Protective Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) against Lantana camara-Induced hematobiochemical alterations in Wistar rats

Abstract

Lantana camara, a plant recognized for its hepatotoxic properties, can cause considerable hematological and biochemical disruptions in mammals. This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against such toxic effects in female Wistar rats. A total of thirty rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as the untreated control, while Group II received Neem extract alone. Hepatic injury was induced in Group III through oral administration of Lantana camara extract. Group IV was pre-treated with Neem extract before toxicant exposure to assess its prophylactic potential, and Group V received Neem extract after Lantana camara administration to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed that rats exposed to Lantana camara (Group III) exhibited significant (p