Protective effect of Azadirachta indica on CCl4-induced liver damage
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Protective effect of fraction of azadirachta indica leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity
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.
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Original source:
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Pulok K. Mukherjee, Tejendra Bhakta, B.P. Saha, S. Pal, M. Pal, Achintya A.K. Das
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Protective effect of fraction of azadirachta indica leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of a fraction of Azadirachta indica (commonly known as neem) leaf extract against liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. Recognized for its medicinal properties, A. indica has been traditionally used in various formulations due to its effectiveness against ailments like skin diseases and ophthalmia, making the exploration of its potential as a liver protector particularly relevant. The research assessed the extract's impact on liver function by measuring key liver enzymes in rats subjected to CCl₄ toxicity.
Protective Action of A. Indica Extract
The findings indicate a significant hepatoprotective activity of A. indica leaf extract, notably in a dose-dependent manner. When administered at dosages of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, the extract considerably reduced the elevated serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) caused by CCl₄ intoxication. The results highlighted that the higher dosage (200 mg/kg) exhibited particularly pronounced recovery in liver enzyme levels, suggesting that the extract may enhance liver cell stability and protect the integrity of liver enzymes affected by the CCl₄ insult.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study demonstrates that a specific fraction of A. indica leaf extract effectively protects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. This protective effect likely stems from the extract’s ability to stabilize liver cell membranes and sustain the functionality of enzymes associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum within liver cells. These promising results support the traditional use of A. indica in medicinal practices for liver-related ailments and point toward its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in managing liver toxicity. Further research could explore the exact mechanisms involved and the potential applications in clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on Azadirachta indica?
The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of a fraction of Azadirachta indica leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride and liquid paraffin-induced liver damage in rats.
How was the Azadirachta indica extract prepared for the study?
The dried leaves were extracted sequentially with benzene and 90% methanol, followed by digestion with water. The filtrate underwent precipitation with ethyl alcohol, centrifugation, and purification with activated charcoal before being dried and preserved.
What were the main findings regarding liver enzyme levels?
The study found that administration of the A. indica extract significantly lowered elevated levels of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ACP, and ALP) in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride, particularly showing a dose-dependent response.
What implications do the results have for liver health?
The results suggest that A. indica leaf extract may have protective effects against liver damage caused by toxic agents, potentially by stabilizing liver cell membranes or protecting endoplasmic reticulum enzymes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Protective effect of Azadirachta indica on CCl4-induced liver damage”. 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) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent in biological experiments, especially for injections used in animal studies. Here, it serves as a medium for administering Azadirachta indica leaf extract to the rats, ensuring the effective delivery of the extract for evaluating its hepatoprotective effects during toxicity assessments.
2) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a plant renowned for its medicinal properties. This study focuses on its leaf extract's hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity, indicating the plant's potential therapeutic applications in protecting liver function and treating various ailments.
3) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. In this context, it pertains to investigating the medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica. The research highlights its pharmacological activities, particularly in protecting liver cells from damage, thereby demonstrating its relevance in herbal medicine.
4) Activity:
Activity in this study particularly refers to the biological effects or actions of the Azadirachta indica leaf extract on the liver. The demonstrated hepatoprotective activity showcases its potential to mitigate liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride, making it significant in developing therapeutic agents for liver diseases.
5) Discussion:
The discussion section synthesizes the main findings of the study and interprets the results in light of existing knowledge. Here, it provides insights into how Azadirachta indica exerts protective effects on liver cells, emphasizing the implications of these findings for future research and potential therapeutic uses.
6) Toxicity:
Toxicity pertains to the degree to which a substance can harm biological systems. The study evaluates the hepatotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride administered to rats, illustrating the importance of understanding toxicity levels when investigating potential protective agents like Azadirachta indica in pharmacology and toxicology.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research exemplifies scientific methodology, employing controlled animal studies to explore the protective effects of Azadirachta indica against liver toxicity, contributing to the broader field of ethnopharmacology and natural product research.
8) Bhakta (Bhākta):
Bhakta is one of the co-authors of the study, indicating collaboration among researchers in the field. The inclusion of multiple authors signifies a collective effort in conducting the research, contributing diverse expertise to enhance the credibility and impact of the findings presented in this scientific exploration.
9) Ulcer:
An ulcer refers to a break in the skin or mucous membrane, causing tissue loss and inflammation. In the context of Azadirachta indica, its leaves are traditionally used in poultices and decoctions for treating ulcer conditions, illustrating the plant's multifunctional medicinal applications beyond liver protection.
10) Blood:
Blood is an essential fluid that delivers necessary substances to cells and removes waste products. In this study, blood samples from rats are analyzed to measure serum enzyme levels, providing crucial data on liver function and the hepatoprotective effects of the Azadirachta indica leaf extract.
11) Saha (Sāha, Shaha):
Saha is another co-author of the study, representing a collaboration in research. The presence of multiple researchers indicates a combined effort to explore Azadirachta indica's hepatoprotective properties, promoting diverse perspectives and expertise in the investigation, ultimately enriching the study's findings and conclusions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Protective effect of Azadirachta indica on CCl4-induced liver damage’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Azadirachta indica, Methodology, Protective action, Hepatotoxicity, Hepatoprotective activity, Carbon tetrachloride, Dose-dependent, Biochemical analysis, Protective effect, Soxhlet extraction, Alkaline phosphatase, Animal Study, Leaf extract, Acid phosphatase, Relative recovery, Serum sample, Laboratory facilities, Liquid paraffin.