Possible mechanism of hepatoprotective activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract: Part II

doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.006

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Volume 89, Issues 2–3, December 2003, Pages 217-219

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.006 Get rights and content

Abstract

Hepatoprotective activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats has already been reported. In the present investigation effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on blood and liver glutathione, Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity and thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats have been studied with a view to elucidate possible mechanism behind its hepatoprotective action. It was interesting to observe that Azadirachta indica leaf extract has reversal effects on the levels of above mentioned parameters in paracetamol hepatotoxicity. Possible mechanism behind the results are discussed.

Introduction

In spite of tremendous strides in modern medicine, there are hardly any drugs that stimulate liver function, offer protection to the liver from damage or help regeneration of hepatic cells. There are however, a number of drugs employed in traditional system of medicine for liver affections. Many formulations containing herbal extracts are sold in the Indian market for liver disorders. But management of liver disorders by a simple and precise herbal drug is still an intriguing problem.

Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae; Neem) has great reputation in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of liver disorders. No scientific and methodical investigations have so far been reported in literature regarding its action on liver. Studies conducted in our laboratory reveals that water soluble portion of alcoholic extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica possesses significant antihyperglycemic, antiserotonin, antiinflammatory, hypotensive, hypolipidemic and antifertility activity (Chattopadhyay et al., 1986, Chattopadhyay et al., 1987a, Chattopadhyay et al., 1987b; Chattopadhyay, 1993, Chattopadhyay, 1995, Chattopadhyay, 1997) and also have significant hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats (Chattopadhyay et al., 1992). The present investigation has therefore been designed to study the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on other biochemical parameters against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats with a view to elucidate possible mechanism behind its hepatoprotective action.

Section snippets

Collection of plant material

Fresh matured leaves of Azadirachta indica were collected from our Institute’s (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India) garden and were identified by a pharmacognosy expert. At the time of collection standard herbarium record sheets were completed with the name of the collector, collection number, specimen number, locality and local name.

Extraction of plant material

Air-dried powder (1 kg) of Azadirachta indica leaves were extracted by percolation at room temperature with 70% EtOH. Leaf extract of Azadirachta indica

Acknowledgements

Author wishes to acknowledge Professor M. Bandyopadhyay, Head, Department of Pharmacology, SSKM Hospital and Post Graduate Medical Institute, Kolkata and Professor G. Podder, Head, Department of Chemistry, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata for their co-operation and help during this work.

References (13)

R.R. Chattopadhyay
Effect of Azadirachta indica hydroalcoholic leaf extract on cardiovascular system
General Pharmacology (Elsevier)
(1997)
H. Ohkawa et al.
Assay of lipid peroxidation in animal tissues by thiobarbutiric acid reaction
Analytical Biochemistry
(1979)
I.R. Beutler et al.
Improved method for determination of blood glutathione
Journal of Laboratory Clinical Medicine
(1963)
R.R. Chattopadhyay
Effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats
Environment and Ecology
(1993)
R.R. Chattopadhyay
Hypolipidemic activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats
Proceedings of Indian National Science Academy
(1995)
R.R. Chattopadhyay
Possible mechanism of antihyperglycemic effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract: part V
Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Elsevier)
(1999)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Collection of plant material

Extraction of plant material

Acknowledgements

References (13)

Effect of Azadirachta indica hydroalcoholic leaf extract on cardiovascular system

General Pharmacology (Elsevier)

Assay of lipid peroxidation in animal tissues by thiobarbutiric acid reaction

Analytical Biochemistry

Improved method for determination of blood glutathione

Journal of Laboratory Clinical Medicine

Effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats

Environment and Ecology

Hypolipidemic activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats

Proceedings of Indian National Science Academy

Possible mechanism of antihyperglycemic effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract: part V

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Elsevier)

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