Neem Research Articles

Assessment of groundwater quality and the effects of chromium residues in the vicinity of shutdown tanneries

Tanneries, among India’s earliest industries, historically used chromium (Cr) in leather and vegetable tanning, leading to unsuitable effluent discharge on land and in nearby water bodies. This research investigates chromium dispersion and accumulation in environmental and biological samples from the vicinity of closed tanneries in the Sembattu region, Tiruchirappalli district, South India. The study reveals chromium in sediment and biological samples but not in water samples. Sediment from S3 showed higher Cr concentration (132.65 ± 7.48 µg/g), with paddy straw 1 (18.72 ± 1.17 µg/g) and neem tree bark 3 (15.03 ± 1.04 µg/g) exhibiting higher plant concentrations. Among animals, cow dung 1 (143.93 ± 1.32 µg/g) and cow dung 5 (37.74 ± 1.28 µg/g) recorded higher concentrations. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values suggest “Uncontaminated-to-moderately contaminated” levels. The investigation reports permissible chromium concentrations in the Sembattu tannery area, yet groundwater salt levels exceed drinking water standards. The study highlights tanneries’ historical impact, stressing the need for increased awareness, strategic water management, and prudent land use planning. Future priorities include continuous monitoring, targeted remediation, community engagement, innovative research, and robust policy enforcement for sustainable environmental protection and resource management.

Azadirachta indica seed oil epoxidation process using carbonized melon seed peel catalyst; genetic algorithm coupled artificial neural network approach

The study used ANN-GA and RSM to predict the best process parameters for generating epoxide from Azadirachta indica seed oil (AISO). This procedure used carbonized sulphonated melon seed peel catalyst. FTIR, SEM, XRD, BET, and XRF measurements confirm the -SO3H group's attachment to the solid catalyst. The dependant variable was relative conversion to oxirane (RCO), while the independent parameters were catalyst dosage (0.6, 1.2, 1.8 wt %), time (4, 6, 8 h), and temperature (50°C, 60°C, 70°C). The ANN was evaluated using 11 backpropagation (BP) methods. Each method was examined with three input layer neurons for catalyst dosage, duration, and temperature. Ten neurons were in the hidden layer and one was in the output layer signifying RCO. The AISO epoxidation process forecast was most accurate using Bayesian regularisation. Simulated RSM and ANN models were built using experimental and algorithmic designs. The 3D plots showed that process parameters significantly affected RCO. R2 and MSE were used to evaluate model performance. For process forecasting, the ANN model (R2=0.9999, MSE=2.3404E-13) outperforms the RSM model (R2=0.9979, MSE=0.4688). Under the best RSM circumstances, RCO yield was 78.03 %. Additionally, the ANN and ANN-GA yielded 85.84 % and 92.51 %, respectively at optimal conditions of 0.6 wt % catalyst, 50°C temperature, and 6 h reaction time. However, all techniques optimized AISO and matched experimental results (RCO-77.41 %). FT-IR and GCMS characterizations of epoxy AISO corroborated the oxirane ring's attachment. The results show that ANN-GA is a reliable method for modelling and optimizing AISO epoxide production utilizing CSMSPC, encouraging sustainable development.

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract in Managing Fall Armyworm on Maize

This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.

Utilization Potentials of Endangered Savannah Tree Species in North-West Nigeria

This study evaluated the utilization potentials of some endangered savannah tree species in north-west Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed. Three Local Government areas were selected, from which 36 villages were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 respondents and ten respondents were randomly selected in each village. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the collected data. Most (38%) were in the 30- to 39-year-old age range. The majority sex was 100% male, 75% were married and had a family size of at least one to ten people per home. 69% of the respondents have completed formal schooling. (65%) were primarily farmers and (49%) had inherited land. Sixty-five percent of the farms were smaller than one hectare. (40%) had been farmers for an average of 21–31 years. Most farmers (100%) utilized trees as boundary demarcation, 98% as shade and 93% as medicine and wind control. However, 99% utilized trees for medicine. The predominant tree families include Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Caeselpiniaceae. The most familiar tree species were Azadirachta indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Lawsonia inermis, Mangifera indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Tamarindus indica, Jatropha carcus, Diospyros mespiliformis and Acacia nilotica used to treat and cure various ailments and diseases for optimum benefits.

Progeny Evaluation of Azadirachta indica (Neem) for Morphometric and Quality Traits under Nursery Conditions

Progeny Evaluation of Azadirachta indica (Neem) for Morphometric and Quality Traits under Nursery Conditions

Nimbolide: A Potential Phytochemical Agent in Multimodal Pancreatic Cancer Therapies.

A significant contributor to cancer-related death, pancreatic cancer (PC) has a terrible prognosis in general that has not altered over many years. Currently, it is extremely difficult to prevent disease or discover it early enough to initiate treatment. The major challenge in PC is acquired chemo-radio resistance, which makes it very difficult to manage. PC is a challenging malignancy to treat, and several major impediments significantly impact the effectiveness of its treatment. These obstacles primarily include chemoresistance, drug toxicity, and limited drug bioavailability. Phytochemicals can be used as an alternative to chemotherapeutic drugs, or they can augment the anticancer properties of the chemotherapeutic agents. Nimbolide (NL) is a prominent limonoid compound found in Azadirachta indica, and has garnered substantial attention as a phytochemical with anticancer potential. It has powerful antiproliferative effects on a variety of cancer cell lines and is effective as a chemotherapeutic in preclinical studies. The primary modes of action of NL include suppression of metastasis and angiogenesis, activation of apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and control of enzymes that metabolize carcinogens. Despite numerous pharmacodynamic (PD) investigations, NL is still in the early stages of the drug development process because no comprehensive pharmacokinetic (PK) studies or long-term toxicity studies. Preclinical PK and toxicological assessments should be conducted to establish an appropriate dosage range, ensuring the safety of NL for its application in initial human clinical trials. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive summary of the current developmental stage of NL along with nanoparticles as a principal candidate for therapeutic purposes in PC.

Trimetallic doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using biomolecules of Azadirachta indica leaf extract for photocatalytic dye removal: insights into catalyst stability and reusability

Trimetallic doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using biomolecules of Azadirachta indica leaf extract for photocatalytic dye removal: insights into catalyst stability and reusability

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

The false tiger of almond, Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae): Biology, ecology, and control methods

Abstract The almond tree, following the olive tree, holds the distinction of being the fruit species occupying the largest area in Morocco, spanning 128,000 ha and hosting 16 million trees. This sector holds immense socio-economic significance both nationally and globally. Despite its prominence, the almond tree faces severe phytosanitary challenges, prominently among them, the False tiger bug of the almond tree, Monosteira unicostata (Mulsant & Rey [Hemiptera: Tingidae]). This polyphagous, sedentary, and gregarious hemipteran, boasting five larval instars and typically generating four generations annually, exhibits a life cycle duration ranging from 2 to 3 months contingent on the season. This pest inflicts notable harm on almond tree leaves by extracting their chlorophyll content through its piercing mouthparts and depositing excrement, impeding respiratory function and adversely impacting fruit development, maturation, and overall production. Diverse control strategies have been implemented to tackle this issue, commencing with prophylaxis involving resistant varieties and sound agricultural practices. Subsequently, biological control methods leveraging natural enemies such as Piocoris luridus and species from families including Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, Lygaeidae, Miridae, and Nabidae have been employed. Plant-based biopesticides such as azadirachtin (Azadirachta indica), thyme oil (Thymus zygis), Jatropha oil (Jatropha curcas), and concentrated extracts of Artemisia absinthium, as well as mineral-based approaches involving treated kaolin sprays through particle film technology, contribute to the arsenal of control measures. In cases of severe infestations, synthetic active ingredients such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, abamectin, and deltamethrin, among others, have proven efficacy in managing this pest.

Characterization and stability Test of Facial Spray Preparation of Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) as an Anti-Acne

Neem leaves are one of the natural ingredients used as an acne treatment. To avoid side effects from synthetic drugs, it is necessary to develop drugs from natural ingredients such as neem leaves. The aim of this research was to develop a facial spray with neem leaf extract as an anti acne-agent. This research method uses as a posttest-only design by giving different treatments to the propylene glycol concentration (5%, 10%, and 15%) and then carrying out a stability test. The stability tests carried out are organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, pH tests, viscosity tests, microbial contamination tests, and dry time tests as preparation evaluations. The results of the stability test showed that the preparation was stable during storage at room temperature, as well as the influence of differences in propylene glycol concentration of the viscosity and drying time of the preparation. It was concluded that neem leaf extract could be formulated as a facial spray with good dosage stability.

Additive Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Extracts Used for the Treatment of Malaria in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Malaria remains a threat and exert economic and social burdens in most communities in Africa. Medicinal plants have played an important role in the treatment of malaria worldwide. Several studies have shown that, the efficacies of most antimalarial agents are compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium species. This research was aimed at evaluating the synergistic effect of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Three (3) plants samples were collected and used for the study. They include Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Psidium guajava leaves. They were dried and extracted using 50% methanol. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of three (3) plant extracts was carried out using standard methods. The individual extracts and their combinations were subjected to in vivo antiplasmodial activity. Synergistic effect was determined by checkboard method. Phytochemical screening of Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Psidium guajava leaves methanol extracts all revealed the presence of phenols, tannins and glycosides in all the extracts. Extract combination of Carica papaya and Psidium guajava demostrated 100% reduction of parasitemia at both 100 and 200 mg/kg b. wt respectively after 72-hour treatment. Determination of synergistic activity showed that Fractional Activity Index (FAI) of Carica papaya and Psidium guajava is greater than 1.0, hence the effect was considered to be additive. The findings of this study had provided scientific bases supporting the traditional use of the plants for the treatment of malaria.

Efficacy of Botanicals against Rice Weevil <i>Sitophilus oryzae</i> (L) on Stored Sorghum

A laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate botanicals and locally available natural products against rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L). Phytolacca dodecandra (endod) seed, Azadirachta indica (neem) seed, and Allium sativum (garlic) led to more adult mortality as well as had a comparable effect to malathion dust (5%), which completely protected the grains against F1 progeny, while Croton macrostachyus leaf and seed powder caused the lowest adult mortality. However, P. dodecandra leaf and A. indica seeds led to the least amount of seed damage. The germination tests showed that none of the botanicals had an adverse effect.

Effects of Neem, Moringa, and Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Coating on Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality Retention of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Azadirachta indica (neem), and Moringa oleifera (moringa) leaf extracts on the shelf life and quality retention of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits during storage. Thirty-five (35) red, matured tomato fruits were collected, rinsed and grouped for each treatment with AgNPs, neem and moringa coating: Control (n=5), moringa aqueous leaf extract (MALE) (n=5), neem aqueous leaf extract (NALE) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 moringa aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (MALE-AgNPs) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 neem aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (NALE-AgNPs) (n=5), respectively. The firmness, shelf life, and postharvest decay percentage of the tomato fruits were determined. Additionally, fungi associated with the postharvest deterioration of the fruits were isolated and identified using standard procedures. From the results of this study, tomato fruits coated with either neem or moringa crude extract showed the longest shelf life, as compared to the coating with AgNPs. Additionally, two fungi, namely Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, were isolated from the decayed tomato fruits. In conclusion, the neem and moringa leaf extracts are effective in the extension of the shelf life and retention of the quality of tomato fruits.

Nest Site Preference of Lonchura striata acuticauda, in Semi Urban Areas of Kollam District, Kerala, India: A Case Study

Disturbances caused by man-made structures significantly influence the nest site selection of birds. However, the remarkable adaptability of Lonchura striata acuticauda to such disturbances is a fascinating aspect of its behaviour. This adaptability leads to the unique nest distribution of a bird’s community, often favouring human-associated bird species. The present investigation into the nesting preference of Lonchura striata acuticauda for garden plants was conducted in a semi-urban village, Tazhava of Kollam district in Kerala, between August 2021 and September 2022. Nesting affinity of white-rumped munia to different garden plants, the number of nesting attempts and renovation on different plant species, and nesting parameters, such as the number of completed and incompleted nests, clutch size, egg predated, and chick fledged on each plant species were recorded during their breeding period. A total of 45 nests of Lonchura striata acuticauda were observed on different garden plant species in 25 homes with well-maintained gardens; thirty-seven were completed, while eight nests were abandoned in the helmet stage. Lonchura striata acuticauda showed varying nest site preferences; with the highest nest site preference of 36 % on Callisia repens, followed by Epipremnum aureum (27%), Cleodendrum thomsoniae (18%), Bambusa multiplex (7%) and an equal preference of 4% for Plumeria pudica, Ixora taiwanensis and Melia azadirachta. Most of the nests recorded an average clutch size of 3-5 eggs. Eighty-eight percent of the nests constructed on Callisia repens were completed, with 87% of eggs hatched and chick-fledged, with a predation rate of 13%. Nesting munias are protected from the dense foliage and vines of the garden plants where the birds build a nest which also minimises the energy wastage in finding materials for nest building. Repeated nesting attempts and nest renovation on the same plant were observed mainly in hanging ornamental plants.

Exploring the anticancer properties of Azadirachta indica: In silico and in vitro study of its phytochemicals against hepatocellular carcinoma

The medicinal plant Azadirachta indica (Neem) interferes with carcinogenesis and acts as a tumor suppressor. This study evaluated the anticancer effects of a methanol extract of Azadirachta Indica on a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) using an in vitro MTT assay. The results demonstrated that the methanol extract of Azadirachta Indica exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 81.17 µg/ml. Furthermore, an in silico approach was used to investigate the interaction between Azadirachta indica and Akt1, a protein kinase implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. This study identified two promising Akt1 inhibitors, 2′,3′-dehydrosalannol and quercetin, with improved binding affinity (ΔGbind) and a safe pharmacological profile. These compounds also showed hepatoprotective effects. Molecular dynamics simulations, specifically the MM-GBSA model, were used to further scrutinize the inhibitory potential of the docked bioconstituents. The results suggest that the proposed in silico pipeline can be useful for identifying lead candidates for HCC through early-stage rational drug design. These candidates can then be verified in vitro and in vivo before being tested in clinical trials as mainstream targets against HCC.

Comparative Evaluation of Microbial Reduction Using Silver Diamine Fluoride, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Sodium Hypochlorite as Root Canal Irrigants after Biomechanical Preparation in Uniradicular Canals: An In Vivo Study.

It is difficult to completely eradicate microorganisms from the infected root canal system. Intracanal irrigants seem necessary for eradication of infected tissues and microorganisms in addition to mechanical debridement. Continuous use of chemical antimicrobial agents leads to serious side effects. Therefore, the need arises for alternative agents to overcome the disadvantages of their chemical counterparts. To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three endodontic irrigants against clinically isolated bacteria found in root canals containing necrotic pulp. Preirrigation sample were collected using sterile paper points and sent for microbial count. Chemomechanical preparation was performed, and the root canals were irrigated with 5 mL of test samples. After 3 days, the patient was recalled, and a postirrigation sample was collected and sent for microbial count. Both 3.8% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) showed a superior capacity to sterilize the root canals compared to the neem group. The use of SDF as an endodontic irrigant is feasible as it effectively removes the microbes present in the canal. Silver diamine fluoride has not been shown to be cytotoxic or carcinogenic, unlike NaOCl, suggesting it could be used as a potential endodontic irrigant. However, few studies have evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of SDF as an endodontic irrigant. Raj S, Sharma A, Dhinsa K, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Microbial Reduction Using Silver Diamine Fluoride, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Sodium Hypochlorite as Root Canal Irrigants after Biomechanical Preparation in Uniradicular Canals: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(6):625-629.

Antimicrobial Assessment of Hand Sanitizers Formulated from Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) and Coconut Shell Liquid Smoke

Abstract The widespread use of alcohol/ethanol-based hand sanitizers has raised concerns due to the concurrent issues of skin irritation, allergies, childhood poisoning risks, and the potential for bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which may disrupt the human digestive system. This study explores the potential of Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and liquid smoke as natural alternatives to alcohol-based antiseptics. The objective is to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of hand sanitizers containing Neem leaf extract and coconut shell liquid smoke against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Hand sanitizers were prepared by mixing 4g of Neem leaf extract with varying quantities of coconut shell liquid smoke (labeled as A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, corresponding to 0g, 1g, 3g, 5g, and 7g, respectively). distilled water was then added until the total volume reached 100 ml. The solution was then stabilized with 0.5g of Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) and 10g of glycerin. Results indicate that formulations A1, A2, A3, and A5 exhibit moderate inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 6.02 mm, 8.17 mm, 9.67 mm, and 9.11 mm, respectively. Notably, formulation A4 displays strong inhibitory activity (11.15 mm). For Salmonella typhimurium, formulations A4 and A5 demonstrate very strong antimicrobial properties with inhibition zones measuring 11.68 mm and 12.59 mm, respectively. These findings suggest that hand sanitizers comprising Neem leaf extract and liquid smoke possess the potential as environmentally friendly, natural antiseptics.

Weather induced physiological responses on the flowering habits of neem trees (Azadirachta indica)

Weather induced physiological responses on the flowering habits of neem trees (Azadirachta indica)

Improved photocatalytic and free radical scavenging studies of synthesized polymer PVP/Azadirachta indica leave extract-mediated Ni-Zn doped hematite nanoparticles

The utilisation of ecological materials, such as plant extracts, is a superior alternative to both physical and chemical techniques for the synthesis of nanoscale metallic particles. The current study concluded that the chemical polymer (PVP) and Azadirachta indica (A. indica) plant extract synthesised hematite nanoparticles (HNPs) were spherical, monodispersed, and served as an agent for reducing and capping. The pure HNPs with the most reliable rhombohedral symmetry were found to be crystalline thanks to the crisp x-ray diffraction (XRD) reflections. Spheroidal nanostructures were formed, as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their composition was validated by an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study. At room temperature, HNPs were antiferromagnetic with blocking temperature of 300 K. When used as a catalyst, the NPs were exposed to effective degradation and coefficient of determination (R 2) of the toxic Eosin Yellow (EY) and Bismarck Brown Y (BBY) dyes in the presence of UV irradiation. After four consecutive cycles, efficient performance was achieved without any evident catalytic loss. Additionally, the reusability experiments revealed that under direct UV light illumination, duel-doped HNPs may be successfully used three times. The biosynthesised doped HNPs from A. indica leaf extract demonstrated antioxidant activity through their high phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and reductive potential.

Microbial Fertilizers and Shading Contribute to the Vegetation Assembly and Restoration of Steep-Slope after Soil Spray-Sowing in the Yuanjiang Dry-Hot Valley Region

Road construction and strip mining in mountainous regions inevitably causes the destruction of vegetation and soil, leading to large ranges of exposed slopes. Although soil spray-sowing has become a promising method to accelerate community assembly in humid regions, the application of microbial fertilizers and shading in slope recovery during soil spray-sowing are rarely reported in dry-hot valleys. This study compared the effectiveness among artificial seeding, arch column + planting bags, and soil spray-sowing by slope restoration trials in the Yuanjiang dry-hot valley, southwest China. Additionally, we explored the effect of slope degrees, shade, and microbial fertilizers on seedling survival and growth after soil spray-sowing. Results indicated that soil spray-sowing displayed better species survival and growth performance than artificial seeding and arch column + planting bags. The richness, density, and height of seedlings dropped dramatically with the increasing of slope degrees after soil spray-sowing, especially when the slope degree was greater than 1. Although shading observably improved the species density, it inhibited the growth of Albizia julibrissin and Crotalaria pallida. Moreover, microbial fertilizers Penicillium chrysogenum and Bacillus aryabhattai markedly enhanced the density and growth of species Azadirachta Indica, Cajanus cajan, Indigofera cassioides, and Sophora xanthanth. Soil spray-sowing, combined with shading and microbial fertilizers, contributes to species survival and growth when the slope degree is less than 1.73 and the soil spray-sowing process coincides with the rainy season, which provides the theoretical basis and technical support for ecological restoration in the dry-hot river valley.