Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Neem Leaf Extract Against Erythromycin-Induced Changes in Albino Wistar Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35845/abms.2026.1.522Keywords:
Erythromycin, Hepatotoxicity, Hepatocytes, HemorrhagesAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous Neem leaf extract on Erythromycin-induced loss in hepatocyte count of albino Wistar rats.
METHODOLOGY: Eighty male albino Wistar rats were included in the experiment and divided into four groups. Group A was an untreated control. Group B received Erythromycin alone, while Group C received both Erythromycin and aqueous neem leaf extract. Group D was treated only with neem extract. The body weight of each rat was measured at the start of the study and at the end of the experiment. At the end of the 14-day treatment period, animals were sacrificed, and their livers were collected, weighed, and prepared for further processing.
RESULTS: Group A maintained a normal hepatocyte count (16.13 ± 0.44), consistent with intact liver tissue. A noticeable reduction was observed in Group B (8.94 ± 0.43), indicating significant hepatocellular loss following liver injury. In Group C, hepatocyte count increased to 11.63 ± 0.46, suggesting partial restoration of hepatic tissue. Group D showed a hepatocyte count of 15.76 ± 0.35, which was comparable to the control group and may indicate a protective effect with preservation of normal liver morphology.
CONCLUSION: Histopathological assessment showed marked differences among groups. Group B exhibited reduced hepatocyte count with disrupted liver architecture, congestion, and hemorrhagic changes, while Group C showed near-normal recovery with mild residual alterations. Groups A and D maintained normal hepatocyte count and liver histology. These findings suggest that aqueous neem leaf extract may protect against erythromycin-induced hepatotoxicity by preserving hepatocyte integrity and supporting normal liver structure.
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