Serum Protein Changes Attributed to Daily Administration of the Aqueous Extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem Leaf) in Wistar Albino Rats
Ebele Ijeoma Azaka
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Onyebuchi Miracle Ndinyelum *
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Tobechukwu Ebelechukwu Okeke
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Kingsley Chinemerem Mbelede
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chinemerem Sylvia Olisa
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Kennedy Chigaemezu Onyewuchi
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Benedette Ifeoma Anyamene
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of daily administration of an aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on serum protein profiles in Wistar albino rats. Eighty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 26 days. Serum levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin were determined using standard biochemical methods. Results revealed dose-dependent alterations in protein parameters. Albumin levels showed a non-significant increase in the treated groups compared with the control, with the highest value observed at 400 mg/kg. Globulin levels exhibited a decreasing trend across treatment groups, although differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, total protein levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the extract-treated groups relative to the control, with the lowest value observed at 600 mg/kg. These findings suggest that, while A. indica may enhance albumin synthesis, it may simultaneously reduce overall protein concentration at higher doses, indicating a modulatory effect on protein metabolism. The study highlights the importance of dose consideration in the use of neem extract and underscores the need for further investigation into its long-term physiological implications.
Keywords: Albumin, globulin, neem extract, Albino rat