Antimicrobial Efficacy of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica Against Foodborne Pathogens | InformativeBD

Ghalia Saleem Aljedani, and NagwaThabet Elsharawy, from the different institute of Saudi Arabia and Egypt . wrote a Research Article about, Antimicrobial Efficacy of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica Against Foodborne Pathogens. Entitled, Comparative assessment of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica methanolic leaf extracts for their antimicrobial efficacy against the selected foodborne pathogens. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

To address the rising challenge of resistance to traditional antibiotics and to bolster microbial management in the dominions of food safety and antibiotic effectiveness, recent explorations have been conducted into the bioactive phytochemicals, utilizing eco-friendly methodologies. This study focuses on the potential utility of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica, indigenous plant species of Saudi Arabia, in combatting foodborne bacteria across the pharmaceutical and food sectors. The dried leaf powders of both plants underwent methanol extraction, evaporation via a rotary evaporator, and subsequent dissolving in a 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. The bioactive constituents were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing a higher presence of bioactive compounds (32 compounds) in A. indica compared to R. stricta (15 compounds). R. stricta’s methanolic extract demonstrated superior efficacy against the tested bacterial strains (Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli) compared to A. indica. These findings were compared against six antibiotics: cefoxitin (FOX), cephalothin (KF), cotrimoxazole (TS), gentamicin (GM), augmentin (AUG), and ampicillin (AP). Furthermore, both plant extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on microbial lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes. In conclusion, further investigations at the molecular and biochemical levels are warranted in future studies to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the antibacterial efficacy of these naturally occurring plant species.

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Introduction

In the past two decades, there has been a resurgence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, a concern that initially emerged in the 1960s. This global issue has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations to prioritize the battle against human microbial pathogens, particularly those acquired in healthcare settings, and to prioritize the development of new drugs for their treatment. Given that these bacteria exhibit resistance to multiple conventional medications, it is crucial to explore the therapeutic potential of various medicinal and herbal plants (Beigomi et al., 2021). 

The study of medicinal plants for the discovery of new treatment modalities, characterized by reduced side effects and enhanced economic value, has gained significant importance worldwide (Tnah et al., 2019; Aware et al., 2022; Jităreanu et al., 2023). Current statistics indicate that herbal medicines are being utilized in hospitals and clinics at a rate exceeding 30% (Gajula and Nanjappan, 2021; Mukne et al., 2022). While antibiotics are invaluable for treating numerous human diseases, their excessive use contributes to the emergence of microbial resistance.

Consequently, scientists have directed their research efforts toward various components of medicinal plants to identify novel plant-based drugs (Pan et al., 2020; Xiao et al., 2022). In the local setting, the use of medicinal plants to treat foodborne illnesses has grown significantly because of two main reasons: a) Saudi Arabia has a huge variety of plants, but we still don't know much about how they are used in the region; and b) Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision includes a shared interest in exploring and exploiting medicinal plants for a variety of purposes (Alharbi, 2017).

Rhazya stricta (Decne.), a member of the subfamily Rauwolfioideae in the family Apocynaceae, is geographically distributed across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia (Shaer, 2019). In Saudi Arabia, it is commonly known by its local names, "Espand" or "Harmal." Harmal has been traditionally used in the Middle Eastern region for its medicinal properties in the treatment of various ailments (Fazeli-Nasab et al., 2021). R. stricta is a small perennial shrub characterized by its toxic nature, persistent foliage, small size, and upright growth habit, with smooth, non-hairy leaves (Ribeiro-Santos et al., 2018). The seed oil of R. stricta is considered a potentially rich source of d-tocopherol, a major form of vitamin E (Shehzad et al., 2018). 

People have used R. stricta and its metabolites to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, skin disorders, hypertension, rheumatism, sore throat, syphilis, and fever (Ullah, 2012). Previous studies have demonstrated that various parts of R. stricta contain a diverse array of phytochemical compounds, such as terpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids (Albeshri et al., 2021).

Hassan et al. (2023) investigated the antibacterial efficacy of five solvent extracts, namely aqueous alkaloids, non-aqueous alkaloids, organic alkaloids, organic non-alkaloids, and full aqueous extracts, against a range of drug-resistant pathogens. Their findings indicated that the organic alkaloid extract was the most effective against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract of R. stricta fruit exhibited potent antimicrobial activity (Sultana and Khalid, 2010). Methanol and chloroform extracts of R. stricta roots were found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties against E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, and Candida albicans (Bashir et al., 1994). Additionally, the aqueous extract of R. stricta demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (Ghafari et al., 2021).

Azadirachta indica (L.), commonly known as neem, is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent (Aneesa and Gayathr, 2016). People have highly valued neem for its various benefits, which include its use as an agricultural pesticide and as a remedy for many common human disorders. Initially, A. indica garnered interest for its potential as a non-toxic tool for controlling agricultural infections. Azadirachtin, a prominent constituent of the neem plant, has gained popularity as a biopesticide (Kilani-Morakchi et al., 2021; Wylie and Merrell, 2022). The neem tree has been extensively used in traditional Indian medicine due to its therapeutic properties, including antipyretic, antacid, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities (Yadav et al., 2023). Various parts of the neem tree, such as the leaves, bark, seeds, and oil, have been utilized for medicinal purposes.

Researchers have extensively studied A. indica's antimicrobial activity. The leaf extract of A. indica has shown efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium (Ghosh et al., 2024). Neem leaves contain compounds such as nimbin, nimbidin, and quercetin, which exhibit antimicrobial properties (Nagini et al., 2024). The oil extract of A. indica has also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi (Aladejana et al., 2024). In addition, oil A. indica has been used topically for the treatment of skin infections and has shown potential in combating drug-resistant bacteria (Wylie and Merrell, 2022).

Several studies have investigated the antibacterial potential of A. indica against drug-resistant pathogens. For instance, a study conducted by Nagrale and Kamble (2022) evaluated the antibacterial activity of A. indica leaf extract against multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli and S. aureus. The results showed significant inhibition of bacterial growth by A. indica extract. Al-Sarraj (2021) reported the antibacterial activity of A. indica against drugresistant strains of S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. The mechanism of action of A. indica antimicrobial activity is multifaceted. It involves disruption of bacterial cell membranes, inhibition of bacterial adhesion, interference with microbial enzymes, and modulation of the host immune response (Sarkar et al., 2016). A. indica compounds have also been found to affect bacterial biofilm formation, which is crucial for the survival and persistence of drug-resistant bacteria (Gajula and Nanjappan, 2021).

While various studies have shown antimicrobial activity in R. stricta and A. indica, further research is necessary to fully understand their potential as alternative treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections. Clinical trials and comprehensive studies on their safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage are necessary before they can be considered mainstream therapies.

Additionally, it is crucial to promote responsible and sustainable use of medicinal plants to ensure their long-term availability and conservation of biodiversity. We undertook this investigation to explore the potential antimicrobial properties of the methanolic leaf extracts of R. stricta and A. indica against various clinical strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including those associated with foodborne illnesses, considering the adverse consequences of prolonged antibiotic use, such as the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the ensuing challenges in the clinical management of infections. We will also determine the ability of both plant extracts to inhibit microbial enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase).

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Source : Comparative assessment of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica methanolic leaf extracts for theirantimicrobial efficacy against the selected foodborne pathogens

 

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Bioefficacy of Neem and Jatropha Seed Extracts on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) | InformativeBD

Diabate Dohouonan, Golly Koffi Julien , Ahon Gnamien Marcel , and Tano Yao, from the different institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. wrote a research article about, Bioefficacy of Neem and Jatropha Seed Extracts on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella). Entitled, Bioefficacy of Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Jatropha curcas L. seeds aqueous extracts on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR). an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract 

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is an important pest of cruciferous crops in Côte d’Ivoire. It is a destructive pest of cabbage and it is developed resistance to many conventional insecticides. This study was carried out to evaluate the repellency and antifeedant effects of Azadirachta indica and Jatropha curcas seeds aqueous extracts on Plutella xylostella larvae and compared to two insecticides (Decis12 EC® and Cypercal 50 EC®) used by farmers under laboratory conditions. Three concentrations of Azadirachta indica seed powders (10.3, 25.9 and 41.5g) and of Jatropha curcas seed powders (14.7, 36.9 and 59.1g/L) and one concentration of the insecticides Decis 12EC® (0.042g/L) and Cypercal 50 EC® (0.13g/L) were separately applied on 20 larvae of Plutella xylostella for the antifeedent tests. For the repellent effect tests, 20 larvae of Plutella xylostella were placed on the middle of Whatman paper which half were uniformly applied with each insecticide or biopesticides. Three replicates were performed for each concentration of the treatments. The results showed that the aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica 25.9 and 41.5g/L and of Jatropha curcas 59.1g/L seeds powders have higher antifeedant and repellency effects on Plutella xylostella larvae than the insecticides Decis 12 EC® and Cypercal 50 EC® in 72 hours. Antifeedant and repellent effects of these botanical extracts were increased with seeds extracts concentrations. Thus, the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica seed powders 25.9 and 41.5g/L and of Jatropha curcas 59.1g/L can be used to protect efficiency cabbage crops against Plutella xylostella and the environment.

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Introduction

The cabbage-moth Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a major pest of cruciferous plants of the genus Brassica in tropical and subtropical area (Seenivasagan and Paul, 2011; Diabaté et al., 2014). These insect pests are responsible for abundant crop losses and have reduced nutritional and low market values of cabbage (Cartea et al., 2009; Kirsch and Schmutterer, 2009). The larvae feed on the foliage of cruciferous plants and it cause an estimate 90% loss of production despite pesticides application (Cartea et al., 2009; Kirsch and Schmutterer, 2009; Diabaté et al., 2020).

In Côte d’Ivoire, farmers use chemical insecticides for the control of P. xylostella. Indeed, recommended application rates are not respected and only 27% of pesticides used by farmers are registered (Doumbia and Kwadjo, 2009). This intensive use of chemical pesticides has led to the development of resistance of P. xylostella to a wide range of insecticides (Zhao et al., 2006; Sayyed and Wright, 2006; Pu et al., 2010). However, that are hampered by many attendant problems such as toxicity to humans that consume the product, development of P. xylostella resistant strains to pesticides and the cost of procurement (Kirsch and Schmutterer, 2009; Nehare et al., 2010; Shen et al., 2010).

P. xylostella larvae develop physiological, biochemical, or anatomical mechanisms that allow them to reduce the effects of products applied to crops (Dugravot 2004; Zhao et al., 2006; Agboyi et al., 2016; Xue, 2018). These chemical pesticides used by farmers are persistent and accumulate in water, soil, air and in food (Baglieri et al., 2011; Horváth et al., 2013). Traoré et al. (2008) showed that the presence of the pesticide organochlorine in fish and in cow's milk in several regions of Côte d’Ivoire where cabbage cultivation where established. In addition, severe damage is caused to the natural enemies of this pest by the chemical insecticides (Shi et al., 2004). Their toxic effects reduce the activity of essential fauna for soil fertility (Baglieri et al., 2011; Horváth et al., 2013). Thus, the control of P. xylostella constitutes an ecological, environmental and health threat. The use of more natural methods that can offer compatible control efficiency plus the benefit to the environment is most favoured. The objective of this work was to evaluate the repellency and antifeedant effects of aqueous extracts of Jatropha and neem grain powders on P. xylostella larvae (L2) per contact in view of their large scale applicability.

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Source : Bioefficacy of Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Jatropha curcas L. seeds aqueous extracts on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

  

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Assessing Lead and Arsenic in Natural Mosquito Repellents | InformativeBD

Godfred Yaw Boanyah, Ruth Brenyah, and Precious Bondzie-Quaye from the different institute of Ghana and China, wrote a research article about Assessing Lead and Arsenic in Natural Mosquito Repellents,entitled "Evaluation of lead and arsenic content of Azardirachta indica seed oil and Citrus sinensis peel oil creams as mosquito repellent ."this research paper published by the International Journal of Biomolecules and Biomedicine (IJBB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biomedicine, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences|INNSpub, an open access multidiciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

There is an increase preference for plant-based repellents due to their effectiveness, environmentally friendliness and biodegradable nature. It is therefore necessary to ascertain the safety of these repellents by analysing their heavy metal content. This study has shown that lead and arsenic content of Azadirachta indica seed oil cream and Citrus sinensis peel oil cream as mosquito repellent is insignificant and therefore  very safe for use according to the Ghana Standard Authority specification. These results provide new insight into the safety of these natural mosquito repellents.

Read more: Mangrove Ecosystem Values in Day-asan, Surigao City | InformativeBD

Introduction

The use of repellent is an effective and reliable method used in breaking Human-vector transmission cycle of pathogens (Hazarika et al., 2012). Additionally, the application of repellent on clothing and bed nets have shown excellent results in Africa, thus, conferring protection to the individual using them (World Health Organization., 2017; Njumkeng et al., 2019). Moreover, topical repellent is one of the most dependable ways of controlling outdoor biting of mosquitoes especially in rural and farming communities (Wilson et al., 2014).

However, the heavy metal constituent of naturally manufactured repellent creams could be toxic and in turn defeat their overall safety purpose. Exposure of the skin to arsenic can cause a variety of benign skin lesions including hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis according to the findings of Bernstam et al. (2002). It was indicated in a recent research that developing countries have high environmental pollution of Lead which may be absorbed by plants from which these natural repellents are made from. Organic Lead may be absorbed directly through the skin and its effects are devastating. High levels of lead in repellents when inhaled can result in decreased performance in some tests of cognitive performance that measure functions of the nervous system (Wani, Ara and Usmani, 2015).

In the last two decades, an intensive effort has been made by several researchers to investigate the safety of diethyltoluamide (DEET), one of the most widely used and reliable insect repellents available(Goodyer and Behrens, 1998). However, many users of repellent are still concerned about the safety use of DEET (Shukla, Wijayapala and Vankar, 2018). Furthermore, the easily biodegradative nature of plant-based repellents and friendliness to the environment has added to their preference by customers in recent years (Ketkar and Ketkar, 2005; Tripathi et al., 2016) but the toxicity of some heavy metals in these natural topical repellents have not been given much attention. This study seeks to evaluate the Arsenic and lead content of Azadirachta indica seed oil Cream and Citrus sinensis peel oil cream as mosquito repellent and as as well compare them to the standard maximum allowable concentration requirement of these metals in topical repellents.

Reference:

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Ketkar CM, Ketkar MS. 2005. ‘Soap production from mixtures of neem oil with other non-edible or edible oils’, in The Neem Tree: Source of Unique Natural Products for Integrated Pest Management, Medicine, Industry and Other Purposes. Weinheim, FRG: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA pp. 549-554.

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Njumkeng C. 2019. ‘Coverage and usage of insecticide  treated  nets  (ITNs)  within  households: Associated factors and  effect  on  the prevalance  of malaria parasitemia in the Mount Cameroon area’, BMC Public Health 19(1), p. 1216.

Shukla DK, Wijayapala S,Vankar PS. 2018. ‘Effective mosquito repellent from plant based formulation’, Population dynamics of Aedes mosquito larvae from peridomestic water bodies 5(1), pp. 19-24.

Tripathi AK, Upadhyay S, Bhuiyan M, Bhattacharya PR. 2009. A review on prospects of essential oils as biopesticide in insect-pest management. Journal of Pharmacognosy and phytotherapy 1(5), pp.52-63.

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Wilson AL. 2014. ‘Are topical insect repellents effective against malaria in endemic populations? A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Malaria Journal 13(1), p. 446.

World Health Organization. 2017. Report of the twentieth WHOPES working group meeting. Geneva. Available at: http://www.who.int/whopes/en  

Source: Evaluation of lead and arsenic content of Azardirachta indica seed oil and Citrus sinensis peel oil creams as mosquito repellent        

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