Role of in-utero Neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) supplemented diet on some hematological parameters and glucose storage in offspring of Wistar rats.

Abstract

Azadirachta indica (AI) Neem leaf is native of India which grows in most of tropical and subtropical countries. It tree has adaptability to a wide range of climatic, topographic and edaphic factors. This study explored the impact of AI supplementation during gestation on some haematological parameters and glucose storage in both offspring of Wistar rats. Eighteen pregnant female and 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats with a weight range of 140-180 grams were employed for this study and they were exposed to either a standard diet or AI supplementation (AIS). The pregnant rats were exposed to AIS up to birth (gestational AI supplementation) which comprised of both treated males (TM) and treated females (TF). Control rats with control diet was administered in analogous comparatively and this comprised of control male (CM) and control females (CF). During postnatal day 49, the rats were sacrificed and blood sample was obtained for assay of white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), red blood cell counts (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV). Liver and gastrocnemius tissues were obtained for skeletal and hepatic glycogen assayed and intestinal and pancreatic α amylase and α glucosidase were determined from intestine and pancreatic tissues. WBC, PLT, RBC, Hb, PCV, alpha amylase, hepatic and skeletal glycogen increased significantly (p<0.05) in TM and TF with a remarkable decrease and increase in alpha glucosidase (p<0.05) in TM and TF respectively compared with CM and CF. It can be inferred from the present study that perinatal AI supplementation provides a substantial justification to its use in folk medicine as a hematopoietic plant and the increased glucose storage observed may not be unconnected with its role as an hypoglycaemic agent though the effect were more marked in female offspring compared with the male counterparts.