Analysis of a therapeutic rich phytopharmaceutical compound of Azadirachta indica

Abstract

Azadirachta indica has a very long history of medicinal advantages from ancient times. It is used to treat several diseases and is easily available throughout the year. The present study aims to identify the phytocompounds which has anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and hypolipidemic properties of Azadirachta indica leaves using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The spectrum analysis confirms the presence of azadirachtolide in Azadirachta indica leaves which shows anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic properties. It also confirms the presence of a limonoid (nimbolide) and flavonoids (quercetin, β-sitosterol) present in Azadirachta indica leaves. Further, the experimental investigation shows that the peak 2316 cm⁻¹ is absent in the sun-dried leaves spectra which is identified as a nitrile peak and present in the control sample. The identified peak relates to cyanogenic glycosides, a nitrile-containing plant secondary metabolite, present in Azadirachta indica leaves. The hydrolysis process of cyanogenic glycosides has adverse effects on health. Hence, the proposed method also suggests the correct way to consume Azadirachta indica leaves for medicinal benefits.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Infrared spectroscopy
• cyanogenic glycosides
• medicinal plants
• multivariate analysis

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thanks the journal editor and reviewer for improving the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.