Hematological and histological effect of fractionated neem leaf extract in healthy Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the growing research towards new drugs has been targeted on plant-based drugs, and Neem (Azadirachta indica) is one of the plants that have been extensively researched for its diverse medicinal properties. The study aimed to determine the effects of neem on the hematological parameters (total white blood cells, neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts) and histology of some organs of rats. Methods: Fifteen healthy male Wister rats divided into control (Nm0) and experimental groups (Nm11 and Nm22). Control group 1 (Nm0) was given 100mg/200g body weight of normal saline orally twice daily; experimental group 2 (Nm11), 100mg/200g body weight neem extract twice daily for 11 days and experimental group 3 (Nm22), 100mg/200g neem leaf extract twice daily for 22 days. Total number of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils, packed cell volumes (PCV) and histological changes in the spleen, liver and kidneys were evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences in mean values of the hematological parameters (total WBC; PCV; neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils). We observed the central vacuolation and accumulation of lymphocytes in the spleen, hypertrophy of the central vein in the liver and shrinking of the glomeruli and accumulation of the lymphocytes in the kidney using hematoxylin and eosin staining following prolonged administration of neem extract (Nm22). Conclusion: Prolonged administration of neem affected the histology of some organs of the rats more than the hematological parameters.

Hematological effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract on New Zealand white male rabbits: A comprehensive study

“…Our findings are in agreement with the findings of Ogbuewu et al (2010) [11] , who also reported non-significant variation in the values of PCV following treatment with leaf meal of Azadirachta indica in female rabbits. Non-significant variation in the mean values of PCV was also recorded by Ikwuka et al (2020) [5] after treatment with fractionated neem leaf extract in wistar rats.…”

“…The PCV and Hb values of rabbits on test diets were not significantly (p> 0.05) different from the control group. Ikwuka et al (2020) [5] studied effect of fractionated neem leaf extract on haematological parameters of healthy Wistar rats and concluded that WBC and packed cell volume was not differed between the groups. No significant change in the neutrophil (F=0.81, P=0.47), lymphocyte (F=0.96, P=0.41), monocyte (F=1.86, P=0.20) and eosinophil (F=0.45, P=0.65) numbers (%) was reported.…”

Effects of Zingiber officinale and Seeds of Aframomum melegueta Extract on Some Biochemical and Immunological Indices of Electric Foot Shock Stress-Induced Wistar Rats

“…A great number of the world's population; particularly Nigerians, rely on traditional medicines "for their primary healthcare needs" [9]. "These medicinal plants contain substances used for therapeutic purposes or are precursors for the synthesis of useful drugs" [9,10]. "Ginger also has high antioxidant activity" [8].…”