Chemical and Nutritional Studies of Neem Plant Leaves Planted in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Their Importance in Combating Oxidative Stress in Experimental Animals.

Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body and its ability to detoxify these reactive molecules or repair the damage they cause. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of neem tree (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) leaves collected in the Tehama al-Baha area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reducing oxidative stress induced by potassium bromate in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy adult male albino rats weighting 150±5g were used in the experiment, were used and divided into 5 groups, one was kept as a negative control group, while the other groups of rats (24 in total) were injected by a single intraperitoneal dose of potassium bromate at dose of 125 mg/kg body weight for induction of oxidative stress, the groups were divided into four groups fed on basal diet + neem leaves at different levels 5%, 10% and 15% and one group acting as a control(+) group that suffered from the disease but did not follow the experimental diet, also phenolic compounds have been extracted using the technique described. Results: BrO3 intoxication raised the AST (Aspartate Transaminase) / ALT (Alanine Transaminase) ratio, while feeding on plant diets lowered this ratio. Nevertheless, the best effect was recorded for G4 (10% neem leaves), with a non-significant difference from G3 (5% neem leaves). The non-significant difference between G3 and G4 could be attributed to the similar biochemical properties of the neem leaves at both concentrations. The revealed primary bioactive compounds in the neem leaves, such as pyrogallol and catechin, may reach a saturation point where increasing the concentration from 5% to 10% does not significantly enhance their impact on the AST (Aspartate Transaminase) / ALT (Alanine Transaminase) ratio. Catalase activity (Catalase) was reduced due to KBrO3 intoxication, while plant diets G 5(15% neem leaves) increased. Neem leaves led to the most significant enhancement of Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase, and Glutathione Peroxidase activities, indicating its superior protective effect against oxidative stress.