Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) on the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure

Abstract

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) shed in cattle manure can survive for extended periods of time and intervention strategies to control this pathogen at the source are critical as produce crops are often grown in proximity to animal raising operations. This study evaluated whether neem (Azadirachta indica), known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, can be used to amend manure to control EcO157. The influence of neem materials (leaf, bark, and oil) on the survival of an apple juice outbreak strain of EcO157 in dairy manure was monitored. Neem leaf and bark supplements eliminated the pathogen in less than 10 d with a D-value (days for 90% elimination) of 1.3 d. In contrast, nearly 4 log CFU EcO157/g remained after 10 d in neem-free manure control. The ethyl acetate extractable fraction of neem leaves was inhibitory to the growth of EcO157 in LB broth. Azadirachtin, a neem product with insect antifeedant properties, failed to inhibit EcO157. Application of inexpensive neem supplements to control pathogens in manure and possibly in produce fields may be an option for controlling the transfer of foodborne pathogens from farm to fork.

Herbal Immunomodulators - A Remedial Panacea for Designing and Developing Effective Drugs and Medicines: Current Scenario and Future Prospects

“…The seeds are also proven to have these properties along with some specific effects like thermogenic, purgative, uterine stimulant, and urinary astringent effects. The seeds also can be used to treat tumors, leprosy, odontalgia, hemorrhoids, pulmonary tuberculosis, ophthalmopathy, antenatal disease, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, and otorrhea [140]. The neem oil is as effective as other plant parts in ameliorating these conditions especially against chronic skin diseases, syphilitic sores, ringworm, malaria fever, scabies, indolent ulcers, and leprosy [141,142].…”

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“…Both powdered plant leaves were extracted with the ethanol in rotary shaker at 100 rpm for 3 days 10 . The obtained liquid extracts were subjected to rotary evaporator at reduced pressure (in vacuum at 40 ºC) and evaporated to dryness 11,12 .…”

Application of neem tree in agriculture, industry, medicine, and environment: a review

“…The active principle for inhibition of Neem leaves is localized in the organic extractable fraction. Neem supplementation in manure piles at dairies and feedlots, and also at produce fields, could comprise a novel strategy for on-site pathogen control (Ravva and Korn, 2015). Plants, vegetables, and herbs employed as food for humans and, currently, in Traditional Medicine, have been accepted as an essential drug-discovery contribution, such as chemotherapy in cancer prevention and development.…”