Insulinomimetic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidative Properties of Azadirachta indica. Possible Mechanism of Action

Abstract

Currently available synthetic drugs for management of diabetes mellitus have been reported to cause side effects, hence searches for safer, readily available and cheaper sources among medicinal plants. One hundred and thirty rats weighing average of 94g were used for the studies. In the first study, Azadirachta indica (AZI) was assessed for its hypolipidemic property, in the second AZI was assessed for its antihyperglycaemic potential while in the third study; it was assessed for its antidiabetic, antilipidemic and antioxidative properties. The potency of 2 different doses of AZI was compared with that of glibenclamide (a reference drug). AZI exhibited hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative properties which were comparable to that of glibenclamide. Different doses of AZI reversed weight loss due to streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. AZI extract caused increased synthesis of liver glycogen when compared with diabetic rats. Conclusively, antidiabetic property of AZI may imitate blood glucose regulatory action of insulin.