Appraisal of organic extracts and isolated compounds of Azadirachta indica for in-vitro antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

The current study emphasized on assessment of Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the crude methanolic and chloroform leaves extracts along with their isolated compounds derived from Azadirachta indica. Phytochemical analysis revealed the manifestation of ancillary metabolites like alkaloid, anthraqinones, catechins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins and steroids. Methanolic crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves revealed comparable antioxidant activity as that of quercetin and propyl gallate. As far as enzyme inhibitory activity was concerned, a significant AChE enzymes inhibition was observed. These findings confirm the traditional use of Azadirachticha indica as medicinal plant in the treatment of mental ailments and anti-inflammatory illnesses. Chloroform crude extract and isolated compounds showed weak antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

Hematopoietic effects of Azadirachta indica methanolic extract in cyclophosphamide mediated myelosuppressed albino rat.

Myelosuppression or bone marrow suppression is one of the most common side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs. Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics and viruses like B19 virus can also cause bone marrow suppression resulting in serious consequences like leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Currently, it is mainly treated by Filgrastim, use of which is not without side effects. Certain natural drugs can be a safer alternative to treat myelosuppression. Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is an important medicinal plant of subcontinent. Keeping in view the traditional uses of Neem, present study aims to investigate its potential role in reversing myelosuppression. Albino rats were used to determine hematopoietic activity of Neem leaves after inducing myelosuppression by cyclophosphamide given subcutaneously. Filgrastim was used as reference standard to compare the antimyelosuppressant activity of the drug. The drug was evaluated in three doses i.e. 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight, while blood samples were drawn on 0, 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day. The drug was found to be effective in reversing bone marrow suppression in all three doses based on the hematological parameters (mean WBC, RBC, platelets, Hb, Hct etc.) which improved significantly. The results suggest that the drug can be used as antimyelosuppressant after establishing its safety and identifying its active constituents with their mechanism of action.