Reproductive and toxicological effects of neem-andrographolide bait on female Bandicota bengalensis

The study was undertaken to determine the composition of neem seed and andrographolide-based NSA bait and to observe its efficacy as a toxic and antifertility agent against female Bandicota bengalensis. GC-MS analysis of NSA bait revealed the presence of antioxidants, phthalates and synthetic compounds (derived from polymer) used during the formulation of NSA bait to enhance the stability, palatability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. The compounds were fatty acids and their derivatives, phytosterols, steroidal compounds and their derivatives, triterpenoids, and limonoids with toxic and antifertility effects. Feeding of NSA bait to three groups (Group I (treated), Groups II and III (untreated, plain and control) of female rats (15 days under bi-choice conditions) resulted in 60.00% mortality. Consumption analysis of NSA bait among dead and live rats using plots and models revealed 24.17 g/100 g BW to be the threshold value for consumption to distinguish between survival and mortality in treated rats. The results revealed the sustained effect of NSA bait on folliculogenesis, sex hormones, uterus, and breeding potential of the remaining live rats of NSA-treated groups. These results indicate that NSA bait prepared using two plants has synergistic toxic and antifertility effects. NSA bait also offers a tool for long-term management of rodent pests spreading diseases and causing damage to crops.