Evaluation of Methanolic and Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil for Hypoglycaemic Properties and Effects on Some Biochemical Parameters in Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Azadirachta indica commonly called Indian Lilac or Margosa is a folkloric medicinal plant that has been exploited over time for the management of several diseases. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the seed oil were investigated for hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced in mice with 300 mg/kg bodyweight of alloxan monohydrate intraperitionealy and mice with blood glucose concentration > 200 mg/dl were considered diabetic. Diabetic mice in two groups were orally administered 200 mg/kg bodyweight of ethanol and methanolic extracts respectively for seven days. The blood glucose decreased in descending order during the course of treatment in a time – dependent manner. Serum activities of alanine aminotranseferase (20-100 u/L), aspartate aminotransferase (18-61 u/L), and alkaline phosphatase (42-140 u/l) increased significantly (p  0.05) compared to values for the control. The Serum levels of total bilirubin (9-30 mmol/L) and conjugated bilirubin (6.5-12mmol/L) of the treated mice also increased significantly (p> 0.05) when compared with the normoglycaemic mice. Total protein decreased significantly for both extract-treated groups while urea and creatinine levels were unaffected. Phytochemical screening of Azadirachta indica seed oil extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponnins, steroids, terpenes and tannins. The result of this study shows that the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of A. indica possess hypoglyceamic properties but may be hepatotoxic.