Effect of aqueous extract of Azadiracta indica on organs of tissue macrophages in Swiss albino rats

Azadiracta indica (A.indica) is an ancient medicinal plant that is used in form of an extract, pure compounds and neem-based commercial products for the treatment of various ailments . In this study, twenty four adult rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. While group A received distilled water daily ,groups B, C, D received aqueous extractof Azadiracta indica at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kgbody weight respectively. The organs of the tissue macrophages (liver, bone marrow, spleen and lung) were immediately fixed, dehydrated and sectioned at 5 μm thickness. The sections were stained with hematoxyline and eosin ,and were examined grossly in all the autopsied rats. It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of A. Indica exerted a potent toxic effect on tissues of liver and spleen at doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg .On the other hand, the histopathological changes observed in the bone marrow and lung an increase in myelopoiesis and alveolar macrophages by the extract. In view of its toxicity on the Liver and the Spleen, A. Indica should not be administered at high doses. In view of its toxicityKeywords: Azadiracta indica, Macrophages, Myelopoiesis, Alveolar macrophages, Toxicit