Melia Azedarach Research Articles

Effect of Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO on growth performance, protein utilisation efficiency, haematology and nutritional status in pigs

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles on growth performance, protein utilisation efficiency, haematology and nutritional status in pigs. A total of 48 pigs were allocated to the following six treatments replicated 8 times: Negative Control (NC, No antibiotic), Treatment 2: Positive control (PC) given a conventional antibiotic (Oxytetracycline, 40 mg/kg feed); Treatment 3: Nano-ZnO 300 mg/L (N300ZnO), Treatment 4: Group given 150 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N150MA), Treatment 5: Group given 300 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N300MA), Treatment 6: Group given 450 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N450MA). The experiment was conducted over 7 weeks. Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles had no significant effect on growth performance apart from average daily feed intake (ADFI) with treatment 3 having the highest value. It significantly affected protein consumption and growth efficiency but not protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles had no significant impact on nutritional parameters, serum minerals apart from phosphorus which can negatively affect renal functioning.

Synergistic Phytochemical and Nanotechnological Exploration of Melia azedarach With Silver Nitrate: Elucidating Multifaceted Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Insecticidal Potentials.

Plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical and health applications. This study explores the phytochemical, therapeutic, and phytotoxic properties of Melia azedarach by analyzing extracts from its bark, flowers, leaves, and fruits using six solvents: ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Twenty-one phytochemical tests were conducted, revealing significantly positive results for various tests. However, the ethanolic and methanolic flower extracts yielded no significant results in other tests. The highest total phenolic content was found in the chloroform extract of the leaves (96 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the ethanolic and hexane leaf extracts, with a 98% DPPH scavenging rate. Antibacterial testing showed significant efficacy against Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Kluyvera spp., and Pseudomonas spp., with p values < 0.0001. The fruit chloroform extract demonstrated the highest alpha-amylase inhibition (93 ± 0.05), while the ethanolic leaf extract had the greatest tumor inhibition (85.6 ± 0.5). Insecticidal assays revealed that the acetone bark extract had the highest control values (56% and 57%). Due to their higher reducing potential, the leaves were used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, EDX, and SEM, revealing an average particle size of 20-30 nm and spherical morphology. The AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and insecticidal activities. These findings highlight the potential of M. azedarach and its AgNPs for developing novel therapeutic agents.

Chemical Constituents from the Fruit of Melia azedarach and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Phytochemical investigations of Melia azedarach fruits have led to the isolation of a novel tirucallane triterpenoid (1), four new limonoids (2–5), and four known limonoids (6–9). Their structures were clarified by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The anti-inflammatory activities of isolated compounds were assessed in vitro. Compound 2 exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, with an IC50 value of 22.04 μM. Additionally, compound 2 attenuated LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α. A mechanistic study revealed that limonoid 2 suppresses the expression of iNOS and JAK2 and is implicated in the modulation of the NF-κB signaling cascade, which reveals its anti-inflammatory actions.

Accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves of different tree species and its association with the levels of atmospheric PM2.5-bond heavy metals in Isfahan

This study aimed to biomonitor air pollution by measuring heavy metals (HMs) accumulation levels in the leaves of common urban trees, Cupressus arizonica Greene, Melia azedarach L., Morus alba L. and Buxus colchica in different regions of Isfahan. Their association with the levels of PM2.5 and PM2.5-bond HMs was also investigated. PM2.5 were collected on a glass-fiber filter and measured by gravimetric method. The HM contents of the PM2.5 and tree leaves were extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES. The average PM2.5 concentrations in ambient air of all areas varied from 52.34 to 103.96 μg/m3. The mean HMs levels in the leaves were in the following orderZn(31.2) > Cu(11.04) > Pb(4.38) > Ni(4.01) > Cr(3.03) > Co(0.61) > Cd(0.04) (μg/g). The highest level of HMs was detected in the leaves of Morus alba L., followed by Buxus colchica, Melia azedarach L. and Cupressus arizonica Greene. There was a significant correlation between the amounts of Pb and Cu in tree leaves and those in ambient PM2.5 (p value ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, tree leaves can be used as a suitable bioindicator in the evaluation of air pollution. Morus alba L. compared to the other species can be confidently used for green space development.

Assessing the Efficacy of Melia azedarach Leaf Extracts as a Mosquito Control Agent Against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

Assessing the Efficacy of Melia azedarach Leaf Extracts as a Mosquito Control Agent Against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

Floral biology and breeding behaviour of Melia azedarach L.: imperative for hybridization

Abstract Melia azedarach L. commonly called Maha Neem is an economically and industrially important tree species with global significance. Although species possess versatile importance worldwide, information on reproductive biology and breeding system is scarce and limited for eastern coastal plain of India. Therefore, current study provides a detailed report on reproductive biology of M. azedarach. Maha Neem was found to bear violet to whitish violet, slightly fragrant, 14.99 ± 0.05 mm. long and 17.01 ± 0.08 mm. wide flowers. This tree commenced opening of floral buds during March and continued until May with a peak during March-end. The anthesis of species peaked between 08:00 and 10:00 am, which coincides with insect activity. Anthers were observed to dehisce during or shortly before anthesis; however, stigma started receptivity before anthesis and continued invitation up to 12 h after anthesis. Pollen viability ranged from 96.67 ± 1.6% to 98.26 ± 1.2 at the time of anthesis; after that decreased rapidly. Pollen: ovule ratio of 1096.38 ± 108.70 indicated the possibility of autogamy. The breeding system of M. azedarach revealed that fruit sets under natural pollination (NP) were significantly higher than Xenogamy. However, substantial difference was not reported in fruit set percentage under natural pollination and Autogamy, which is strong evidence in favour of self-pollination. Moreover, Maha-Neem is entomophilous with frequent visits by Apis and Syrphid flies. Current findings will be helpful in designing potent conservation strategies and planning successful breeding programmes.

Optimization of oil extraction from Melia azedarach fruits using methanol-modified SC-CO2 for highly efficient biodiesel production using a modified LAC catalyst

A highly efficient oil extraction method including modified Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) with co-solvents was applied for oil extraction from Melia azedarach fruits and then using a modified LAC (luffa activated carbon) catalyst, the oil was converted to biodiesel for the first time. The effect of pressure (22–30 MPa), temperature (40–80 °C), extraction time (0–240 min) and co-solvent (methanol and n-hexane) were determined on SC-CO2 extraction to obtain the optimum condition. The optimum extraction conditions for Melia azedarach oil corresponded to a pressure of 30 MPa and temperature of 40 °C at 180 min using methanol as of co-solvent. The maximum yield was obtained by addition of methanol as co-solvent in an amount of 10 %, w/w. The methanol- modified SC-CO2 extraction oil yield was 43 % (w/w) and the oil yield by n-hexane-modified SC-CO2 extraction was 38 %, while the oil yield obtained by pure SC-CO2 extraction was 32 %. Then, the effect of catalysts LAC-NH2 and LAC-N(Et)2 as safe, economical, free-metal, and less time-consuming heterogeneous catalysts was investigated on biodiesel production from extracted oil. The results revealed that the optimum yields of 98 % was obtained for biodiesel production using 2 wt% of LAC-NH2 catalyst at the reaction conditions of oil to methanol ratio of 1:6, reaction temperature of 60 °C, and reaction time of 3 h.

Antimicrobial Effect of Medicinal Plants Against Streptococcus mutans: A Literature Review

The present study aims to evaluate, through a literature review, the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans. Method: A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed database using the descriptors "phytotherapy," "medicinal plants," and "Streptococcus mutans," either combined or not, covering the period from 2011 to 2021. The search resulted in 99 articles. In the initial screening, 79 articles were excluded for not being related to the topic. Twenty articles were selected, but only 12 met the eligibility criteria, which included studies evaluating the antimicrobial effect of a single medicinal plant on S. mutans only. Among the results, several plant species with antimicrobial potential against S. mutans were identified, including Annona senegalensis, Melia azedarach, Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera officinalis, Zingiber zerumbet, Terminalia chebula, Trachyspermum ammi, Ocimum sanctum, Teucrium polium, Vitis vinifera L., and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. In summary, all studies showed antimicrobial effects against S. mutans, with particular emphasis on the studies with copaiba oil, M. azedarach crude extract, and T. polium, which demonstrated superior and comparable results to the effects of chlorhexidine, respectively.

Sustainable Assessment of Bio-Colorant from Bakain Bark (Melia azedarach L.) for Dyeing of Cellulosic and Proteinous Fabric.

The current study proceeded to reduce the environmental hazards spreading worldwide due to synthetic dyes. To overcome these problems, eco-friendly natural dyes are introduced as alternative sources of synthetic dyes. The present study was focused on exploring the bio-colorant of the aqueous and acidic extract of the bark of Melia azedarach L. for the dyeing of both silk and cotton samples. The results of the extraction medium specified that the aqueous extract gave maximum colorant solubility and upon fabric dyeing produced higher color strength in contrast to the acidic medium. The optimization experimentation data showed that excellent color strength of silk fabric was found at 45 min dyeing time duration, in 35:1 mL dye extract, and using 2% salt (NaCl) as an exhausting agent, whereas cotton fabric showed the maximum K/S value at 60 min dyeing time, in a 45:1 mL liquor ratio, and with the use of 2% salt. Bio-mordants produce different shades on both fabrics. Bio-mordanting experiments on silk revealed that pre-mordanting with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate, and post-mordanting using 3% turmeric and 2% pomegranate produced a darker shade. In the case of cotton, the pre-mordanted samples with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate and the post-mordanted samples with 4% turmeric and 4% pomegranate gave the highest color strengths. All the mordanted samples gave excellent fastness ratings. Overall, it has been found that Bakain bark proved to be an excellent source of tannin. The result of this study showed that it could be a cost-effective and eco-friendly dye source for textile progress.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Plant Extracts in Managing the Bruchid Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

An estimated 2000 plant species have been employed for pest control worldwide. The use of these botanical derivatives is thought to be one of the most cost-effective and sustainable options for pest management in stored grain. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of five plant extracts viz; Nicotiana tabacum L., Nicotiana rustica L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Thuja orientalis L., and Melia azedarach L. against Callosobruchus maculatus L. Plant species extracts were applied at six different concentrations, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% in four replications. The phytochemical analyses of ethanolic extracts of five plant species showed variable amounts of phytochemicals i.e., alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, diterpenes, phytosterol, and phenols. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were also observed. The efficacy of A. indica was highest, characterized by the lowest infestation rate (16.65%), host seed weight loss (7.85%), mean oviposition (84.54), and adult emergence (58.40%). In contrast, T. orientalis was found to be the least effective against C. maculatus, with the highest infestation rate of 25.60%, host seed weight loss of 26.73%, mean oviposition of 117.17, and adult emergence rate of 82.01%. Probit analysis was performed by estimating LC50 and LC90. The toxicity percentages of N. tabacum (LC50 = 0.69%, LC90 = 14.59%), N. rustica (LC50 = 0.98%, LC90 = 22.06%), and A. indica (LC50 = 1.09%, LC90 = 68.52%) were notable in terms of the lower LC50 and LC90 values after the 96-h exposure period against C. maculatus. Repellency was assessed by using the area preference and filter paper method. The repellency of C. maculatus on plant extracts increased with the increasing dose and time, such that it was the highest after 48 h. Likewise, at a 3% concentration, A. indica demonstrated 100.00% (Class-V) repellency followed by N. tabacum (96.00%, Class-V), N. rustica (74%, Class-IV), M. azedarach (70.00%, Class-IV), and T. orientalis (68.00%, Class-IV). Based on the findings of this study, we recommend integrating N. rustica, N. tabacum, A. indica, and M. azedarach for effective management of C. maculatus and highlight the potential of these plant species in the formulation of new biocidal agents.

Dual COX/ 5-LOX inhibitory potential and antioxidant activities by extracts isolated from Melia Azedarach L. leaves

This study was aimed at evaluating the dual cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity of the crude extract (CE) and various solvent fractions from Melia azedarach leaves. Multiple solvents were used to fractionate the 80% ethanolic extract of the leaves, which was then examined for enzyme inhibitory effectiveness against COX and 5-LOX enzymes. All fractions and CE were examined for antioxidant activity, and phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). The ethyl acetate fraction (EaF) had the greatest COX/5-LOX inhibitory impact among tested fractions.In vitro, COX activity studies showed that EaF and butanol fraction (BF) possess a higher COX-2 selectivity index than Indomethacin. Besides, the EaF exhibited the highest reduction potential among the control and the CE when tested for antioxidant activities. These findings support the traditional use of Melia azedarachas an anti-inflammatory drug, as the plant inhibited both COX/5-LOX and COX-2 with high selectivity.1.Introduction The most frequent chemical species that cause oxidative damage in the body are reactive oxygen species (ROS) like peroxides, superoxide, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxides, and so on. These species produced in the body can cause various cardiovascular and other chronic diseases [1-3], neurodegenerative diseases [4,5], and inflammatory diseases [6,7]. Different inflammatory diseases are linked to oxidative stress (an imbalance between ROS and their removal by protective mechanisms such as antioxidants) [7-9]. Inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins produced by the arachidonic acid pathway need to be reduced and inhibited as they mainly cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body [10]. Currently, the symptomatic treatment of inflammation is mainly done by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the traditional NSAIDs used in COX reduction are non-selective, lead to gastrointestinal side effects, heart strokes and renal failure. On the other hand, the currently used selective COX-2 inhibitors like ‘coxibs' are reported for cardiovascular side effects [11]. In addition to COX-2, the increased level of leukotriene from the 5-LOX enzyme can result in bronchospasm [11]. In this regard, medicinal preparations that inhibit both Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathways are superior to commonly used NSAIDs since they could produce a synergetic effect to achieve optimal anti-inflammatory activities [10,11]. This can be done by blocking the production of both leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Hence, indeed, there is a need for new, effective, and safe anti-inflammatory drugs with dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibition capacities, which may obliterate the side effects caused by the inhibition of COX-2 alone [12,13]. Melia azedarachL. (known commonly as “Chinaberry, bead tree, Bakain and Persian lilac") is a deciduous tree belonging to the Meliaceae family that is native to tropical Asia and Australia but has now spread throughout the world. [14-16]. The antioxidantand anti-inflammatory potential of Melia azedarachL. from various regions werereported by other groups [14,15, 17-21]. The plant with different species and some species of different cultivars markedly differin their phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activities [18,20]. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of plant extracts are closely linked to phytoconstituents like total phenolics and flavonoids [22-25]. There is no scientific report on the anti-inflammatory action and antioxidant potential of Taiwanese-originMelia azedarach. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the dual COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitor potential, antioxidant potential, quantification of key flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content of Melia azedarach.

Physico-mechanical Properties and Potential Utilization of Melia azedarach L. Grown in Quezon Province, the Philippines

The possible utilization of Bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.) was determined based on its physical and mechanical properties. Tests were done following the ASTM D143-2019 standard. Tree samples were collected from two municipalities of Quezon province, the Philippines – namely Sariaya and Unisan. The results showed that compared to the trees from Sariaya, the trees collected from Unisan had 13.48 and 14.24% higher green moisture content (MC) and basic relative density (RD), respectively. However, their tangential (TS), radial (RS), longitudinal (LS), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) were 12.21, 4.42, 28.94, and 7.83% lower than those of the former. Furthermore, the RD of M. azedarach was similar to that of Gmelina arborea, and Acacia mangium and higher than that of Falcataria falcata. As for VS, it was comparable and in some cases even higher than those of commercially used timber species with medium to low VS. For the strength properties, in both green and 12% MC conditions, the strength of trees from Unisan was significantly higher than trees from Sariaya. However, both remained within the medium strength classification – similar to Swietenia macrophylla, G. arborea, and A. mangium but higher than Eucalyptus deglupta, Hevea brasiliensis, and F. falcata. The significant effect of axial height was observed in MC, RD, LS, and VS, and minimal variation was found in the mechanical properties. Industrial tree plantation developers may consider using M. azedarach as an alternative species, with careful consideration of the axial height and location, as these factors can influence tree properties.

Evaluating larvicidal, ovicidal and growth inhibiting activity of five medicinal plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the West Nile virus vector

Mosquitoes, one of the deadliest animals on the planet, cause millions of fatalities each year by transmitting several human illnesses. Synthetic pesticides were previously used to prevent the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, which was effective in protecting humans but caused serious human health problems, environmental damage, and developed mosquito pesticide resistance. This research focuses on exploring new, more effective, safer, and environmentally friendly compounds to improve mosquito vector management. Phytochemicals are possible biological agents for controlling pests and many are target-specific, rapidly biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The potential of extracts of Lantana camara, Melia azedarach, Nerium oleander, Ricinus communis, and Withania somnifera against 3rd instar Culex pipiens (Common house mosquito) larvae was evaluated. Methanol extracts had more toxic effects against Cx. pipiens larvae (95–100%, 24 h post-treatment) than aqueous extracts (63–91%, 24 h post-treatment). The methanol extracts of Nerium oleander (LC50 = 158.92 ppm) and Ricinus communis (LC50 = 175.04 ppm) were very effective at killing mosquito larvae, 24 h after treatment. N. oleander (LC50 = 373.29 ppm) showed high efficacy in aqueous plant extracts. Among the different extracts of the five plants screened, the methanol extract of R. communis recorded the highest ovicidal activity of 5% at 800 ppm concentration. Total developmental duration and growth index were highly affected by R. communis and M. azedarach methanol extracts. In field tests it was clear that plant extracts decreased mosquito larval density, especially when mixed with mosquito Bti briquette, with stability up to seven days for N. oleander. GC–MS results showed that the methanol extract had a higher number of chemical compounds, particularly with more terpene compounds. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to detect the existence of non-volatile polyphenols and flavonoids. All five methanol extracts showed high concentrations of active ingredients such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid (more than 100 μg/ml) and the rosmarinic acid was also found in all the five extracts in addition to 17 active polyphenols and flavonoids presented at moderate to low concentrations. Molecular modeling of 18 active ingredients detected by the HPLC were performed to the vicinity of one of the fatty acid binding proteins of lm-FABP (PDB code: 2FLJ). Rutin, Caffeic acid, coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid which presented densely in R. communis and N. oleander showed multiple and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The inhibition ability of the fatty acid binding protein, FABP4, was evaluated with remarkable receptor inhibition evident, especially with R. communis and N. oleander having inhibitory concentrations of IC50 = 0.425 and 0.599 µg/mL, respectively. The active phytochemical compounds in the plants suggest promising larvicidal and ovicidal activity, and have potential as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Plant growth promoting activities of endophytic bacteria from Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) and their influence on plant growth under gnotobiotic conditions

Bacteria that live asymptomatically within plant tissues are known as endophytes. Because of the close relation with the plant host, they have been a matter of interest for application as plant growth promoters. Melia azedarach is a widely distributed medicinal tree with proven insecticidal, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from M. azedarach and analyze their plant growth promoting activities for the potential application as biological products. Bacteria were isolated from roots and leaves of trees growing in two locations of Northeastern Argentina. The isolates were characterized by repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence PCR and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The plant growth-promoting activities were assayed in vitro, improvement of plant growth of selected isolates was tested on M. azedarach plantlets, and the effect of selected ACC deaminase producing isolates was tested on tomato seedlings under salt-stress conditions. The highest endophytic bacterial abundance and diversity were obtained from the roots. All isolates had at least one of the assayed plant growth-promoting activities and 80 % of them had antagonistic activity. The most efficient bacteria were Pseudomonas monteilii, Pseudomonas farsensis, Burkholderia sp. and Cupriavidus sp. for phosphate solubilization (2064 μg P ml−1), IAA production (94.7 μg ml−1), siderophore production index (5.5) and ACC deaminase activity (1294 nmol α-ketobutyrate mg−1 h−1). M. azedarach inoculation assays revealed the bacterial growth promotion potential, with Pseudomonas monteilii, Pseudomonas farsensis and Cupriavidus sp. standing out for their effect on leaf area, leaf dry weight, specific leaf area, and total Chl, Mg and N content, with increases of up to 149 %, 58 %, 65 %, 178 %, 76 % and 97.7 %, respectively, compared to NI plants. Efficient ACC deaminase-producing isolates increased stress tolerance of tomato plants under saline condition. Overall, these findings indicate the potential of the endophytic isolates as biostimulant and biocontrol agents.

Effect of Soil Fertility on the Growth Characteristics of Two Young Trees of the Neem Family

To select tree species suitable for growth under Chinese ephedra forests, this study set up three soil fertility treatments: pure sandy soil, V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 3:1, and V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1, to investigate the effects of different soil fertility levels on the growth characteristics of two tree species, Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) and Melia azedarach (chinaberry). The results show that: (1) Under low light conditions and pure sandy soil, the height and basal diameter of neem significantly increased, while chinaberry showed a significant increase in height and basal diameter under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition. (2) Under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition, both neem and chinaberry exhibited maximum leaf growth characteristics, while there was a decreasing trend under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 3:1 condition. These results indicate that neem is more suitable for growth in pure sandy soil and is more tolerant to poor soil conditions, while chinaberry thrives under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition. This preliminary selection provides a theoretical basis for the initial screening of tree species for coastal defense forests.

Melia azedarach L. in vitro plantlets as a new source of antifeeding salannin- and nimbolinin-type limonoids

Melia azedarach L. in vitro plantlets as a new source of antifeeding salannin- and nimbolinin-type limonoids

Kinetic evaluation of Azadirichtin and related phytoconstituents extraction from Azadirachtaindica (neem) and Melia azedarach (chinaberry) seeds using ultrasound assisted extraction and maceration

The comparative extraction of total phenolic compounds from A. indica and M. azedarach seed powder using two different methodologies is evaluated. The solvent screening was done using soxhlet extraction for six different solvents and methanol had the maximum extraction capacity for both seed powder. Extraction of total phenolic compounds from A. indica and M. azedarach seed powder was done using maceration and ultrasound. The kinetics and extraction mechanism was evaluated using popular three empirical and five semi-empirical models along with scanning electron micrograph analysis. The rate constants showed an enhancement in extraction kinetics of about 4.5 fold for M. azedarach and 7.8 fold for A. indica seeds using ultrasound. Based on model evaluation, extraction using maceration for both seeds follows inter-particle diffusion as the rate-limiting step with non-swelling behaviour. Whereas, in the case of ultrasound, the dependence of rate is on the diffusion of solute within the solid and the solid surface to the solvent. In addition, HPLC and GC-MS analysis suggested differences in the composition of extracts and some important phytochemicals were extracted in larger quantities using ultrasound as compared to maceration.

Unlocking the potential of novel ternary non-edible seed oil biodiesel: impact on diesel engine knock intensity, performance, combustion, and emissions

The escalating demand for sustainable energy sources amid dwindling fossil fuel reserves prompts an exploration into innovative biodiesel alternatives for automotive applications. This study investigates a unique ternary mixture comprising non-edible seed oils from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Argemone mexicana (Satyanashi), and Melia azedarach (Bakayan) for biodiesel production and its potential as an alternative to conventional diesel. The ternary blend, extracted using a mechanical oil press, achieved a raw oil yield of 32%. Optimising process parameters, including a 93% biodiesel yield, was attained with a methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1, 0.6% NaOH by weight, and a temperature of 60°C for 60 min. Performance testing of blends in a computerised single-cylinder, 4-stroke CI engine revealed notable improvements in brake thermal efficiency, with the B80 blend demonstrating the most significant reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption by 8.5%. The B100 blend exhibited the highest brake thermal efficiency at 37.6%. Emission analyses demonstrated reductions in CO and CO2 emissions, with the NOx reduction percentages varying for different blends. Notably, all blends exhibited comparable in-cylinder pressure and ignition delays with diesel, indicating the potential of the ternary seed oil mixture biodiesel as a viable diesel fuel substitute in CI engines.

Biochemical Analysis of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) Leaf Extract Collected from Laoang, Northern Samar, Philippines

Melia azedarach belongs to the Meliaceae family and is known by various names, such as Chinaberry, ride of India, Bead-tree, Cape lilac, Persian lilac. It is commonly found in warmer and tropical regions, including Southeast Asia and various other parts of the world. The leaves, bark, stem and roots have a medicinal application and effective against the herpes simplex virus. This study focuses on the characterization of bioactive potential of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) leaf extract. Physical properties were determined in terms of color, odor, solubility, boiling point, density, and pH. Furthermore, the secondary metabolites were determined in terms of alkaloids, phenols, tannin, saponin, and phenolic compound. Likewise, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is used to determine the functional group present on the leaf extract. Lastly, to determine the bioactive potential of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) leaf extract Ultraviolet Visible (UV-vis) Spectrophotometer was used. Result showed that Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) has a yellow green color with a pleasant odor, miscible with ethanol and water, immiscible with benzene, lower boiling point than water, less dense than water and a pH which is moderately acidic. Furthermore, a positive result showed in phytochemical screening for alkaloids, phenols, tannin, saponin and phenolic compound, which implies that the plant sample can be used as antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. Subsequently, FTIR and UV-vis analysis showed a positive result for the determination of functional group and bioactive potential among secondary metabolites which means that it is possible for the application in developing therapeutic medicines and in developing natural remedies. Therefore, the findings of this study will benefits the whole scientific community since it would provide added information and evidences as possible application for the development of pharmaceutical medicine. Furthermore, this study is beneficial to the whole scientific community since it would provide added information about the characterization of bioactive potential present in these leaf extract. It also, provides alternative treatments for common health issues particularly in communities that are in far-flung areas with limited access to modern healthcare. Overall, this compound simplifies treatments, may lower healthcare costs, and significantly improves quality of life.

Green Synthesis of Biochar@Al2O3 Nanocomposite from Waste Melia azedarach Fruit Biomass Pyrolysis: A Sustainable Solution for Photocatalytic Methylene Blue Dye Degradation

In this work, a green and sustainable approach used for synthesis of novel biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposite through pyrolysis of Melia azedarach (chinaberry) biomass coupled with Al2O3 nanoparticles from Phyllanthus emblica seed extract. The synthesized nanocomposite was analysed by UV-Vis spectroscope, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD were used to authenticate the distinct properties of the biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposite. These techniques are further used to examine the nanocomposite after photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Additionally, the scavenger impacts on dye degradation, stability and the potential reusability of the biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposite were examined in detail. The investigation evaluating the photocatalytic capability of biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposite for methylene blue degradation in wastewater revealed an impressive degradation efficiency of 97.36 %. Furthermore, after five cycles of reuse the nanocomposite retained a substantial degradation efficiency of 84.59 %. This research highlights the importance of presenting an efficient and eco-friendly method for water purification, emphasizing the role of biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposites in addressing environmental pollution through innovative nanomaterial applications. Significantly progresses was made in the development of sustainable materials for wastewater treatment, in particular the promising potential of the biochar@Al2O3 nanocomposite in methylene blue dye degradation.