Effect of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> Leaf Extract on the Toxicity Induced by Ethyl Methanesulphonate (EMS) in the Third Instar Larvae of Transgenic <i> Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg ⁹ </i>

Background: Neem, known for its medicinal benefits, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, can serve as a complementary or alternative treatment. Research has also indicated that neem extracts lessen the harmful effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin on healthy cells while still preserving its ability to target cancer cells effectively. Different parts of the Neem tree, such as leaves, bark, fruit, flowers, oil, and gum, have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for treating various health conditions, including cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Objective: The effect of neem extract was studied on the Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) (an anti-cancerous drug)-induced toxicity in the third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg9. Methods: The third instar larvae were exposed to 25 μM of EMS alone and along with 4×10-3 g/ml, 8×10-3 g/ml, 12×10-3 g/ml, and 16×10-3 g/ml of neem extract (NE) mixed in diet for 24 hrs. Results: A significant increase in toxicity was observed in the larvae exposed to 25 μM of EMS. A dose-dependent significant decrease in the toxic effects was observed in the larvae exposed to various doses of neem extract. The GCMS analysis of the neem extract showed the presence of Phytol and α-tocopherol as major compounds. Conclusion: The reduction in the toxicity induced by EMS is mainly attributed to phytol and α-tocopherol.