Antifibroid and HPLC analysis of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) leaves

Background: Globally, women's reproductive health is endangered due to fibroids, which are benign tumors that develop from the uterine smooth muscle cells. Women are increasingly turning to herbal remedies to treat uterine fibroids due to the disadvantages of conventional therapies. Among these plants are the leaves of Azadirachta indica.  Objectives: To evaluate the antifibroid potential of the ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) in Wistar rats. Methods: Rats were given monosodium glutamate (MSG) every day for ۳۰ days in order to induce the formation of spindle-shaped fibers characteristic of fibroid. To a second group, the extract was administered in graded doses as a prophylactic measure concurrently with MSG (preventive approach). In the curative approach, MSG was administered for ۳۰ days to induce fibroid cells formation after which the extract was administered. Total cholesterol, protein, estrogen, and progesterone levels were measured through biochemical analysis of blood serum. A uterine histopathological examination was performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to identify the bioactive components of the plant. Results: MSG elevated serum cholesterol (P≤۰.۰۵), progesterone (P≤۰.۰۰۱) and estradiol content in the rats. Extract administration inhibited the rise in these parameters, both in the preventive and curative experiments. Histopathology assessment of rat uterus given the extract revealed a reduction in fibroid cells at ۸۰ mg/kg dose. HPLC analysis identified β-caryophyllin, azadirachnol, azadirachta-A, and quercetin as the major phenolic compounds in the extract. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the antifibroid potential of A. indica leaves merits more research.

کلیدواژه ها:

Azadirachta indica ، Fibroid ، High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) ، Biochemical ، Histopathology