Abstract:
The anti-ulcer effects of methanolic extract of neem leaf (NLE) and neem
compound nimolicine (NC) have been studied and the effects were compared
with the ulcer healing drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole on stomach of
albino rats (Wistar strain). A total of 90 rats of both sex weighing 150-200
gms were used in the study. The rats were divided into six groups. Per oral
administration of ethanol (100%) was used for ulcer induction. This group
served as a check group. The control group was given Peanut oil 1 ml/day
for the treatment of ulcer. The test groups received NLE 1ml/day (0.88 gm)
p/o for 5 days and NC 1% (0.01 gm in 1 ml) p/o per day for 3 days. The
healing was compared to the healing effects of p/o Ranitidine 50 mg/kg and
Omeperazole (2.5mg/kg). The ulcer induction and healing effects both were
confirmed by histopathology of the gastric tissues. The calculation of ulcer
index and ulcer inhibition percentage was done. The gastric secretion of H
mEq/100 Gms of rat was also calculated. The antioxidant activity of NLE
and NC was also done. Finally the identification of NLE, NC, and drugs in
tissue extracts were done by HPLC. The results were analysed by using a
one way ANOVA by a SPSS version 18 computerized software programme.
The P value (P<0.05) was considered significant. The results show that NLE
is better than NC and the anti ulcer effect of NLE can be compared to the
anti-ulcer drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole. The high antioxidant activity
of NLE compared to NC may explain the mechanism of action of NLE whichxiv
needs further explorations. The effects of NLE and NC on gastric secretion
of H mEq/100 gms when compared with PNO and Ranitidine and
Omeperazole were insignificant. However there was a significant difference
on comparison of gastric secretion between PNO control and Ranitidine.
Further studies are required to confirm the present study by conducting
clinical trials. Anti ulcer treatment by NLE will be of financial benefit to the
community in developing countries specially in Pakistan. In conclusion NLE
has a better ulcer healing effect compared to NC. The effect of NLE can be
compared to the ulcer healing drugs Ranitidine and Omeperazole.
