Identification of bioactives metabolites of Neem (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss.)

Abstract

Secondary metabolites of plants are of biotechnological interest because, for example, they could be natural pesticides helpful to improve environmental friendly strategies or for agroecological management. In order to begin studies in this area it proceeded: a) establish cell suspension cultures of Azadirachta indica; b) extraction, isolation and detection of Azadirachtin by Thin Layer Chromatography; c) identification and quantification of AZA by Liquid Chromatography, and verification of their biological activity. All activities were conducted in the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology of the Research Center and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico, at the end of 2009. Results indicate the presence of terpenoids in the extracts; Azadirachtin was isolated and detected by Thin Layer Chromatography (R_f 0.2). This compound was also identified in semipurified sample by the coincidence of its retention time (20 min) with the chemical standard by Liquid Chromatography High Resolution; besides it was quantified by interpolation of their absorbance in the calibration curve obtained with different concentrations of the standard. In the analyzed seeds was found 1.67 mg g^-1 dry weight of Azadirachtin and through bioassays was showed the fungicidal effect of the extract. Additionally, plant cell cultures in vitro were established.

La Calera Vol.14 No.23, 2014, pp.60-66