Effects of fractions of Melia azedarach (L.) fruit extracts on some biochemical parameters in rabbits

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of the methanolic extract of Melia azedarach fruits on serum glucose, lipid profile, GPT, ALP and creatinine of normal rabbits. Each fraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was orally administered to normal rabbits for 40 days and the serum biochemical parameters were estimated on days 20 and 40 after treatment. All of the extracts significantly decreased serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentrations, however, their administration caused elevation of serum HDL levels. All except the aqueous extract, caused a significant rise in the serum levels of GPT, ALP and creatinine. The present study demonstrates that all of the extracts possess hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and HDL boosting properties. Of the tested extracts, only the aqueous fraction was found safe, as it caused no significant alterations in the serum levels of GPT, ALP and creatinine.