Biochemical and histological studies of reproductive organs in cyclic and ovariectomized rats supporting a non-hormonal action for neem oil.
Subcutaneous administration of neem oil to cyclic rats caused significant damage to the luminal epithelium of the uterus and to the uterine glands. It also decreased glycogen and total protein contents in the ovary and uterus, while the activity of acid phosphatase in these organs was increased significantly. Studies in ovariectomized rats revealed that the administration of neem oil decreased protein and glycogen content and increased acid phosphatase activity in the uterus whereas its conjoint administration with estradiol dipropionate or progesterone did not cause significant changes relative to those seen with the steroids per se. Histological studies in ovariectomized rats also supported the relatively inert action of neem oil when given with hormones. It was concluded that the histological and biochemical alterations observed were due to the toxicological potential of the neem oil rather than to hormonal properties.
Tewari
R K
RK
Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India.
Pathak
S
S
Prakash
A O
AO
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D004958:Estradiol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005989:Glycerides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013729:Terpenes / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D005989:Glycerides; D010938:Plant Oils; D011506:Proteins; D013729:Terpenes; C002443:neem oil; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D006003:Glycogen; D000135:Acid Phosphatase; C023482:estradiol dipropionate