Antitumor activity of Neem leaf Extract and Nimbolide on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells in Mice

Background: Azadirachta indica (Neem) has been used traditionally for many centuries. Some impressive therapeutic qualities have been discovered. Aim: Our study aims to investigate the in vivo antitumor and antioxidant activities of Ethanolic Neem Leaf Extract (ENLE) and its fraction called Nimbolide, a limonoid present in leaves and flowers of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Also, to study the side effects of the ethanolic Neem leaf extract and Nimbolide fraction on the liver and kidney. Materials & Methods: We assessed the effect of nimbolide and ethanolic Neem leaves extract (ENLE) on replicative lifespan prolongation in vitro and on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Caspase-3, and Cytochrome c. Also, our study estimated their effect on Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Total Protein (TP), Albumin (Alb), bilirubin, urea and creatinine. Results: Ethanolic neem leaves extract and nimbolide resulted in increases in replicative lifespan. Also, they showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and an increase in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, caspase-3 activities, and cytochrome c concentration. Hence, it may be possible that Nimbolide and ENLE decrease lipid peroxidation level due to their antioxidant effect and enhance apoptosis. The Neem leaves extract and nimbolide showed no side effects on liver and kidney. Also, they showed a significant protection for both liver and kidney histopathologically