Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti – inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the root, bark and leaves of azadirachta indica
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

S. Manogaran, N. Sulochana, S. Kavimani


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Anti – inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the root, bark and leaves of azadirachta indica

Year: 1998

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, has been recognized in Ayurveda for its diverse medicinal applications. Its various parts, including roots, bark, and leaves, are utilized in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments. This study focuses on evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of A. indica extracts, specifically using 50% acetone as a solvent. The research was carried out on male albino rats to measure the efficacy of these extracts in reducing carrageenan-induced edema, as well as to assess their antibacterial potential against selected pathogens.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of A. indica

The anti-inflammatory effects of A. indica were tested using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The study involved administering different doses of bark, root, and leaf extracts and measuring the resultant edema over time. While the extracts demonstrated some level of edema-suppressant activity, they were generally less effective than the standard drug, ketorolac tromethamine. Notably, the study highlighted that the extracts had a dose-dependent effect; however, the differences in efficacy across dosage levels were not statistically significant. This suggests that while A. indica may have anti-inflammatory properties, further research is needed to explore its therapeutic potential more comprehensively.

Conclusion

The findings from this research underscore the traditional claims regarding the medicinal value of Azadirachta indica, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The extracts were more effective against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive strains, indicating a potential direction for further studies in herbal medicine. A. indica's role in modulating inflammation appears to be linked to its effects on histamine and prostaglandin levels. Overall, while the study provides valuable insights into the pharmacological properties of A. indica, more extensive investigations are necessary to fully validate its medicinal efficacy and to understand the mechanisms underlying its health-promoting effects.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Azadirachta indica commonly known as and its uses?

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as 'neem', is used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for various treatments due to its diverse biological activities.

How was the anti-inflammatory activity of A. indica tested?

Anti-inflammatory activity was studied using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model where various doses of extracts were administered and paw volume measured at intervals.

What organisms were used to test antimicrobial activity?

The antimicrobial activity of A. indica was evaluated against E. coli, a Gram-negative organism, and Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive organism.

What were the results of the anti-inflammatory activity tests?

The extracts of A. indica showed dose-dependent inhibition of edema, but did not statistically surpass the effects of the standard drug ketorolac tromethamine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
Activity in the context of this study refers to the biological functions exhibited by the extracts from Azadirachta indica. Specifically, it pertains to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial roles the extracts play against induced edema and bacterial growth, demonstrating their potential therapeutic benefits in medicinal applications.

2) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to the excessive accumulation of fluid, particularly in the interstitial tissue, leading to swelling. This term is critical in the study as it serves as a measure to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of A. indica extracts, revealing their capacity to alleviate tissue swelling in experimental models.

3) Drug:
In this study, 'drug' encompasses the various extracts from Azadirachta indica tested for their medicinal efficacy. It highlights how these natural substances can offer therapeutic benefit comparable to synthetic drugs, showcasing their importance in pharmacological research for developing alternative treatments for human ailments.

4) Medicine:
Medicine denotes the broad field dealing with diseases and their treatment. This study highlights traditional practices and phytotherapy, examining Azadirachta indica's roles in folk and modern medicine. It underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific validation in developing new therapeutic options.

5) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem, is a versatile medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. The study focuses on its extracts' anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, revealing the potential of this plant in traditional and modern medicine, especially in treating various ailments and promoting overall health.

6) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to injury or infection characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. This study examines a specific type induced by carrageenan, using the response to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of A. indica, thereby contributing to potential therapeutic strategies for inflammation-related diseases.

7) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent used in the preparation of extracts and nutrient broth in microbial analysis. In the study, it highlights the role of hydration in biochemical processes and serves as a medium for growing bacterial cultures, which are essential for assessing antimicrobial efficacy of the plant extracts.

8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drug action and effects on biological systems. The study falls under pharmacological research, as it investigates the medicinal properties of A. indica extracts, providing insights into their mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in treating various health conditions.

9) Discussion:
The discussion section analyzes and interprets the outcomes of the experiments, linking findings to existing literature. It aids the reader in understanding the significance of the observed effects of A. indica extracts in reducing edema and exhibiting antimicrobial activity, contextually reinforcing its medicinal relevance.

10) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The research undertakes a scientific approach in validating the medicinal properties of A. indica, contributing to the broader field of botanical science and herbal medicine.

11) Substance:
Substance in this context refers to the extracts derived from A. indica that possess biological activity. These substances are analyzed for their pharmacological properties, demonstrating their potential advantages over synthetic compounds, thereby embodying the essence of utilizing natural resources for medicinal purposes.

12) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance among body systems through natural remedies. The study showcases A. indica's historical use in Ayurveda, establishing a connection between traditional practices and contemporary scientific examination, underscoring the relevance of holistic health approaches.

13) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra is one of the authors involved in this study, indicating a collaborative effort in research. The inclusion of author names serves to recognize contributors within academic literature, thus enhancing accountability and providing a point of reference within the context of the scientific community.

14) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology dealing with plant life. It is relevant in this study as it encompasses the identification and classification of A. indica, along with research into its ecological and medicinal roles. Understanding botanical aspects is crucial for exploring its therapeutic applications.

15) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta is another author contributing to this study, reflecting the collaborative nature of scientific research. Author recognition is fundamental in academia, ensuring contributions are properly credited while also reinforcing the integrity and credibility of the findings presented in the research.

16) Simha (Siṃha):
Sinha, noted as an author, signifies the collaborative effort behind the research. Authorial attribution is critical for academic integrity, facilitating the acknowledgment of contributions towards understanding the pharmacological properties of A. indica and its applications in medicinal practices.

17) Neem:
Neem, synonymous with Azadirachta indica, is a tree revered for its medicinal properties. The term often represents the traditional and modern therapeutic utilization of its various parts. This study emphasizes neem's relevance in ethnomedicine and its potential in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial roles.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Azadirachta indica, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Standard drug, Carrageenan-induced edema, Growth inhibition, Plant material collection, Nutrient broth medium, Gram positive organism, Gram negative organism, Extract preparation methods, Meliaceae family.

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