GL-A05

Bioprospecting from the Byproducts of Neem Fruit Processing Industries

S Narasimhan

Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation, 162 A. Perungudi Industrial Estate, Estate Second Main road, Perungudi -600096

Corresponding author email: asthagiri.herbal@ gmail.com

[Received 07 January 2016]

Abstract: Neem, Azadirachta indica, has been used for thousands of years for health care and rightly revered as "Village Phartmacy". In recent years the kernel extract and oil are used for crop protection against insects and diseases. The demand prew in view of its organic nature and many processing techniques were used. The major byproduct is the fruit skin which is being wasted. A preliminary study of the skin revealed a very significant amount of two components: azadiradione and epoxy azadiradione. The structural similarity to guggulsterone and testosterone prompted us to explore the utility of these compounds in analgesic anti inflammatory activities. Also bioinformatic tools were used to explore their potential in different protein targets. Semi synthetic modifications were also performed to enhance the activity. The results indicate a potential bio prospecting material for drug discovery.

Keywords: Azadirachta indica, azadiradione