Efficacy of Plant Extracts to Prolong Shelf Life: A Study on Neem and Turmeric in Preservation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruits

Abstract

Natural products chemists, microbiologists, and ethnobotanists, are actively investigating plant-derived compounds and natural fungicide alternatives from around the world to improve post-harvest management of vegetables and fruits, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Although 25 to 50% of modern medicines are originate from plants, not a single one currently utilized as anti-microbials. Conventional farmers have historically used plants to prevent and treat infections, and Western medicine is now aiming to replicate these effective practices. Plants comprise a diverse secondary metabolite such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids, which demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of turmeric and neem plant extracts in extending the mango fruits shelf life (cv. Gulab Khas) under two different storage environments: cold storage and ambient temperature. The fruits were subjected to four different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of each plant extract and stored in perforated polyethylene bags. They were then stored under the specified conditions of cold and ambient storage. The combination of neem leaf extract treatment with cold storage yielded promising results. Our results showed that 20% neem leaf extract treatment in cold storage effectively inhibited pathogens, preventing any spoilage. This combination also demonstrated minimal physiological weight loss (6.2%), low spoilage rates, and maximum ascorbic acid content (28.5 mg per 100 g of pulp). Additionally, it exhibited minimal acidity (0.12%), maximum total soluble solids (20.1ºB), and the highest levels of total sugars (12.50%), reducing sugars (3.5%), and non-reducing sugars (8.55%). The organoleptic score was also notably high at 7.3 out of 10. The repressive influence of neem leaf extract is attributed owing to the active compound azadirachtin. This study emphasizes the capability of neem leaf extract as an efficient and natural alternative for extending the shelf life of mango fruits during storage. Therefore, the successful application of neem extract provides a promising avenue for future research and practical implementation in post-harvest technology.