EVALUATION OF NEEM (Azadirachta indica) LEAF EXTRACT ON BLOOD GLUCOSE AND HISTOLOGY OF LIVER, KIDNEY, AND PANCREAS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Medicinal plants such as Azadirachta indica (Neem) contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, polyphenols, glycosides, and triterpenoids, which have demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic and organ-protective properties. This study evaluated the effects of Neem leaf extract on blood glucose levels and the histology of the liver, kidney, and pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) rats weighing 150 g ± 20 g were randomly assigned into five groups of five rats each. Diabetes was induced in Groups II–V using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Group I served as the normal control, Group II as the diabetic untreated group, Group III received metformin (500 mg/kg), while Groups IV and V received low and high doses of Neem leaf extract respectively for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was analyzed using enzymatic methods and statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc testing (SPSS version 23). Results were expressed as Mean ± SEM, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Neem extract significantly reduced fasting glucose levels in diabetic rats, with the high-dose group showing reductions comparable to metformin. Histological examination revealed marked pancreatic, hepatic, and renal damage in untreated diabetic rats, whereas Neem-treated groups showed substantial improvements including partial restoration of pancreatic islets, reduced hepatic degeneration, and improved renal tubular integrity.