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Cholesterol-lowering effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti-cholesterolaemic activity of a fraction of azadirachta indica leaf extract on rats
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:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Pulok K. Mukherjee, Tejendra Bhakta, S. Pal, M. Pal, B.P. Saha, Achintya K. Das


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Anti-cholesterolaemic activity of a fraction of azadirachta indica leaf extract on rats

Year: 1995

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem or Indian Lilac, is a tree with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly noted in ancient texts such as the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The plant has been recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, including fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, and antidiabetic activities. This study focused on a specific fraction of neem leaf extract and its potential anti-cholesterolaemic effects, specifically targeting the reduction of blood cholesterol levels in rats.

Effect on Blood Cholesterol Levels

The research involved administering a fractionated neem leaf extract to fasting male albino rats at different doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) to assess its impact on cholesterol levels. Results indicated that the extract significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels across most experimental groups, particularly at the higher dose of 200 mg/kg, where all groups except one showed a notable decrease. These findings suggest that neem leaf extracts may possess effective hypocholesterolaemic properties, making them a candidate for further research in cholesterol management.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a fraction of Azadirachta indica leaf extract has a significant anti-cholesterolaemic effect in rats, as evidenced by reduced blood cholesterol levels at both tested doses. These promising results warrant further investigation to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential applications of neem extracts in managing cholesterol levels, which could contribute to the development of natural therapeutic options for cardiovascular health.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the study on Azadirachta indica?

The study aimed to investigate the anti-cholesterolaemic activity of a fraction of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on rats, specifically its potential to lower blood cholesterol levels.

What were the significant findings regarding blood cholesterol levels?

The extract showed a significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels in rats, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg, demonstrating its potential effectiveness in managing cholesterol.

How was the leaf extract prepared for testing?

Fresh leaves of Azadirachta indica were dried, powdered, and extracted using a soxhlet apparatus with benzene and methanol, followed by purification steps to obtain a buff-colored powder.

What method was used to test blood cholesterol levels in rats?

Blood cholesterol levels were measured using the Lieberman–Burchard method after fasting the rats and administering either a control substance or the leaf extract.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cholesterol-lowering effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats�. 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) Blood:
Blood is vital for the study as it is the medium through which cholesterol is transported in the body. The research focuses on measuring blood cholesterol levels in rats to evaluate the efficacy of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in reducing cholesterol, thereby linking the results directly to health outcomes.

2) Water:
Water serves as a control medium in the experiment, with rats receiving water injections to compare the effects of Azadirachta indica extract. Its role is crucial for establishing baseline cholesterol levels in the control group, ensuring the significance of the study's findings on cholesterol reduction.

3) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is the focus of this study due to its purported health benefits. The extract from its leaves is tested for anti-cholesterolaemic properties, highlighting its potential medicinal value in lowering cholesterol levels based on traditional and scientific perspectives.

4) Neem:
Neem is synonymous with Azadirachta indica and is recognized for its numerous health benefits. The term emphasizes its cultural significance in herbal medicine and traditional Ayurvedic practices. The research investigates how neem's phytochemicals influence cholesterol levels, enhancing its reputation as a natural remedy.

5) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to ancient texts of Ayurveda, where traditional knowledge about medicinal plants like neem is documented. The relevance of Samhita lies in its historical context, providing a foundation for modern scientific research that seeks to validate the therapeutic claims presented by these early texts.

6) Sushruta-samhita (Suśruta-saṃhitā):
Sushruta-samhita is an ancient surgical text that details the medicinal properties of various herbs, including neem. Its mention underscores the importance of historical knowledge in guiding current scientific inquiries into herbal treatments, illustrating the continuity of interest in medicinal plants through the ages.

7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial properties indicate neem's ability to combat bacterial infections, underscoring its broad pharmacological potential. This term enhances the relevance of the study by showcasing neem's multidimensional benefits, extending beyond anti-cholesterol activity to a wider spectrum of health advantages according to traditional practices.

8) Discussion:
The discussion section evaluates the experimental findings, interpreting the data collected on the blood cholesterol levels in relation to the administered doses of neem extract. It contextualizes the significance of results, linking them to broader implications for health and further research in herbal medicine.

9) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses both ancient wisdom from texts like Samhita and contemporary scientific findings. This dual perspective underscores the relevance of traditional medicine in modern health discussions and reflects the ongoing quest for understanding the healing properties of plants like neem.

10) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasized natural remedies, including the use of neem. Its mention highlights the historical context of the research, linking contemporary scientific investigation back to traditional practices that have utilized medicinal plants for centuries, creating a bridge between disciplines.

11) Activity:
Activity, in this context, refers to the biological actions of Azadirachta indica, particularly its ability to lower cholesterol levels. This term is central to the research, as it gauges the effectiveness of the extract and its potential therapeutic implications, validating its use in herbal practice.

12) Margosa:
Margosa is another name for Azadirachta indica, highlighting its traditional significance in various cultures. The term connects the research to broader practices in herbal medicine, showcasing the plant's diverse nomenclature and its recognition across different regions and medical systems for its therapeutic properties.

13) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic approach to investigating the effects of Azadirachta indica on cholesterol levels. It emphasizes the importance of empirical research and validated methodologies in understanding and confirming the ancient claims regarding the medicinal benefits of neem, contributing to evolving health practices.

14) Bhakta (Bhākta):
Bhakta is one of the authors involved in the research study, representing the collaborative effort of researchers from Jadavpur University. The individual contributions of each researcher support the credibility of the findings and add to the collective knowledge generated by scientific inquiry into herbal medicine.

15) Saha (Sāha, Shaha):
Saha is another author listed in the study, indicating the multi-author nature of research that often benefits from diverse perspectives and expertise. The inclusion of Saha underscores the collaborative spirit in scientific research, adding depth and richness to the overall analysis presented in the study.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Cholesterol-lowering effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Azadirachta indica, Medicinal properties, Animal experiment, Leaf extract, Blood sample, Blood cholesterol level, Dosage level, Meliaceae family, Soxhlet extraction apparatus, Significant lowering, Analytical grade reagent.

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