TITLE:
Comparison of the Effects of Neem Extracts (Azadirachta indica) and the May Pitaya Flower (Stenocereus spp.) on Some Blood Parameters of Diabetic Rats Induced with Streptozotocin
AUTHORS:
Manuel Rosales Cortés, Salvador González Sandoval, José Ricardo Cuellar Perez, Guillermo Nolasco Rodríguez, Nancy Janette Márquez Delgadillo, Georgina Guadalupe López Santillán, Elia Margarita Rodriguez Chavez, Francisco Javier Barrera Cobos
KEYWORDS:
Diabetes, Neem, Azadirachta indica, Pitaya (Stenocereus spp.), Streptozotocin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of Neem extract (Azadirachta indica) and pitaya flower extract (Stenocereus spp.) in rats with diabetes. Materials and Methods: 72 male Wistar rats weighing 150 ± 170 g were used, distributed into four groups (n = 18). 54 rats were induced with type 2 diabetes with intraperitoneal streptozotocin, experimental groups treated with neem, pitaya and streptozotocin were formed, and the remaining intact animals formed the control group. Subsequently, on days 0, 15 and 30, blood samples were obtained and levels of glucose, insulin, total protein, urea, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides were quantified. Results: In the pitaya and neem groups, there were significant differences in urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In the neem and streptozotocin groups, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and protein levels remained at normal levels; only the streptozotocin group showed any changes in serum cholesterol. Conclusions: The hypoglycemic, detoxifying, and metabolic-regulating effects of both extracts were demonstrated, with health benefits by regulating body homeostasis. Animals in the untreated streptozotocin group showed signs of the disease such as weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperphagia.