Hypoglycemic effects of neem bark and flower on diabetic mice
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Hypoglycemic effect or neem bark and flower on streptozotocin – induced diabetes in mice
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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Ashok Purohit, V. P. Dixit
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Hypoglycemic effect or neem bark and flower on streptozotocin – induced diabetes in mice
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explores the hypoglycemic effects of neem bark and flower (Azadirachta indica) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Neem, a member of the Meliaceae family, is known for its extensive medicinal uses, with various components of the tree exhibiting numerous health benefits. This research aims to evaluate the impact of neem extracts on blood glucose levels in mice subjected to artificial diabetes through the administration of streptozotocin. The study assesses how the extracts influence glucose metabolism and their potential as natural dietary interventions for diabetes management.
Enhanced Hypoglycemic Activity of Neem Flower
One of the significant findings from the study is that neem flower exhibits stronger hypoglycemic activity compared to neem bark. After administrating 10 mg of either extract, a notable decrease in blood glucose levels was observed in both normal and hyperglycemic mice. Specifically, the blood glucose concentration dropped significantly after three to six hours, highlighting the metabolic effects of neem extracts. The observed hypoglycemic action may be contributed to mechanisms such as reduced synthesis or release of glucose by the liver, increased insulin release, or enhanced peripheral glucose utilization. These results suggest that combining neem flower with other therapeutic strategies may provide a beneficial approach to managing diabetes.
Conclusion
The research supports the therapeutic potential of neem bark and flower, particularly the latter, in regulating blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. As diabetes remains a prevalent health issue, the search for natural and effective treatments is crucial. The findings warrant further investigation into the chemical and pharmacological properties of neem to better understand its hypoglycemic effects. With ongoing research, neem could represent a promising natural alternative in diabetes management, contributing to safer and more holistic treatment options.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the neem study?
The study focused on evaluating the hypoglycemic effects of neem bark and flower extracts on blood glucose levels in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
How was diabetes induced in the mice?
Diabetes was induced in the healthy adult male albino mice through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, followed by glucose feeding for 24 hours.
What were the results of the neem extract administration?
Significant drops in blood glucose levels were observed in both normal and diabetic mice after administration of neem bark and flower, with neem flower showing stronger activity.
What mechanisms contributed to the hypoglycemic action of neem?
The hypoglycemic action of neem extracts may result from reduced glucose synthesis or release by the liver, increased insulin release, or enhanced peripheral glucose utilization.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Hypoglycemic effects of neem bark and flower on diabetic mice”. 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) Neem:
Neem is a tree scientifically known for its various medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine. The study cited explores the hypoglycemic effects of neem bark and flower extracts. Neem’s importance is amplified in the context of diabetes research, given its potential for natural therapeutic interventions in managing blood glucose levels.
2) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in the study as the primary medium for assessing glucose levels. The experiments discussed involve monitoring changes in blood glucose levels in mice, which is fundamental for evaluating the efficacy of neem extracts in lowering blood sugar. Blood analysis is essential in diabetes research.
3) Zoology:
Zoology, the scientific study of animals, is pertinent here since the research involves mice as test subjects. Understanding animal physiology is crucial for evaluating the effects of neem extracts on blood glucose levels. The findings contribute to the broader zoological understanding of diabetes treatment and animal testing methods.
4) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is the scientific name for the tree studied in the research. Its identification is key as it underscores the focus of the study on this specific plant, which is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine and potential diabetic treatments.
5) Neem tree:
The neem tree is significant in this context for its various parts utilized in medicinal preparations. The study examines its bark and flowers specifically for their hypoglycemic effects, thereby highlighting the neem tree’s role as a natural resource in developing treatments for managing diabetes and other health conditions.
6) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the branch of medicine that explores drug actions and effects. This term is relevant here as it pertains to the investigation of neem extracts' hypoglycemic properties, stimulating further research into their potential use as therapeutic agents in pharmacology, especially for diabetes management.
7) Discussion:
Discussion in this context relates to the interpretation and implications of the research findings. It includes analyzing the results obtained from the blood glucose tests post-administration of neem extracts, aimed at understanding how neem can be beneficial in controlling diabetes through its pharmacological effects.
8) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological responses observed from the administration of neem extracts. The hypoglycemic activity noted in the results is crucial for determining the effectiveness of neem in lowering blood glucose levels, directly influencing potential applications in diabetes management strategies.
9) Margosa:
Margosa is another common name for neem (Azadirachta indica). This term reflects the cultural and regional significance of the tree. Understanding this nomenclature provides insight into its widespread recognition and the traditional uses attributed to neem across various communities as a medicinal plant.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science underpins the methodology and explorations presented in the study. The objective research and experimentation involved in evaluating neem's hypoglycemic effects reflect a scientific approach to understanding diabetes and the potential of plant-based remedies in medical treatments, contributing to the field of natural product research.
11) Bitter:
The term bitter refers to the taste profile associated with many medicinal herbs, including neem. The presence of bitter principles in neem extracts is significant as they may contribute to the therapeutic effects, like inducing hypoglycemic activity, leading to further exploration of their mechanism in diabetes treatment.
12) Water:
Water serves as the base for administering extracts and maintaining the mice for the experiment. Proper hydration is crucial for ensuring the health of the test subjects, which in turn affects the validity of the research outcomes regarding the effects of neem on blood glucose levels.