To Study the anti-ulcer effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract and isolated compound of neem Nimolicine (NC) in comparison with ulcer healing drugs on gastric mucosa of albino rats.

Abstract

The anti-ulcer effects of methanolic extract of neem leaf (NLE) and neem compound nimolicine (NC) have been studied and the effects were compared with the ulcer healing drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole on stomach of albino rats (Wistar strain). A total of 90 rats of both sex weighing 150-200 gms were used in the study. The rats were divided into six groups. Per oral administration of ethanol (100%) was used for ulcer induction. This group served as a check group. The control group was given Peanut oil 1 ml/day for the treatment of ulcer. The test groups received NLE 1ml/day (0.88 gm) p/o for 5 days and NC 1% (0.01 gm in 1 ml) p/o per day for 3 days. The healing was compared to the healing effects of p/o Ranitidine 50 mg/kg and Omeperazole (2.5mg/kg). The ulcer induction and healing effects both were confirmed by histopathology of the gastric tissues. The calculation of ulcer index and ulcer inhibition percentage was done. The gastric secretion of H mEq/100 Gms of rat was also calculated. The antioxidant activity of NLE and NC was also done. Finally the identification of NLE, NC, and drugs in tissue extracts were done by HPLC. The results were analysed by using a one way ANOVA by a SPSS version 18 computerized software programme. The P value (P<0.05) was considered significant. The results show that NLE is better than NC and the anti ulcer effect of NLE can be compared to the anti-ulcer drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole. The high antioxidant activity of NLE compared to NC may explain the mechanism of action of NLE whichxiv needs further explorations. The effects of NLE and NC on gastric secretion of H mEq/100 gms when compared with PNO and Ranitidine and Omeperazole were insignificant. However there was a significant difference on comparison of gastric secretion between PNO control and Ranitidine. Further studies are required to confirm the present study by conducting clinical trials. Anti ulcer treatment by NLE will be of financial benefit to the community in developing countries specially in Pakistan. In conclusion NLE has a better ulcer healing effect compared to NC. The effect of NLE can be compared to the ulcer healing drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole.