COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAVES AND STEM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAVES AND STEM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the chemical components of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and stem in the management of type 2 diabetes in Imo State, Nigeria. The hypoglycemic effects of the aqueous and ethylacetate extracts of Azadirachta indica and Globimetula oreophila mistletoe plants were investigated in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats using alloxan, and the rats with blood glucose levels above 135 mg/kg b.w were considered diabetic. The experiment involved twenty-one rats divided into different groups. The diabetic rats were administered 500 mg/kg b.w of the respective extracts once daily for fourteen days. Blood glucose levels were monitored every five days and showed a reduction during the treatment period compared to the untreated diabetic group (DNT). The experiment lasted for twenty-one days, and blood serum and fresh organs were collected after euthanizing the animals.The results showed that the extracts exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects. The aqueous Azadirachta indica extract (AGB), aqueous Globimetula oreophila extract (AGO), ethylacetate Azadirachta indica extract (EGB), and ethylacetate Globimetula oreophila extract (EGO) demonstrated hypoglycemic effects of 58.37%, 50.46%, 65.50%, and 50.65%, respectively. There was no significant weight gain observed in all the groups treated with the extracts, except for the normoglycemic group (NNT), which showed a significant increase in total body weight (8.04%). The ratio of fresh organs to whole body weight for liver and heart did not show significant differences between the groups. However, the extracts resulted in a significant reduction in lung and pancreas weight compared to the untreated diabetic group. The AGB-treated group showed a significant increase in kidney weight compared to the NNT group.There were no significant differences in serum total protein and cholesterol levels among the groups. However, the triglyceride levels significantly increased in the diabetes untreated group (DNT) compared to the NNT group. Only the EGO group showed a significant increase in the level of direct bilirubin, while total bilirubin did not significantly increase in all the groups compared to the NNT group. The AGB group showed a significant increase in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, and EGB, EGO, and DNT groups showed significant increases in the activities of alanine aminotransferase compared to the NNT group. All groups demonstrated a significant increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase compared to the NNT group.

Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Globimetula oreophila, type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemic effects, antidiabetic, Imo State, Nigeria.

 

1.0   INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background of the Study

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both (American Diabetic Association (ADA), 2000). The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, Liver, heart, and blood vessels (Zeller, Whittaker, Sullian, Raskin, and Jacob, 1991; Pedrini, Levey, Lau, Chalmers, and Wang, 1996). Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin. It is a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Nigeria. According to the International Diabetes Federation, Nigeria has one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes in Africa, with an estimated 5.5 million adults living with the disease (WHO, 2021). Effective management of type 2 diabetes is crucial to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of traditional medicinal plants as alternative or complementary therapies for managing various diseases, including diabetes. Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent and has been widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Several studies have reported the potential antidiabetic effects of Neem, particularly its leaves and stem. Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is one of the very few trees known in the Indian subcontinent (Puri, 1999). This tree belonged to Meliceae family, and grows rapidly in the tropic and semi-tropic climate. It is also observed that this tree could survive in very dry and arid conditions.(Puri, 1999). The Neem Tree is an incredible plant that has been declared the Tree of the 21st century by the United Nations (Puri, 1999). In India, it is variously known as ‘Divine Tree’, ‘Life giving tree’, ‘Nature’s Drugstore’, ‘Village Pharmacy’ and ‘Panacea for all diseases’. It is one of the major components in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India since many centuries.

Extracts from the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A Juss) also called ‘Dogonyaro’ in Nigeria are most consistently recommended in ancient medical texts for gastrointestinal upsets, diarrhoea and intestinal infections, skin ulcers and malaria (Schmutterer, 1995). All parts of Neem plant such as leaves, bark, flower, fruit, seed and root have advantages in medical treatment and industrial products. Its leaves can be used as drug for diabetes, eczema and reduce fever. Barks of Neem can be used to make toothbrush and the roots has an ability to heal diseases and against insects. (Puri, 1999). The seed of Neem tree has a high concentration of oil. Neem oil is widely used as insecticides, lubricant, drugs for variety of diseases such as diabetes and tuberculosis (Puri, 1999; Ragasa et al., 1996). India encouraged scientific investigations on neem tree as part of his program to revitalise India tradition and also increase commercial interest on neem (Stix, 1992) and presently some authors believe that no other plant or tree in the world has been so extensively researched or used in all possible capacities so far. In Africa, extracts from neem leaves have provided various medicinal preparations (Ekanem, 1971; Udeinya, 1993). Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) has been of great benefit in human health due to its biochemical, pharmacological, and medicinal properties.

However, there is limited scientific evidence available on the comparative study of the chemical components of Neem leaves and stem in the management of type 2 diabetes, especially in the context of Imo State, Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Diabetes is a significant health challenge in Imo State, Nigeria, with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the population. Conventional treatments for diabetes, such as oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin therapy, have limitations and may be associated with adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative and complementary approaches for diabetes management. Azadirachta indica (Neem) has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including its potential antidiabetic effects.

This research intends to solve this problem by conducting a comparative study of the chemical components of Neem leaves and stem and their efficacy in managing type-2 diabetes. By identifying and analyzing the chemical constituents present in Neem leaves and stem, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for understanding the potential antidiabetic properties of Neem. Additionally, by evaluating the comparative efficacy of Neem leaves and stem, this research will contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations for healthcare practitioners and policymakers regarding the use of Neem as an adjunctive therapy for type 2 diabetes management in Imo State, Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comparative study of the chemical components of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and stem and their potential in the management of type 2 diabetes in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives include:

1. To identify and analyze the chemical constituents present in Neem leaves and stem.
2. To evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the identified chemical components.
3. To determine the potential mechanisms of action by which the chemical components of Neem leaves and stem exert their antidiabetic effects.
4. To assess the comparative efficacy of Neem leaves and stem in managing type 2 diabetes.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study, the following research questions will be addressed:

1. What are the chemical constituents present in Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and stem?
2. Do the identified chemical components possess antidiabetic properties?
3. What are the potential mechanisms of action of the chemical components in Neem leaves and stem?
4. How do Neem leaves and stem compare in terms of efficacy for managing type 2 diabetes?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will contribute to the existing body of scientific knowledge on the chemical components of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and their potential in managing type 2 diabetes. Secondly, the outcomes of this research may provide valuable insights into the development of new therapeutic approaches and medications for diabetes management. Additionally, the study will shed light on the safety considerations associated with the use of Neem leaves and stem as potential antidiabetic agents. The findings may also inform healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and individuals living with type 2 diabetes in Imo State, Nigeria, about the potential benefits and risks of utilizing Neem as a complementary or alternative therapy.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

This research will focus specifically on the chemical components of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and stem and their potential in managing type 2 diabetes. A comparative study was also done with Globimetula oreophila.  The study will be conducted in Imo State, Nigeria, and will involve laboratory analysis, experimental studies, and data collection from relevant sources. However, it is important to note that this research has some limitations, including the availability of resources, time constraints, and the inherent challenges associated with conducting scientific research. Additionally, the study will not cover other parts of the Neem tree or other aspects of diabetes management beyond the chemical components of Neem leaves and stem.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAVES AND STEM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA. GET MORE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE TOPICS AND MATERIALS

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