The Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaf Extract and Neem Compound Nimolicine On Gastric Acidity

Abstract

Objectives: This study has been conducted to look at the anti acid effect of Neem and to compare the effect of leaf 
extract with the pure compound nimolicine on the gastric acidity. Nimolicine has been studied for its anti acid effect 
for the first time. 
Design of Study: Experimental study.  
Place of Study: This study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Baqai Medical College and the 
Department of Pharmacology in Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Karachi.  
Materials and Methods: Ethanol induced gastric ulcers in albino rats were treated with methanolic neem leaf 
extract (800mg/day for 5 days) and nimolicine (1%/day for 3 days) and the gastric acid secretion was estimated. The 
control of the treated group was given peanut oil 1 ml/day for 5 days. The effect on gastric secretion was compared 
with the effect of anti-ulcer drugs cimetidine® (50 mg/kg for 7-10 days) and omeperazole® (2.5 mg/kg/day for 7- 
14 days).  
Result: Neem leaf extract is a better suppressor of H-ion secretion compared to nimolicine but both neem leaf 
extract & nimolicine did not show a significant suppression of acid compared to ranitidine and omeperazole. The 
comparison between control and ranitidine in suppression of acid was significant. 
Conclusion: Methanolic NLE and neem compound nimolicine do not decrease gastric acidity and their role as anti
ulcer agents may be because of other mechanisms which need to be studied.