Evaluation of the toxic and repellent potential of the crude leaf extract and fixed oil of Azadirachta indica A. Juss

Resumo

The applicability of plant-based products in the health sector aligns with their traditional use, which, over time, has gained value and now serves as an efficient pharmacotherapeutic basis for numerous medications. Pre-clinical evaluation stages for new pharmaceutical product candidates include ensuring safety and efficacy. The species Azadirachta indica is known for its insecticidal properties and is an alternative for controlling arboviruses, currently managed with synthetic repellents that are developing resistance in target insects. The present study evaluated the toxic and repellent potential of the fixed oil and crude extract of A. indica leaves, with the aim of potential application in pharmaceutical formulations. The methods were tested with the Artemia salina and Euschistus heros models. The results classified both samples as non-toxic, with Mean Lethal Concentrations of 11622.4 and 1609.6 µg mL⁻¹ for A. salina exposed to the extract for 24 and 48 h, and 2009.3 and 2009.3 µg mL⁻¹ for the oil. The oil was classified as very repellent at 10.0%, and the extract as repellent at 2.5%. The samples represented an alternative for formulating repellents for human use, due to their non-toxicity and efficacy.