Regenerative Potential of Aqueous Extract of Neem Azadirachta indica on the Stomach and Ileum Following Ethanol-induced Mucosa Lesion in Adult Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine whether neem Azadirachta indica possesses regenerative potential on the stomach and ileum at 500 mg/kg dose given every 12 hours after mucosa lesion was brought by the administration of 1 ml of 50% ethanol for 21 consecutive days in adult Wistar rats. METHODS Adult male Wistar rats used in the study were divided into 3 groups: group A received oral normal saline and served as control; group B received 1.0 ml of 50% ethanol orally every 12 hours; and group C received neem extract (500 mg/kg) orally 12 hours after ethanol (50%, 1.0 ml) administration to verify its regenerative potential. The experiment lasted for 21 days after which the animals were sacrificed following chloroform inhalation and the stomach and ileum excised and processed for histological and morphometric examinations. RESULTS Ethanol treated rats showed marked gross mucosal lesions in the stomach and ileum. Ulcerated mucosa with marked apoptotic bodies and destruction of glandular elements were evident in the animals (group B). Neem extract administered 12 hours after the ethanol administration showed regenerative potential against ethanol-induced mucosal damage. This was characterized by mild restoration of the ulcerated mucosa epithelium and reorganization of the cyto-architechtural outline in group C. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation suggests that neem extract has a regenerative potential and may be adopted in the management of gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcer.