Pharmacological insights into Azadirachta indica fruit: GC-MS Profiling and evaluation of key bioactivities on experimental animals.

Abstract

Azadirachta indica, fruit with significant therapeutic potential, was evaluated using a multidimensional approach to systematically evaluate its pharmacological spectrum covering antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, muscle-relaxant and sleep-inducing effects using in vitro and in vivo models. The study found that fruit extract, when administered at different doses, showed significant antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria along with a highly significant antifungal effect against Aspergillus niger that might be due to identified azol compounds.‎ Azadirachta indica extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effects at doses of 200 and 400mg/Kg, reducing paw oedema volume and exhibiting analgesic and muscle relaxant activity. Unique findings included significant muscle relaxation and enhanced locomotor activity observed specifically at 400mg/Kg on the 7^th and 14^th days. Azadirachta indica showed significantly increased sleep duration and reduced sleep onset time in Na-thiopental-induced sleep tests at doses of 200 and 400mg/Kg. ‎Through GC-MS analysis, bioactive compounds, including 2,3-propanetriol, 7-methoxy-‎‎1,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepin-2-one, piperazine and 4-amino-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-‎triazol-5-one, were identified, which likely contribute to the observed pharmacological ‎activities.‎ This study first reports Azadirachta indica's muscle-relaxant and sleep-enhancing effects, expanding its known therapeutic potential.