Antimutagenic potential of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in EMS: a qualitative study

Background: Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a DNA-alkylating mutagen widely employed in experimental genotoxicity models. Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract contains bioactive phytochemicals with documented antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. However, a structured synthesis of expert perspectives regarding its antimutagenic relevance in EMS-induced genotoxicity remains limited. Objective: This qualitative study aimed to synthesize multidisciplinary expert opinions on the biological plausibility, evidentiary strength, translational feasibility, and research gaps concerning the antimutagenic potential of A. indica leaf extract. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five professionals representing toxicology, phytochemistry, molecular biology, clinical pharmacology, and Ayurveda. Fourteen standardized questions explored EMS toxicity mechanisms, neem phytochemistry, methodological rigor, safety considerations, and future research directions. Responses were analyzed using thematic coding and stance classification. Results: A total of seventy responses were analyzed. Most participants acknowledged the established mechanism of EMS-induced DNA alkylation and recognized neem’s antioxidant properties as biologically plausible for mitigating oxidative stress. Supportive opinions predominated, though cautious and non-supportive perspectives highlighted methodological limitations, variability in extract standardization, insufficient EMS-specific studies, and absence of controlled clinical trials. Translational applicability was viewed as premature without further validation. Conclusion: Expert perspectives indicate that A. indica leaf extract demonstrates mechanistic plausibility as a protective agent in experimental genotoxicity contexts. Nevertheless, methodological standardization, targeted EMS-specific studies, and clinical validation are required to establish its translational relevance.