This study focuses on extracting oil from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica species A. Juss, known in Chad as mim or neem, utilizing a cold-press extraction method. It aims to characterize the oil's chemical composition through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and evaluate its antibacterial efficacy using the well diffusion and microdilution techniques. The antibacterial potential was assessed against four food-borne pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and a soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. The results from the GC-MS analysis indicated a predominant presence of fatty alcohols, notably Stigmasta-3,5-diene (49.00%), a steroid alcohol, and Tetradecen-11-yn-1-ol (35.37%), a long-chain fatty alcohol. Additionally, lesser quantities of compounds such as (E, E)-7,11,15-Trimethyl-3-methylene-hexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene (a diterpene) at 9.68%, Squalene (a triterpene) at 1.77%, and 2,4,4-Trimethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-5a-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene (a sesquiterpene) at 4.19% were identified. The analysis showed that neem oil is rich in fatty alcohols and phytosterols, with lower terpenes and phenolic compounds. It showed no significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. This suggests that from cold-press extraction, neem oil may not effectively combat food-borne pathogens and soil bacteria due to its fatty alcohol and phytosterol content, along with the bacteria's resistance. Increasing the concentration of crude oil in the antibacterial test could lead to positive results. The findings indicate a need for further research to isolate stronger antibacterial molecules in neem oil by separating its components, focusing on extraction methods and solvent polarity.

Azadirachta indica , commonly known as neem or Mim in Chad, is recognized for its significant biological activities and is used for medicinal purposes. This study quantifies phenolic content, analyzes chemical composition via high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and evaluates the antioxidant activity of Mim leaf extracts with ethanol (ELE) and water (WLE). The analysis identified bioactive compounds with strong radical scavenging activity and conducted in silico studies by molecular docking with AutoDock Tools. Crystal structures were sourced from the Protein Data Bank, and the Swiss absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion platform analyzed the pharmacokinetic properties. Results indicated that WLE had a higher phenolic content (264.7 ± 0.03 µg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/mg) compared to ELE (135.3 ± 0.05 µg GAE/mg). Flavonoid content was greater in ELE (138.33 ± 0.002 µg catechin equivalent [CE]/mg) than in WLE (83.38 ± 0.002 µg CE/mg). Major compounds identified through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry included diethyl phthalate in ELE (92.31%) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in WLE (28.12%). Antioxidant activities measured by 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and ferric-reducing power assays showed promising results for both extracts. BHT demonstrated a better affinity for glutathione reductase and lipoxygenases, while vanillin showed a strong affinity for cyclooxygenase. Most compounds exhibited high intestinal absorption and are not P-glycoprotein substrates, indicating potential for oral medication. Finally, Mim extracts contain diverse compounds that contribute to their notable antioxidant activity.

The study explored seed germination and propagation through cutting in Laurus nobilis L. with a focus on in vitro and in vivo regeneration techniques for multiplication and sustainable conservation of diversity in the species. Seed germination was achieved through pre-soaking for 7 days, followed by cold stratification at -4 °C for 50 days. The results showed that seed imbibition greatly increased germination rates (65%), however, germination in sand (14%), and peat (12%) was less successful. Imbibed seeds had a greater seedling survival rate (40%) in peat attaining better plant height. The in vitro germination of wild Moroccan L. nobilis was accomplished by scarification of kernels with sulphuric acid (34 N). Seedlings from whole fruits had the best survival rate (33.33%), followed by kernels (25%). Micropropagation of twigs using MS media with kinetin and indole-3-acetic acid proved efficient, providing useful methods for the domestication and conservation of L. nobilis .