Effects of Azadirachta indica A Juss on some biochemical, immunological and visceral parameters in normal and stressed rats.

Effects of A. indica (AI) were evaluated on some biochemical, immunological and visceral parameters in normal and stress rats. AI (100 mg/kg) lowered blood glucose, triglyceride and SGOT levels in normal rats, and attenuated stress-induced elevations of cholesterol and urea levels. In rats immunized with SRBC, AI enhanced the humoral antibody response to the antigen. Further, AI facilitated the footpad thickness response to SRBC in sensitized mice and also enhanced leucocyte migration in immunized rats. In stressed rats, AI significantly attenuated the stress-induced (a) suppression of humoral immune response and (b) gastric ulcerogenesis. These results are discussed in light of the possible mechanisms involved in the effects of AI in normal and stressful situations.