A Simple and Robust Method for Determination of Azadirachtin, Nimbin and Salannin in Neem Oil

User Benefits

- Efficient and Robust method - Automation and high throughput

Introduction

Neem (Azadirachta indica) belongs to the meliaceas family and grows in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The species have long history as a traditional ingredient for household remedies. Oil extracts from the seeds have been used for soaps and cosmetics and twigs of the plants have been used as tooth-brushes. Farmers also used traditionally various parts of the plants to control insect pests in stored crops and for livestock diseases. Its insecticidal properties and low toxicity to mammals have particularly attracted scientists in chemistry, pharmacology and agriculture and many bioactive compounds have been identified in the plant such as nimbin (anti- inflammatory), nimbidin (antibacterial, anti-ulcer), nimbidol (anti-tubercular, anti-protozoan), gedunin (anti-malaria, anti- fungal), sodium nimbinate (diuretic, anti-arthritic) and salannin. Major attention has been paid in recent years to the use of neem-based formulations in the control of pest infestation. The main active ingredient, azadirachtin, has been found to exhibit a variety of properties such as antifeedant and anti- ovicidal effects, disrupting the life cycle of different insects. During the past few years, it has been found that neem oil / extract-based products are highly active against 200 insect species belonging to different orders. Also, azadirachtin has low mammalian toxicity and does not affect most beneficial organisms. Main meliacins in neem oil are azadirachitin, nimbin & salanin.

May 31, 2023 GMT