Effect of petroleum ether extracts of different parts of neem seed (Azadirachta indica) on haemotological and biochemical parameters in rats

The effect of daily oral administration of petroleum ether extract of neem whole seed (566 mg/kg b.wt) and husk (360 mg/kg b. wt) for a period of 60 days was studied on haematological and blood biochemical parameters of rats. A significant decrease in ESR and erythrocyte count was observed; mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were significantly increased. No significant change in haemoglobin, haematocrit, leucocyte count and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was observed. There was no significant change in blood glucose level; blood urea nitrogen was significantly increased, and SGOT and SGPT were significantly decreased. Serum protein was significantly increased during first 30 days of treatment. Serum cholestrol and plasma total lipids were significantly increased. Plasma phospholipids were significantly decreased. There was significant decrease in erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase enzyme, whereas Glutathione-s transferase was significantly increased. From this study it may be concluded that some toxic components may be present in the husk which probably is responsible for some of these physiological alterations in rats.