Toxicological and Histopathological Analysis of Neem Leaf Extract and Edible Camphor on the Liver of Wistar Rats
Jebose-Uduru, O.F
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Elekima, I
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Obisike, U.A *
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the toxicological effect and the biochemical changes in the liver after the administration of Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract and a mixture of edible camphor in albino Wistar rats.
Study Design: Experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between October and December 2024.
Methodology: Thirty albino Wistar rats were used for the study. They were divided into six groups randomly. Group 1 served as control group, group 2 served as the vehicle group and was administered daily dose of coconut oil, while group 3 received 500mg/kg of Neem dissolved in coconut oil, group 4 received 50mg/kg of camphor dissolved in coconut oil, group 5 received 100mg/kg of camphor dissolved in coconut oil and group 6 received 50mg of Neem and 50mg of camphor dissolved in coconut oil daily for 30 days. At the end of administration of the extract, the rats were sacrificed, and samples were taken and examined for the determination of liver enzymes using spectrophotometric methods, and liver tissues were collected for histological examination. GraphPad Prism Version 9.04 of Windows statistical package was used for statistical analysis. Data was expressed as mean ± standard deviation, one-way ANOVA and Tukey`s multiple comparison tests was used to assess differences in mean values between groups. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05).
Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in AST and ALT virtually in all the comparisons for all the experimental groups. However, there was a significant increase in ALT when values for the negative and positive control groups were compared with those of group 5 (Camphor 100mg in Coconut Oil) and 6 (Neem and Camphor in Coconut Oil), and.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the potential hepatotoxic effects of edible camphor, highlighting the need for cautious consumption and further research to establish safe guidelines.
Keywords: Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract, edible camphor, liver, Albino wistar rats