Research Article

Effectiveness of Aqueous Versus Alcoholic Extracts of Melia azedarach in Amelioration of Lipid Profile, Liver Enzymes and Innate Inflammatory Indices for White New Zealand Rabbits

Marah Salim Hameed1, Raad Mahmood Hussein Al Zubaidi2, Ali Ibrahim Ali Al-Ezzy3*

1Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq; 2Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq; 3Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq.

Received | March 10, 2024; Accepted | April 07, 2024; Published | May 18, 2024

*Correspondence | Ali Ibrahim Ali Al-Ezzy, Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq; Email: alizziibrahim@gmail.com, ali.ib@uodiyala.edu.iq

Citation | Hameed MS, Al-Zubaidi RMH, Al-Ezzy AIA (2024). Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in amelioration of lipid profile, liver enzymes and innate inflammatory indices for white New Zealand rabbits. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci., 12(7):1256-1265.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.aavs/2024/12.7.1256.1265

ISSN (Online) | 2307-8316

Copyright: 2024 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Introduction

Most indigenous medicines are primarily composed of medicinal plants, and many Western medical formulations contain one or more components that are derived from plants (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2020; Ralte et al., 2024). The medicines that are used now are unquestionably not the same as those that were utilized in the past, whether it be ancient or more contemporary (Dias et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2024). The kind, quality, presentation, and idea of a pharmaceutical treatment are always changing thanks to a variety of alterations, advancements, complexity, and new discoveries (Mohs and Greig, 2017; Najmi et al., 2022). As human knowledge increased, scientists worked to separate various chemical components from plants, subject them to biological and pharmacological testing, and use this information to make contemporary medications (Salmerón-Manzano et al., 2020; Chaachouay and Zidane, 2024).

One of the most beneficial medicinal plants in India’s ancient medical system is Melia azedarach (family: Meliaceae). M. azedarach is widespread over most tropical and subtropical areas and is popular to tropical Asia (Song et al., 2023). Different active ingredients were extracted from the fruit of Melia azedarach such as melianoninol (I), melianol (II), melianone (III), meliandiol (IV), vanillin (V), and vanillic acid have all been extracted from fruit (VI) (Ahmed et al., 2012; Song et al., 2023). The M. azedarach used for curing of leprosy, inflammations, and heart conditions (Gondwal and Rana, 2021). Its fruit extracts have larvicidal and ovicidal properties (Carpinella et al., 2007; Ahmed et al., 2012).

The majority of hepatoprotective investigations are conducted on Melia azedarach linn leaves, however other portions such as roots and fruits have also been used (Wajdy et al., 2021). Ahmed et al. (2012) and Sumathi (2013) conducted separate investigations on the hepatoprotective potential of Melia azedarach. They found that, AST, ALT, ALP, and serum bilirubin levels were evaluated. The study discovered that after treatment with Melia azedarach extracts, the high levels of the biochemical parameter were lowered and returned to normal levels, yielding a promising result (Ahmed et al., 2012; Rao et al., 2012; Sumathi, 2013).

Akacha et al. (2016) investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach leaves (Akacha et al., 2016). Carrageenan-induced paw edema was utilized to assess activity of Melia azedarach. The study found that Melia azedarach has strong anti-inflammatory action at a level of 150mg/kg (Wajdy et al., 2021).

Current study designed to determine the effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in amelioration of lipid profile, liver enzymes and innate inflammatory indices for white New Zealand rabbits.

Materials and Methods

Procurement of white New Zealand rabbits

Thirty males of white New Zealand rabbits with a weight range of 1250-1500 g were procured from local market. Animals were housed under standard conditions with 12/12 hours’ light–dark cycle. All animals had free access to water and a standard diet ad libitum.

Ethical consideration

Current randomized experimental procedures were performed in accordance with the guides for the care and use of laboratory animals and confirmed by the ethics committee at pathology department, college of veterinary medicine, University of Diyala Iraq. The approval No.CVM-UOD-25 /202.

Source of Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach fruit were collected from gardens of University of Diyala- Iraq at the summer. The fruits were identified at the department of Biology, Faculty of science, University of Diyala.

Preparation of ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach fruit

Melia azedarach fruit dried in shade. Five hundred grams of the dried fruit was soaked in 70% ethanolic solution for 72 hours. The extract filtered through a filter paper and then dried using a rotary evaporator. Finally, the dried extract was kept in a dark bottle (Afkhami-Ardekani et al., 2017). The final outcome of ethanolic extract was weighed and preserved at 4°C in airtight bottles until use. The required dose of dried ethanolic Melia azedarach fruit extract (28mg/kg) was prepared by dilution with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (Al-Khafaji et al., 2016).

Preparation of aqueous extract of Melia azedarach fruit

Dried Melia azedarach fruit (500 g) was ground to a fine powder then it was poured with double distilled water, and left for 72 h at room temperature. The flask refluxed over hot water bath for 10 h and the mother liquor was filtered. The distilled water was refluxed and filtered by vacuum filtration through filter paper (Whatman no. 40). This process was repeated for four times. The filtrate was evaporated to complete dryness under reduced pressure on a water bath. Thus, the residue was aqueous Melia azedarach fruit extract (Jazzar and Hammad, 2003) that weighed and preserved at 4°C in airtight bottles until use. The required dose of dried aqueous plant extract (28mg/kg) was prepared by dilution with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)(Al-Khafaji et al., 2016).

Study design

A total of 30 males of white New Zealand rabbits were enrolled as a typical ample size according to sample size calculator software (Tech, 2024).

Group 1: A ten adult white New Zealand male rabbits were administrated 28mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of Melia azedarach for 14 days.

Group 2: A ten adult white New Zealand male rabbits were administrated 28mg/kg /day of ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach for 14 days.

Group 3: A ten adult white New Zealand male rabbits were administrated pellets and green food for 14 days.

Biochemical analysis

Blood samples were taken at (0, 7, 14) day for separation of serum as described by (Al-Ezzy, 2016; Al-Ezzy et al., 2020). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, total serum cortisol, total serum bilirubin, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase) were determined by Cobas Integra 400 Plus according to (Al-Ezzy et al., 2016; Hameed et al., 2020).

Statistical analysis

Data were expressed as (Mean±SE) (Al-Ezzy et al., 2020). One–way analysis of variance (one–way ANOVA) of Vassar Stats online program was used (Al-Ezzy, 2015; Hameed and Al-Ezzy 2019). SPSS used for determination of between t test value with significant level (P<0.05) (Al-Ezzy, 2016).

Results and Discussion

As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, the mean serum cholesterol level was (52.6667±11.05039 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (70.7500±5.85057 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (49.6667±6.8879 mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value =0.41630; aqueous extract vs ethanolic extract, P value= 0.17819; aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value=0.17185).These results come in contrary with that reported by (Ilahi et al., 2014), stated a significant reduction in the mean serum cholesterol level after treatment with different fractions of Melia azedarach (ethyl acetate fraction, n-hexane fraction, chloroform fraction and aqueous fraction) at a dose 50 mg/kg for 20 days. The contrary of current study and that achieved by (Ilahi et al., 2014), regarding serum cholesterol, belongs to the using of different fractions by (Ilahi et al., 2014), which give a wide range for evaluation of anticholesterol activity of Melia azedarach, beside the use of higher dose for longtime which is one of limitation of current study.

 

Table 1: Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in lipid profile.

Parameters	Experimental groups	Minimum serum cholesterol (mg/dL)	Maximum serum cholesterol (mg/dL)	Mean± SE serum cholesterol (mg/dL)	P value
Serum cholesterol	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	35	73	52.6667±11.0503	0.41630
	Control	36	58	49.6667±6.8879
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	62	88	70.7500±5.8505	0.051
	Control	36	58	49.6667±6.8879
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	35	73	52.6667±11.0503	0.17819
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	62	88	70.7500±5.8505
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	35	73	52.6667±11.0503	0.17185
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	62	88	70.7500±5.8505
	Control	36	58	49.6667±6.8879
Serum triglyceride	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	48	66	54.6667±5.6960	0.18
	Control	30	60	43.6667±8.7622
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	26	105	68.2500±16.8145	0.149
	Control	30	60	43.6667±8.7622
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	48	66	54.6667±5.6960	0.268
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	26	105	68.2500±16.8145
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	48	66	54.6667±5.6960	0.444
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	26	105	68.2500±16.8145
	Control	30	60	43.6667±8.7622

 

A shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, Significant variation in serum cholesterol was reported between (ethanolic extract vs control, p value =0.051). This result come in accordance with that reported by (Herlina et al. 2019), reported significant reduction in the level of cholesterol of high fat diet fed rat after treatment with Melia azedarach extracts. On the other hand, (Ilahi et al., 2014) stated a significant reduction in the mean serum cholesterol level after treatment with butanol fraction of Melia azedarach at a dose 50 mg/kg for 20 days. The differences in the mean value of serum cholesterol may attributed to the difference in dose and duration as well as the solvent used for extraction of active ingredients. Current results come in line with (Sumathi, 2013), who reported a reduction of serum cholesterol after treatment with 100-200mg/kg ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Melia azedarach indicating a hepatoprotective effects. Current results come in line with (Kumar et al., 2013) after treatment with 100-200mg/kg aqueous and methanolic extract of Melia azedarach.

The mechanism for lowering serum cholesterol by aqueous extract of Melia azedarach attributed to the effect of saponin which to help in eliminating bile acids and neutral fats, plasma lipids with intestinal content hence lowering cholesterol level (Nkosi et al., 2005). Another mechanism attributed to the presence of other substances that are stimulated by the presence of glucose in the blood and work to inhibit the enzyme hydroxy methyl glutaryl-CoA reductase responsible for the formation of cholesterol (Oakenfull et al., 1979). Further direct supportive evidence for antihyperlipidemic effect of Melia azedarach comes from (Davies et al., 2003) reported that a flavonoid fraction of Melia azedarach has antioxidant activity which delay lipid oxidation, reducing LDL and total cholesterol levels. Further supporting evidence come from (Agustina 2009), found that alkaloid substances of Melia azedarach impair lipase enzyme function, resulting in reduced fat absorption. As reported by (Herlina et al., 2019) flavonoids of Melia azedarach reduce the activity of the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaril-CoA enzyme, lowering cholesterol production. Further evidence come s from a study of (Herlina et al., 2019) reported that the tannin components in the ethanol extract of Melia azedarach reduce LDL levels by reducing the activity of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol.

As shown in Table 1 and Figure 2, the mean serum triglyceride level was (54.6667±5.69600mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach while it was (68.2500±16.81455 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach, (43.6667±8.7622 mg/dL for control). No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value =0.18; ethanolic extract vs control, p value= 0.149; aqueous extract vs ethanolic extract, p value= 0.268; aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.444). These results come in contrary with that reported by (Ilahi et al., 2014), stated a significant reduction in the mean serum triglyceride level after treatment with ethyl acetate fraction, n-hexane fraction with minimum reduction with aqueous fraction for 20 days at a dose 50 mg/kg. Current result come in line with (Kumar et al., 2013) who reported no significant variation between aqueous and methanolic extract of Melia azedarach in lowering triglyceride. The differences in the mean value of serum triglyceride may attributed to the difference in dose and duration as well as the use of different solvent for extraction of wide range of active ingredients of Melia azedarach.

 

 

As shown in Table 2 and Figure 3, the mean of total serum protein was (6.8333±0.76884 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (6.6000±0.45277 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (6.4667±0.40961mg/dL) among control group. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Melia azedarach have equal activity in maintaining the total serum protein close to its normal level with no significant variation between aqueous extract vs control, (p value= 0.3477); ethanolic extract vs control, p value= 0.4211); aqueous extract vs ethanolic extract, p value= 0.3958; aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (p value= 0.90291). These results come in contrary with (Soni et al., 2014), stated that a decrease in total protein content was reported in rat after treatment with 300-500mg/kg Melia azedarach. On the other hand, current results come in agreement with (Ahmed et al., 2011; Sumathi, 2013), indicating the hepatoprotective role for Melia azedarach by maintaining the serum protein level and metabolic activity of hepatocytes at normal physiological level. These discrepancy in reported results of total protein levels may attributed to the wide range of dose under investigation 28mg/kg in current study versus 300-500mg/kg in a study of (Soni et al., 2014).

As shown in Table 2 and Figure 4, the mean of total serum albumin was (5.5667±.06667 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (6.6000±.45277 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (5.5333±0.17638 mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value= 0.434137); ethanolic extract vs control, P value = 0.181243). Significant variation was reported between aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.030392). These results come in contrary with that reported by (Rao et al., 2012; Soni et al., 2014) stated no significant changes in total serum proteins which include serum albumin for rabbit treated with 300mg/kg -500mg/kg body weight Melia azedarach for 14 day. This effect might be due to the plant’s ability to interfere with protein metabolism or its hepatic function.

 

Table 2: Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in erum protein indices.

Parameter	Experimental groups	Minimum total serum protein (mg/dL)	Maximum total Serum protein (mg/dL)	Mean± SE Total serum protein (mg/dL)	P value
Total serum protein (mg/dL)	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.70	8.30	6.8333±0.76884	0.3477
	Control	5.70	7.10	6.4667±0.40961
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.90	7.80	6.6000±.45277	0.4211
	Control	5.70	7.10	6.4667±0.40961
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.70	8.30	6.8333±.76884	0.3958
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.90	7.80	6.6000±.45277
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.70	8.30	6.8333±.76884	0.90291
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.90	7.80	6.6000±.45277
	Control	5.70	7.10	6.4667±0.40961
Total serum albumin	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.50	5.70	5.5667±.06667	0.434137
	Control	5.20	5.80	5.5333±.17638
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.30	5.50	5.3750±.04787	0.181243
	Control	5.20	5.80	5.5333±.17638
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.50	5.70	5.5667±.06667	0.030392
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.30	5.50	5.3750±.04787
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	5.50	5.70	5.5667±.06667	0.386459
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	5.30	5.50	5.3750±.04787
	Control	5.20	5.80	5.5333±.17638
Total serum globulin	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.20	2.80	1.2667±.78599	0.363519
	Control	0.10	1.40	0.9333±0.41767
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.50	2.30	1.2250±.42303	0.452534
	Control	0.10	1.40	0.9333±0.41767
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.20	2.80	1.2667±.78599	0.3308
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.50	2.30	1.2250±.42303
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.20	2.80	1.2667±.78599	0.8153512
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.50	2.30	1.2250±.42303
	Control	0.10	1.40	0.9333±0.41767

 

Table 3: Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in Total Serum cortisol.

Parameter	Experimental groups	Minimum total serum cortisol (mg/dL)	Maximum total serum cortisol (mg/dL)	Mean± SE total serum cortisol (mg/dL)	P value
Total serum cortisol (mg/dL)	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	76	98	85.3333±6.56591	0.4596
	Control	66	100	86.6667±10.47749
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	39	103	73.25±13.20590	0.24383
	Control	66	100	86.6667±10.47749
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	76	98	85.3333±6.56591	0.24919
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	39	103	73.25±13.20590
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	76	98	85.3333±6.56591	0.65095
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	39	103	73.25±13.20590
	Control	66	100	86.6667±10.47749

 

As shown in Table 2 and Figure 5, the mean of total serum globulin was (1.2667±.78599 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (0.9333±0.41767mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (0.9333±0.41767 mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value =0.363519); ethanolic extract vs control, p value =0.452534), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.3308); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.8153512). These results come in agreement with (Shekhar et al., 2018), stated that lesser reduction in total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin: globulin ratio was observed in broilers treated with methanolic extract of Melia azedarach. The reduction in previous parameters was attributed to the increase in cortisol level which enhance the catabolism of protein (Shekhar et al., 2018).

 

As shown in Table 3 and Figure 6, the mean of total serum cortisol was (85.3333±6.56591 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (73.25±13.20590 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (86.6667±10.47749 mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, p value =0.4596); ethanolic extract vs control, P value = 0.24383), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.24919); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value = 0.65095).However, there is some evidence that Melia azedarach have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties by activation of central mechanisms also through peripheral mechanisms involved in the inhibition of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other endogenous substances that are key players in pain which could potentially affect cortisol levels due to the activity of flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and tannins in extract (Bibi et al., 2010; Vekariya et al., 2016).

 

As shown in Table 4 and Figure 7, the aqueous extract has superior activity than ethanolic in maintaining of total serum bilirubin level. The mean serum total Serum Bilirubin was (0.6000±0.05774 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (0.5750±10308 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (0.400±.05774 mg/dL) among control group. Significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control (p value=0.0352). No significant variation was reported between groups (ethanolic extract vs control, P value =0.11986), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.428177); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.279893). These results come in line with that reported by (Rajeswary et al., 2011; Rao et al., 2012; Soni et al. 2014; Al-Khafaji et al., 2019), which indicate the hepatoprotective effect for aqueous extract of the Melia azedarach at a dose 300-500 mg /day. Hepatoprotective effect of Melia azedarach may attributed in part to the effects of phenolic compounds which have antioxidant effects that inactivate lipid free radicals or prevent the decomposition of hydro peroxides into free radicals (Rao et al., 2012; Mendonça et al., 2022). Current results come in line with (Sumathi, 2013), who reported a reduction of serum bilirubin after treatment with 100-200mg/kg ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Melia azedarach indicating a hepatoprotective effects

 

As shown in Table 5 and Figure 8, the mean of serum ALT was (52±2.51661mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (52.33±8.11035mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (52.33±8.11035mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, p value= 0.48528; ethanolic extract vs control, P value =0.3458092), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.3192); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.8394).

 

As shown in Table 5 and Figure 9, The mean of serum AST was (41.3333±8.19214 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (40 ±6.79461 mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (37±10.39765 mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value = 0.388787; ethanolic extract vs control, P value =0.41539), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (p value= 0.452242); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.947215). As shown in Table 5 and Figure 10, the mean of serum ALP was (59±14.73092mg/dL) in white rabbit administered aqueous extract of Melia azedarach; (64.2500±5.40640mg/dL) in white rabbit administered ethanolic extract, (102±25.79406mg/dL) among control group. No significant variation was reported between groups (aqueous extract vs control, P value = 0.110; ethanolic extract vs control, P value =0.077183), aqueous extract vs ethanolic group (P value = 0.36044); aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control, (P value =0.19149197).

 

Table 4: Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in Total Serum Bilirubin.

Parameter	Experimental groups	Minimum total serum bilirubin (mg/dL)	Maximum total serum bilirubin (mg/dL)	Mean± SE total serum bilirubin (mg/dL)	P value
Total serum bilirubin (mg/dL)	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.50	0.70	0.6000±0.05774	0.0352
	Control	0.3	0.5	0.400±.05774
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.40	0.80	0.5750±10308	0.11986
	Control	0.3	0.5	0.400±.05774
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.50	0.70	0.6000±0.05774	0.428177
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.40	0.80	0.5750±10308
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	0.50	0.70	0.6000±0.05774	0.279893
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	0.40	0.80	0.5750±10308
	Control	0.3	0.5	0.400±.05774

 

Table 5: Effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in liver enzymes.

Parameter	Experimental groups	Minimum ALT (mg/dL)	Maximum ALT (mg/dL)	Mean± SE ALT (mg/dL)	P value
ALT (mg/dL)	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	47	55	52±2.51661	0.48528
	Control	39	67	52.33±8.11035
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	31	80	58.25±10.41933	0.3458092
	Control	39	67	52.33±8.11035
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	47	55	52±2.51661	0.3192
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	31	80	58.25±10.41933
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	47	55	52±2.51661	0.8394
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	31	80	58.25±10.41933
	Control	39	67	52.33±8.11035
AST (mg/dL)	Experimental groups	Minimum AST (mg/dL)	Maximum AST (mg/dL)	Mean± SE AST ( mg/dL )	P value
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	26	54	41.3333±8.19214	0.388787
	Control	25	58	37±10.39765
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	25	58	40 ±6.79461	0.41539
	Control	25	58	37±10.39765
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	26	54	41.3333±8.19214	0.452242
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	25	58	40 ±6.79461
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	26	54	41.3333±8.19214	0.947215
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	25	58	40 ±6.79461
	Control	25	58	37±10.39765
ALP (mg/dL)	Experimental groups	Minimum ALP (mg/dL)	Maximum ALP (mg/dL)	Mean± SE ALP (mg/dL)	P value
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	34	85	59±14.73092	0.110
	Control	66	152	102±25.79406
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	53	78	64.2500±5.40640	0.077183
	Control	66	152	102±25.79406
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	34	85	59±14.73092	0.36044
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	53	78	64.2500±5.40640
	Melia azedarach aqueous extract	34	85	59±14.73092	0.19149197
	Melia azedarach ethanolic extract	53	78	64.2500±5.40640
	Control	66	152	102±25.79406

 

 

 

In current study, both aqueous extract and ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach have equal activity in keeping of the serum level of ALT, AST, ALP, close to normal value. In general, no significant variation was reported in ALT between groups (aqueous extract vs control; ethanolic extract vs control, aqueous extract vs ethanolic group; aqueous extract, ethanolic vs control. These results come in line with that reported by (Ke and Roma, 2005; Rajeswary et al., 2011; Rao et al., 2012; Al-Khafaji et al., 2019), which indicate the equivalent hepatoprotective effect for ethanolic and aqueous extract of the Melia azedarach as the level of enzymes in extra hepatic environment was reduced (Sen and Batra, 2012) which was confirmed in PhD thesis project by (Kale, 2013). Moreover, demonstrating their hepatoprotective action, Melia azedarach ethanolic extracts (300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, P.O.) inhibit the histological alterations of the liver. The protective effect may attributed to the activity of Catechins which are one of the phytochemical content of Melia azedarach may be responsible for lowering the levels of (ALT and AST) in treated animals (Nkosi et al., 2005). The antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds may be responsible for the protective benefits (Rao et al., 2012). Similar results were reported by (Soni et al., 2014), stated that ALT, AST, ALP remain at normal level after treatment with Melia azedarach at a dose (300-500mg/kg). Current results come in line with (Sumathi, 2013), who reported a reduction of serum ALT, AST, ALP to normal levels after treatment with 100-200mg/kg ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Melia azedarach indicating a hepatoprotective effects. Usually, the difference in antioxidant activity attributed to the total concentration of phenolic compounds which in turn depends on the type of solvent used for extraction of phenolic compounds (Sen and Batra, 2012; Shi et al., 2022). In current study, it is appeared to be that both ethanol and aqueous extraction methods have the same efficacy in extraction of phenolic compounds from Melia azedarach.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach at 28mg/day dose has significant effects on serum cholesterol level, total serum albumin. Aqueous extract of Melia azedarach at 28mg/day dose has significant effects on total serum bilirubin. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Melia azedarach have equal effects on ALT, AST, ALP enzymes and innate inflammatory indices for white New Zealand rabbits.

Limitation of current study

In current experimental study several limitations that could play a role in discrepancy of obtaining results such as, using of only two fractions (crude ethanolic fraction, aqueous fraction of Melia azedarach), shortening of time for clinical investigation, 14 days, using of low dose of 28mg/kg compared with high doses that used in another studies.

Recommendations

To overcome limitation of current study ,and to eliminate any source of bias and for comprehensive evaluation for the clinical usefulness of Melia azedarach it is recommended to use different doses, different exposure time, different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol) for further fractionation of ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach and using of these fractions for evaluation the anti-hyperlipidemic ,hepatoprotective and renal protective effects of Melia azedarach. Future studies to evaluate the effect of different fractions of Melia azedarach on cardiac and pulmonary physiological functions.

Acknowledgment

Authors express an appreciated acknowledgement to the department of pathology, college of veterinary medicine, university of Diyala for support.

Novelty Statement

The novelty of current study is determination of the effectiveness of aqueous versus alcoholic extracts of Melia azedarach in amelioration of lipid profile, liver enzymes and innate inflammatory indices for white New Zealand rabbits.

Author’s Contribution

All authors are equally contributed in planning, writing a draft and final manuscript, experimental design and laboratory work, statistical analysis.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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