Identification of Biologically Important Compounds In Neem Leaves Through GC-MS Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is an important tree species that is known to posses anthelmintic, contraceptive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and sedative properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify various compounds present in the leaf extract of neem and to enlist various biological activities of these compounds through literature survey. Methodology: Extract of neem was obtained by soaking 100 g dry powdered leaves in 1000 mL methanol followed by filtration. This was successively fractioned using n-hexane and chloroform. Results: GC-MS analysis of the chloroform fraction was performed and 7 compounds namely 2-pentanol, acetate (9.72%); decane (8.96%); 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0.4.1]undecan-1-ol (6.56%); nonanoic acid, 9-(3-hexenylidenecyclopropylidene)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (7.13%); quinoline-4-carboxamide, 2-phenyl-N-n-octyl- (9.79%); nonacosane (44.27%) and tetratriacontane (13.43%) were identified. Conclusion: Literature survey showed that the identified compounds possessed antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.