Melia Azedarach L. Fruit Extract Effect on Plasma Lipid Profile and Cardiac and Hepatic Functions of Diabetic Rats

Objective: There are controversial reports about biological effects of the Melia Azedarach Linn. (MA). In the present study, the effect of MA fruit extract on lipid profile, cardiac and hepatic functions of diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 as the control group, Group 2 as the diabetic group, Group 3 and 4 as the diabetic rats treated with  MA fruit extract (100 and 200 mg/kg for 30 days, orally) and Group 5 as the positive control group treated by Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg for 30 days). Diabetes was induced by nicotine amide and streptozotocin. After 30 days, the plasma concentration of glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), lipid profile, hepatic enzymes were measured. Also, electrocardiogram and interventricular pressures were recoded. Results: The data showed that the plasma levels of glucose, HbA1c, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in the diabetic group. These parameters were higher in groups treated with MA extract, without significant difference. The plasma lipid profile significantly changed in diabetic rats and did not come back to normal level in groups treated with MA extract. Compared to the control group, corrected QT interval was increased and the rate of interventricular pressure changes decreased in all groups. MA extract was as an antioxidant compound against diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that although MA extract had an antioxidant effect, it did not improve the signs of diabetes in diabetic rats.