Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf Extract Effect as an Option of Treatment of Ibuprofen-induced Nephrotoxicity

Aim: This study investigated the curative effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on Ibuprofen-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rat

Study Design: This is an experimental research

Place of Research: Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Methodology: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, with 4 rats in each group. Group 1 was control and received oral normal saline 0.5 ml daily. Group 2-6 had induction of nephrotoxicity using oral Ibuprofen 400 mg/Kg daily for 5 days. Group 3-5 were subsequently treated with gavage Azadirachta indica leaf extract 200 mg/Kg, 400 mg/Kg and 800 mg/Kg, respectively, for 5 days. And Group 6 was treated with oral Vitamin E 1000 iu/kg for 5 days.

Results: Ibuprofen induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by elevation of serum creatinine level in group 2 (1.99 ± 0.83), when compared to 0.48 ± 0.07 obtained in group 1 (control), and Bowman’s capsule enlargement with glomerular degeneration observed in group 2. The serum creatinine levels progressively approached the level of that of the control in groups treated with Azadirachta indica leaf extract, groups 3 (1.69 ± 0.52), 4 (0.69 ± 0.10) and 5 (0.49 ± 0.10). Also, the histoarchitecture progressively normalized to that of control with each increase in dose of the extract.

Conclusion: Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract administration led to the resolution of Ibuprofen-induced kidney injury in this study. Thus, it can serve as a treatment option for kidney injury resulting from ingestion of Ibuprofen, after the identification of the molecule responsible for this effect.