Effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Aqueous Leaves Extract on Markers of Nephropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a life-threatening health issue that is becoming more prevalent and poses a great health problem and a colossal responsibility for the global economy. Effective phytomedicine can serve as a good source for the management of diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract on markers of nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. 60 mg/kg of STZ was administered intraperitoneally to Wistar rats which induced diabetes. Thirty male rats were randomly distributed into groups of 5 rats each. Normal and diabetic groups received distilled water; diabetic rats were orally treated with 100, 300 and 400 mg/kg A. indica leaves extract and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose was monitored weekly. Administration of Streptozotocin (STZ) significantly (p<0.05) increased the concentrations of blood glucose, AGE, IL-6, VEGF and KIM-1. However, treatment with the extract reversed the effect of STZ on the above parameters. It is observed from the study that the extract has the potency to manage nephropathy. However, further research is encouraged to identify the most active compounds.