocatalyst demonstrated extraordinary effectiveness in reducing 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (2,4,6-TNP), with a reduction efficiency of 96.31 % in 20 min and high reusability in both applications. The observed results highlight the importance of the collaborative impact between In2S3 and Ni-MOF, demonstrating the promise of this green-synthesized material as a highly efficient photocatalyst with dual uses in various environmental settings. Using renewable neem leaf extract to manufacture In2S3 adds an environmentally beneficial component to the entire strategy, helping to build sustainable and efficient photocatalytic materials.

Therapeutic potential of targeting AKR1C2 in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer development and progression are driven by androgens, and changes in androgen metabolic pathways can lead to prostate cancer progression or remission. AKR1C2 is a member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily and plays an important role in the metabolism of steroids and prostaglandins.Alterations in the expression and activity of AKR1C2 affect the homeostasis of active androgens, which in turn affects the progression of prostate cancer. AKR1C2 reduces the highly active dihydrotestosterone to the less active 3α-diol in the prostate, resulting in lower androgen levels. Whereas the expression of AKR1C2 is significantly reduced in prostate cancer tissues relative to normal prostate tissues, this results in a weakening of the dihydrotestosterone metabolic inactivation pathway, leading to the retention of dihydrotestosterone in the prostate cancer cells, which promotes the progress of prostate cancer. Given the critical role of AKR1C2 in prostate cancer cells, targeting AKR1C2 for the treatment of prostate cancer may be an effective strategy. It has been demonstrated that curcumin and neem leaf extract effectively inhibit prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo by modulating AKR1C2.

Evaluation of Phyto Extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf spot on black gram caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of black gram were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic clove extract, ashoka leaf extract and Mancozeb were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (25.62) and maximum yield (7.45 q/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1: 2.54), as compared to treated check mancozeb @ 0.2% and untreated check control.