Open AccessEffect of Azadirachta indica leaves extract on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats: Role of antioxidants, free radicals and myeloperoxidase
Author(s) -
R R Ghatule,
Shalini Goel,
Meenu Gautam,
Amit Singh,
V. K. Joshi,
Goel Rk
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
asian pacific journal of tropical disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.208
H-Index - 33
ISSN - 2222-1808
DOI - 10.1016/s2222-1808(12)60238-2
Subject(s) - azadirachta , myeloperoxidase , colitis , antioxidant , superoxide dismutase , chemistry , lipid peroxidation , acetic acid , pharmacology , traditional medicine , biochemistry , inflammation , medicine , immunology
Objective: To evaluate the healing effects of extract of dried leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem)\udon acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Neem tree is known as ‘arishtha ’ in Sanskrit, meaning\ud‘reliever of sicknesses ’. Methods: 50% ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves was\udadministered orally, once daily for 14 days in rats after the induction of colitis with acetic acid\udand 500 mg/kg dose of extract was found to have an optimal effect against acetic acid-induced\udcolonic damage score, weight and adhesions (Macroscopic). Effect of Azadirachta indica extract\udwas then further studied on various physical (mucous/blood in stool, food and water intake and\udbody weight changes), colonic mucosal damage and inflammation (microscopic), antibacterial\udand biochemical parameters viz. i) antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced\udglutathione) and ii) free radicals (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation) and myeloperoxidase (acute\udinflammatory marker) activities in acetic acid-induced colitis. Results: Azadirachta indica\udextract decreased colonic mucosal damage and inflammation (macroscopic and microscopic),\udmucous/bloody diarrhea, fecal frequency and increased body weight. Azadirachta indica extract\udshowed intestinal antibacterial activity and enhanced the antioxidants but decreased free radicals\udand myeloperoxidase activities. Acute toxicity study indicated no mortality or other ANS or CNS\udrelated adverse effects even with 5.0 g/kg dose (10 times of effective dose) indicating its safety.\udConclusions: Azadirachta indica seemed to be safe and effective in colitis by its predominant\udeffect on promoting antioxidant status and decreasing intestinal bacterial load, free radicals and\udmyeloperoxidase responsible for tissue damage and delayed healing