Evaluating the ameliorative effect of aqueous <i>Azadirachta indica</i> leaf extract on alcohol-induced liver damage in adult Wistar rats.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Alcoholism is a significant cause of disease with serious social and economic implications and consequent effect on the brain, liver and cardiovascular system. Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been studied for its potential hepatoprotective effects, and some studies have explored its relation to liver health. However, few literatures demonstrated the hepatoprotective activities of Neem on alcohol-induced liver toxicity, hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative potential of Neem on alcohol-induced liver damage.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty Wistar rats weighing between 120 and 170 grams were divided into six groups,(I-VI) of 5 rats per group and received, 1 ml of distilled water for 28 days, 1 ml of 50% alcohol only, 250 mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica only, 500 mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica only, 1 ml of 50% alcohol and 250 mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica, 1 ml of 50% alcohol and 500 mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica respectively. Alcohol and Azadirachta indica were administered for 14 eacg. At the end of the 14 and 28 days of treatment, blood and liver tissue were collected for analysis of liver function test and histology of the liver respectively.

RESULTS: There was significant reduction in weight changes in rats treated with 1 ml of 50% alcohol and 250 mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica when compared to control. There was significant increase (P˂0.05) AST in the alcohol only group when compared to control which was reversed with treatment of Azadirachta indica. There was a significant increase (P˂0.05) in TP, ALB, TB levels of alcoholic groups treated with 500 mg/kg body weights of Azadirachta indica when compared to alcohol only group. Histopathological analysis showed improved architecture in rats liver treated with aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica.  

CONCLUSION: Azadirachta indica has hepatoprotective and ameliorative activities against alcohol-induced liver toxicity by enhancing the activities of AST, AST, TB TP, ALB and normal liver architecture as observed in this study.