An experimental evaluation of Azadirachta indica (A Juss) for adaptogenic potential

The effect of Azadirachta indica (neem) on some biochemical, enzymatic, immunological. and visceral parameters were investigated in normal and stressed rats and mice in order to elucidate the probable biological mechanism involved in the versatile beneficial effects produced by this plant. In normal rats A. indica (100 mg/kg) lowered the blood glucose, triglyceride. and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) levels significantly and enhanced humoral as well as cellular immune responses. In stressed rats, A, indica (1) lowered the raised cholesterol and urea levels and brought the blood glucose level to normal, (2) markedly reduced the frequency and severity of gastric mucosal lesions, and (3) attenuated the stress-induced immunosuppression of the secondary antibody responses to sheep red blood cells. It is suggested that the use of A. indica in cardiovascular and hepatic disorders and natural and acquired immunodeficiency disorders should be explored.