Effect of azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
R.R. Chattopadhyay
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on discovering safe and effective methods to control human fertility due to increasing population pressures. Traditional plant drugs are being explored alongside synthetic options, particularly for their potential antifertility properties. This study investigates the effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extracts on the oestrous cycle of adult female rats, aiming to ascertain any potential hormonal effects on reproductive cycles and assess the biochemical changes occurring in uterine tissue.
Estrogenic Effects of Azadirachta Indica
The results of the study demonstrate that administration of A. indica leaf extract at a dosage of 200 mg/kg significantly prolonged the cornified phase of the oestrous cycle, while suppressing the durations of other stages like metaestrus and diestrus, and completely abolishing proestrus. This suggests that the extract may possess estrogenic properties, as the cornification in the vagina is primarily associated with elevated levels of estrogen that act on the vaginal epithelium. Additionally, the biochemical analysis revealed that the extract increased uterine glycogen and protein levels while significantly decreasing acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, further supporting the hypothesis of its estrogenic nature.
Conclusion
The findings of this investigation highlight the potential of A. indica leaf extract as an agent influencing the oestrous cycle in female rats, suggesting its role as a possible estrogen mimic. Although the results are preliminary, they contribute to the understanding of the extract's biological effects and open avenues for further research into its applications in fertility regulation. The study emphasizes the need to explore plant-based antifertility agents as viable alternatives to conventional medicinal approaches in reproductive health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Azadirachta indica?
The study investigates the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on the duration of the oestrous cycle in adult female rats, particularly its influence on the various stages of the cycle.
What was the dosage and method of administration for the extract?
The extract was administered orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day using an intragastric catheter over periods of 6, 12, or 18 days to different groups of rats.
What were the main findings concerning the oestrous cycle stages?
Results indicated a significant prolongation of the cornified phase of the oestrous cycle, with the proestrus phase being completely abolished and a suppression of metaestrus and diestrus durations.
What biochemical changes were observed in the uteri of the rats?
Uterine analysis revealed increased glycogen and protein levels, but significant decreases in acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, indicating the extract's potential estrogenic effects.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of the study, 'Activity' refers to the physiological effects and biological actions of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on the estrous cycle of rats. It highlights how certain treatments can influence reproductive hormonal patterns, extending the estrus phase, while suppressing others, demonstrating the extract's potential as an antifertility agent.
2) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is a tree whose leaves and other parts are used in traditional medicine. The study investigates the impact of its leaf extract on the reproductive cycle of rats, underscoring its ethnopharmacological significance and potential applications in developing safe fertility control methods.
3) Drug:
In this study, the term 'Drug' refers to the Azadirachta indica leaf extract administered to the rats. It denotes a substance that results in biochemical and physiological changes, in this case, affecting the estrous cycle, and explores the potential for its use in reproductive health and fertility regulation.
4) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section analyzes and interprets the experimental findings related to the effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on the estrous cycle. It addresses the implications of prolonged cornification and altered uterine biochemical parameters, considering hormonal influences and their potential relevance in both scientific and medicinal contexts.
5) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' encompasses the fields of study and practice that involve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ailments. This study contributes to medicinal knowledge by exploring a plant-based extract's effectiveness in controlling reproduction, reflecting a growing interest in alternative and traditional treatments within modern medical paradigms.
6) Kalyani (Kalyāṇī, Kalyāṇin, Kalyāṇi, Kalyānī, Kalyanin):
'Kalyani' references the University of Kalyani, India, where the Azadirachta indica leaves were botany-identified. It signifies the importance of academic institutions in validating and supporting research projects, providing a framework for scientific inquiry that contributes to our understanding of medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses.
7) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context refers to the systematic study and empirical investigation of facts related to the effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on rats. It underlines the methodological rigor required in biological research and serves to validate findings that may lead to evidence-based medical applications.
8) Reason:
'Reason' pertains to the explanation behind the observed effects of the Azadirachta indica leaf extract on the oestrous cycle. The study seeks to ascertain the hormonal mechanism responsible for prolonged cornification, emphasizing the need for understanding the underlying biological processes when assessing the efficacy of natural extracts.
9) Water:
'Water' is mentioned as part of the care for the colony bred Swiss adult female rats used in the experiments. Providing clean tap water ad libitum is essential for animal welfare in research, ensuring hydration and influencing the health and metabolic state of the subjects involved in the study.
10) Neem:
'Neem' is the common name for Azadirachta indica and is historically recognized for its medicinal properties in various cultures. This term represents the focus on ethnobotanical applications, examining how traditional knowledge can inform modern scientific research and the potential of Neem in developing alternative antifertility options.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effect of azadirachta indica leaf extract on oestrous cycle of rats’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Statistical analysis, Significant increase, Biochemical analysis, Antiimplantation Activity, Ethnopharmacological uses, Vaginal smear, Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, Azadirachta indica leaf extract, Oestrous cycle of rats, Oral antifertility activity, Hormonal dependent effect, Duration of oestrous cycle, Prolongation in the estrus phase, Estrogenic nature, Glycogen level, Protein level, Controlled condition.