Effect of ethanolic extract of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (neem) gum on fasting lipid profile on female streptozotocin induced diabetes rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with prolonged hyperglycemia ranking top tenth global causes of death that is linked to malfunction of pancreatic beta cell, macrovascular and microvascular complications characterized by elevated blood lipid levels (hyperlipidemia) leading to lipotoxicity and susceptibility to dyslipidemia that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. This study assessed the effect of ethanolic extract of Azadirichta indica gum on fasting lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetes albino rats. Thirty-six female albino rats were randomly assigned into six (6) groups, Group I was a positive control. Groups II and III were streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats administered 2.0 mL each of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of the ethanolic extract of A. indica gum respectively. Groups IV was a negative control while V and VI were non-diabetic rats administered 2.0 mL each of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of the ethanolic extract of A. indica. The results showed a decrease in total cholesterol, Triglyceride and Serum LDL-cholesterol concentration (mmol/L) and an increase in HDL-Cholesterol (mmol/L), that was statistical significant (p<0.05) after analysis using One Way independent ANOVA in JMP software version 11, and Dunnett's Post hoc test for comparison back to control. The outcome of this study indicates that A. indica gum possesses potential in mitigating hyperlipidemia and preventing lipotoxicity that is related to complications of diabetes. This improvement suggests its consideration in the management of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes. Study can also be done on dose optimization of A. indica gum for maximum therapeutic benefit while minimizing potential side effects coupled with further clinical studies following positive outcome observed in the animal models.