Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 7, Issue 4, 2021

Introduction: Many environmental risk factors are associated with chronic inflammation. The spread of COVID-19 across the world has impacted every one of us. The first case of coronavirus was reported on 30th January 2020 in India. Study Area: India has a tremendous capacity to deal with the coronavirus outbreak because of its climatic conditions and its people having high immunity . Maintaining social distancing and hand washing are not sufficient steps for preventing COVID-19. Indian system of traditional medicine has the potential for enhancing immunity, which can prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus. Material & Methods: A detailed study was carried out by analyzing national and international scientific databases (PubMed, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Mendeley), thesis, and recognized books. Only Indian herbs with high immunity resistant power were analyzed. Epidemiological studies with information on COVID-19 risk factors and precautions were also considered for study purposes. Results: Some herbs like Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Curcuma domestica Vahl (Turmeric), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Cinnamon (Dalchini), Shoot of Triticumaestivum Linn. (Wheatgrass), Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh), can help in boosting immunity for COVID-19 disease. Discussion: Despite the shreds of evidence for the efficacy of these herbs in treating coronavirus induced infections; the proper dose with ideal timing for such interventions need to be verified in clinical trials. Researchers must explore the potential of herbs to reduce such epidemics and environmental threats.

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder. Considering its unknown etiology, the aim of IBS treatment is to control symptoms, and most patients are dissatisfied with current treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized, in its latest announcement in this regard, on the safe and effective use of traditional and complementary medicine in the health structures of countries Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the lifestyle of IBS patients from the perspective of Persian Medicine. Methods: This is a library study. At first, symptoms of IBS were first studied in databases and reference books of classical medicine and their Persian equivalents were extracted from PM sources. Then, we explained the total etiologies that were discussed for the occurrence of the causes, with respect to the principles of health care in PM. Finally, the collected information was categorized and analyzed. Results: Iranian physicians have presented their views on health preservation and disease prevention in the form of the six core principles. The influence of diet and lifestyle, sleep disturbances, eating habits, and physical activity have been found to be effective in causing this disease. Discussion: Many of the guidelines given by PM for preservation and restoration of health are incorporated into lifestyle-related topics. Some of these recommendations and guidelines, such as sleep, exercise, regular meals, and treatment of mental disorders have been supported with a number of new studies. Conclusion: Introducing PM strategies to control the symptoms or treatment of IBS may provide researchers with new clues.

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is a monoecious climbing vine and perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia, Arabia and the Caribbean, and with a prominent presence in Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Southern African provinces. While evidence of its anecdotal usage as medicine exists, scientific reports complementing the claims are at their infancy or still emerging. Objective: This review presents an appraisal of the morphology, therapeutic and biotechnological significance of M. balsamina. Method: Online resources such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and MeSH were utilized for literature search and relevant information from inception till May 2020 was included in the review to streamline sought outcomes for in-depth discussion. Results: The data gathered and considered worthy of inclusion in this study revealed that M. balsamina is rich in phytonutrients of medicinal significance including cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, balsamin and momordins. These compounds and other novel bioactive agents in M. balsamina have been found to possess remarkable pharmacological attributes and could further be harnessed for use against several debilitating human disorders. Conclusion: The potential applications of M. balsamina as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent should not be undermined. Also, with the inadequate toxicological data on this wild species, its consumption should be with caution and translational studies that could advance scientific knowledge and aid better understanding of both its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties without sidelining its potent biotechnological applications are highly encouraged. It is hoped that this paper will provide baseline information that could serve as a guide and inspiration for further studies on the prospects of M. balsamina.

Cucurbita Argyrosperma (pumpkin) is considered a sacred fruit, as it was mentioned in the Holy Quran. And it was the grace of God Almighty upon his Prophet Yunus, who provided him with a pumpkin tree and the reason for choosing this fruit, the science has proven it after nearly 5,000 years of its mention in the Holy Quran. Scientific research has proven that this tree is rapidly growing and is also rich in carotenoids that act as antioxidants, protecting the tissue from damage if free radicals are exposed, as this fruit contains an important protein in the growth of tissues and fibers, which has a significant role in maintaining the digestive system. It was found that pumpkin plays an important role in treating diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity, heart disease, and colon cancer. In addition, many minerals are present in this fruit, which have an effective role in maintaining the integrity of the bones, teeth, muscles, and nerve cells. Moreover, it was found that the chemical compounds in pumpkin have an effective role in limiting the growth of some microorganisms. Therefore, pumpkin is used as a treatment for microbes and also helps in raising the efficiency of the immune system and thus, protects the body from exposure to diseases.

Introduction: Persian medicine (PM) is one of the oldest branches of medicine in the world. The purpose of this research was to analyze published articles about PM in the PubMed indexed journals. Methods: Articles indexed in the PubMed database (2015-2019) were searched for keywords “Iranian traditional medicine”, “Iranian medicine”, “Persian traditional medicine” and “Persian medicine”. The data were evaluated for subject relevance and categorized, based on the journal metrics. Finally, all the data were analyzed and reported. Results: From the 3,000 records, 359 PM related articles were extracted. The most abundant number of published articles was in the year 2016, followed by a downward trend. The mean citation per article was 6.6. The largest portion of published articles belonged to the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. Among the top ten journals, the highest impact factor was 3.414 for the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Most of the journals were in the Q1 category according to Cite score Quartile. The highest impact factor (IF) was 7.995 for the JAMA Dermatology Journal and the average IF of all Journals was 1.39. The highest Citescore among all the journals was 5.27 and the highest journal h-Index was 170 for the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Conclusion: The total number of published PM articles over the past five years, despite a downtrend in 2016, has increased compared to previous years.

Background: Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers is one of the most valuable plants due to its ornamental and pharmacological relevance. It is known for its anti-diabetic activity with proved potent blood sugar-lowering activity. The anti-diabetic activity is due to the presence of its biologically active component, corosolic acid. Moreover, L.speciosa and its novel purified compounds are also well-known for their several biological activities with beneficial health benefit on the human being. Objectives: This review provides a summary of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and pharmacological properties of L.speciosa and its purified phytochemicals, which may help researchers for building up new research works in the near future. Methods: The current article is prepared by collecting data through various online and offline databases. The preliminary source of study and data collection for outlining the review was research articles and reviews that have been already published by many reputed publishers, including Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis imprints, BMC, Willy, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Environmental health prospective (EHP), and PLOS One. Result: The available studies' results suggested that the L.speciosa and its phytochemicals exhibitedantidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-obesity, and cardio-protective activities. Pharmacokinetic studies suggested the low bioavailability of its purified compounds. However, nano-encapsulation can improve the bioavailability related issue and effectively potentiate the medicinal properties of its constituents. Conclusion: Considering the worthy pharmacological properties, L.speciosa is considered a potent source of several novel drugs. Though, still preclinical and clinical studies are needed to reveal the targets, molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, and toxicity of its constituents.

Background: Modern lifestyle leads to a greater psychotechnological stress and which results in an increase in autonomic imbalances. This predicts disturbance of the normal mental state and cognition. The current researchers have found clear relationship between yoga practice and parasympathetic dominance. Objective: The purpose of the review study is to analyze the scientific literature related to yoga and autonomic neural responses. Methods: Researchers of the study collected scientific evidences through electronic online databases; PubMed, Embase, Medline, Google scholar, Web of science, PsycINFO, Shodhganga; Europe PMC; Scopus and critically analyzed all the relevant articles according to the purpose of this study. After the exhaustive search and selecting the studies on the basis of inclusion criteria, 11 full text articles of galvanic skin resistance and 75 articles related to autonomic function were shortlisted for qualitative analysis. Results: Yogic practices including meditation, pranayama, asana and integrated yoga increase the high-frequency band and decrease the low-frequency band of the heart rate variability spectrum, and this reduces the stress via limbic activity and increases the better psychophysiological relaxation. Conclusion: Yogic practice may enhance the vagal activity which influences autonomic flexibility.

Among the health challenges, management of diabetes is very important. This is on account of the decrease in the age of incidence, high prevalence and systemic complications that reduce the quality of life of patients. The age-standardised DALY rate was highest among major non-communicable diseases for diabetes, which is increased in India by 39·6% from 1990 to 2016. Furthermore, conservative management through modern medicine has produced many adverse effects along with invariable systemic complications. Personalised Prakriti-based medicine is an essential part of Ayurveda as compared to modern medicine, which advocates disease specific management irrespective of personal factors. This personalised Prakriti specific management offered by Ayurveda will play a vital role in changing global health. It offers a holistic package of modalities encompassing diet, lifestyle, and medication. Prakriti-based herbs are likely to offer remedies for health issues like adverse drug reactions, drug withdrawals, and economic disparities. Hence, a review study on personalised Prakriti specific herbal tea for Diabetes mellitus (Madhumeha) throws light on the various herbs along with their mode of action, which can be a very effective remedy.

A novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) has wreak havoc across the globe, especially in the USA, Italy, Spain, France, Iran, UK, and China. The coronavirus infection has caused a pandemic (COVID-19), which is an acute infectious pneumonia of the 21st Century. 2019-nCov, being novel in nature has brought the world to a standstill and forced a global health emergency, which is attributed to the unavailability of viable antiviral drug, and the only options left are supportive care and non-specific treatment to improve the symptomatic conditions of patients. But still, it is not a permanent solution and there is a need to find an effective antiviral drug. The earlier reported SARS-CoV and recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 have similar homology in terms of epidemiology, genomics and pathogenesis, and it has been observed that the SARS-CoV was contained by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Thus, this review summarizes the information on natural traditional medicine, including Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and TCM having antiviral potential which have been used to control earlier pandemics, and their candidacy for the new drug development to control the COVID-19. In the wake of the current unprecedented situation, it is imperative to find effective and novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents by exploring traditional medicine which would be highly precise in action with minimal side effects.

In the 21st century, humans are in the battle against a deadly contagious disease COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus disease, designated as COVID-19, is caused by SARS CoV-2 virus from the beta coronavirus family. Although there are no specific anti- viral drugs and vaccines against this pandemic disease, however, many medicines are being repurposed for COVID-19 management but have shown limited success. Traditional medicine systems, since ancient time, were used for their immense efficacy with minimal adverse effects compared to allopathic medicines. Thus, for COVID-19 management, researchers are focusing on traditional medicines from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy as adjuvant therapy as per anecdotal data regarding their use in the treatment of infectious disease. In India, all the traditional medicine systems are under AYUSH ministry and government has been highlighting AYSUH medicines for improving immune system against COVID-19. In this review, the authors emphasize on the historical background of AYUSH medicines in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and the medicines recommended by the AYUSH ministry for combating COVID-19 as immunity boosters.

Kidney stone formation or Urolithiasis is a common problem that has remained for many centuries with no guarantee of effective treatment and a high recurrence rate. Urolithiasis is the precipitation of insoluble and less soluble salts, such as Oxalate and Phosphate, in the urinary tract, causing obstruction in the urethra resulting in renal colic and hematuria. Approximately 10-12% of the population in industrialized countries is severely affected by urinary stones. In only a few geographical areas, stone diseases are rare, e.g., in the coastal areas of Japan and Germany. It is believed that 11% of people in India are suffering from urinary stone problems, and approximately 50% of these cases may lead to severe renal damage. Ultimately it causes severe health issues in terms of urinary tract obstruction, severe pain, and infection that adversely affect the health of individuals. Diuretics and narcotic analgesics like drugs that are used to prevent and cure urolithiasis are not effective in all cases and are costly, have common recurrences, risk of long term fertility and other potential side effects are observed. Therefore, humans are forced to return to nature for safe remedies using herbal treatments. A great number of Indian medicinal plants have been investigated in the treatment of urolithiasis, and they have been reported to be safe and effective. In the present review, an effort has been made to highlight such herbal medicines that are potentially effective in the management of urolithiasis.

The world is facing many issues regarding malnutrition, lack of food security, unavailability of food resources, and famines due to poor crop harvest, scarcity, and high cost of healthy food. To overcome these situations, there is a need for an alternative that can effectively fulfill the requirement of the world population. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are one of them, these plant species are neither managed nor cultivated commercially, but utilized in many cultural, traditional, and heritage practices all over the world. They are the sources of various essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, etc., which can serve as an important source of nutrition in many parts of the world especially, developing and under-developed countries. They have high nutritional and medicinal properties, therefore utilized to cure a range of diseases like fever, injury, diarrhea, boils, stomach ache, bleeding gums, toothaches, etc. WEPs are currently underutilized and consumed traditionally by different communities. These foods lack recognition as a significant contributor to the human diet in developed areas, which suggest more scientific exploration to make their use common among people all over the world. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to document, compare, and contrast the nutritional and medicinal properties of selected fifty WEPs. This review emphasizes diversity, ethnobotanical value, conservation, cultural as well as traditional knowledge of wild edible plants (WEPs). Commercial exploitation and scientific scrutiny of WEPs to develop dietary supplements, new food alterations, product development, pharmaceutical use, and biofortification have also been discussed.

The recent times have been difficult with the whole world fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. A herbal home-based spice can help people improve their immunity and fight against this infection. Nigella sativa has been named as a prophetic spice as it has many therapeutic effects. It is found to control diabetes, reduce high cholesterol levels, and serve as an anti- oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-informatory, and immune booster. The compound thymoquinone can be responsible for enhancing the immune system as it acts as an anti-oxidant and has an anti-inflammatory property. Research has shown that to protect yourself from coronavirus, it is important to avoid human contact and strengthen the immune system. This paper is a review of various studies that prove that Nigella sativa can be beneficial in enhancing the immune system and thus fight COVID-19.

COVID-19, a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is the reason for a global pandemic since the starting of the year 2020. The characteristics of the disease vary from mild common coldlike symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure leading to death. The world has already observed 213,453 deaths from this disease while 3,095,839 have been infected in 210 countries in total, till 28 April 2020. This disease has had a devastating impact on the health care system because of its high infectivity, easy mode of transmission, lack of proper medicine and vaccine, and deficiency of effectively supportive healthcare arrangement. On the verge of this situation, scientists are searching for treatment options. However, nature has provided us with a large number of herbs, which have disease preventive, as well as have medicinal properties. In this article, we have reviewed several of these plants (ginger, clove, tea, black seed, tulsi, neem), some vitamins (vitamin C and vitamin D) and zinc, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-asthmatic properties with scientific evidence. The intake of these products regularly to keep the immune system active and to experience its positive aspects, might be supportive to prevent infection with the new coronavirus or to treat COVID-19.

Background: Propolis is a product of honeybees that contains a variety of different compounds, including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). Propolis and its bioactive compounds are widely used in folk medicine and as a dietary supplement. Previously, it has been shown that CAPE has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. Objective: This in vitro study was designed to investigate the vasoactive effects of CAPE on quiescent and precontracted human umbilical arteries. Methods: Umbilical artery strips were suspended in aerated organ baths containing a buffer solution. The strips were randomly allocated to study groups (n=8). Via a transducer and computer, changes in isometric tension were recorded. The effects of cumulative CAPE (10-8-10-4M) on the basal tone of the artery, and in different groups of strips, the vasodilatory effect of cumulative CAPE on the constriction elicited by endothelin (ET-1), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and U46619, and the effect of incubation with NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME, were recorded. Results: CAPE did not alter the basal tone (p>0.05). CAPE caused significant concentration-dependent relaxation in strips precontracted with both ET-1 and PGF2α (p<0.05) (contraction Emax with 10-4M CAPE = %73.65±12.17 and %79.83±7.20 respectively). L-NAME inhibited these relaxation responses elicited by CAPE (p<0.05). Only the lowest concentration of CAPE (10-8M) caused significant relaxation with U46619 (p<0.05) (contraction Emax with 10-8M CAPE = %90.23±3.19). L-- NAME completely inhibited this relaxation response (p<0.05). Conclusion: CAPE elicits concentration-dependent relaxation on precontracted human umbilical artery strips depending on the constrictor agent. NO plays a significant role in CAPE’s vasorelaxant effect.

Introduction: One of the basic concepts of traditional medicine (TM) is temperament (mizaj), which plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In TM, depression and hopelessness were assumed to be related to the coldness of temperament. To verify this assumption, the current study was designed to examine the association of depression and hopelessness with the hot/cold status of temperament in females. Methods: The sample included 340 healthy females from Fars province, southern Iran. Depression and hopelessness scores were measured using Beck’s depression inventory and Beck’s hopelessness scales, respectively. Participants’ hot/cold status of temperament was determined using a self- -reported temperament identification scale, which classified the volunteers’ temperament into three groups, including warm, temperate and cold. One way analysis of variance and the post-hoc Bonferoni test were applied for comparison between the study groups. Results: According to the result, the mean of depression and hopelessness scores in the cold group was significantly higher than that of the warm group (for depression: p < 0.01, for hopelessness: p < 0.01). Discussion: The results of this study revealed the association of depression and hopelessness scores with the coldness of temperament, which supports the theoretical principles of TM concerning the correlation of coldness with less positive modes. Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the data of this study, depression and hopelessness scores appear to be affected by temperament. These findings, therefore, may promise to take advantage of traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders.

Aim: Some evidence shows an increased utilization of complementary and alternative medicine for infertility treatment, although little information is available to measure this phenomenon in infertile women. Hence, this study aimed to assess the application of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) techniques on infertile women. Materials and methods: This study was cross-sectional. Infertile women referred to the only center of infertility in Kerman, Iran were selected using convenience sampling. In total, 144 participants were assessed. Data were collected using a two-part researcher-made questionnaire and they were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics [chi-square test and logistic regression] with SPSS version 18. Results: 56.3% of participants in the present study used at least one of the CAM methods in the past year. The multivariate logistic regression showed a significant correlation only between education and CAM users/non-users. Conclusions: According to the results, almost one third of infertile women used CAM to treat their infertility indicating high prevalence of CAM usage among infertile women. Therefore, health care providers must pay more attention for infer-tility treatment to reduce the treatment interactions and increase the quality of care.

Background: The dark circles under the eyes are a very common and frustrating cosmetic grievance in both males and females, especially among the stress prone population. Due to various reasons, the skin becomes very thin and dry, leading to the visible appearance of veins. This makes the skin appear very dark. Possible causes include excessive pigmentation, thin and luminous lower eyelid, lack of sleep, excessive fatigue, heredity, allergic disorders and aging. Dark circles come under the broad umbrella of features of aggravation of Vata like blackish discoloration (Karshnya), Dark coloration (Shyavata), which can also be categorized under disease predominant in Vata (Vata Nanatmaja Vikara). In spite of its prevalence and cosmetic importance, there are very few reported works regarding dark circles. Objectives: This study was an attempt to find the most probable and commonest factor that influences dark circles so that modifications can be made in lifestyle as mentioned in Ayurveda in the form of daily regimen (Dinacharya) and Night regimen (Ratricharya). Methods: 30 subjects (20-40 years) each with or without dark circles were registered and the Case Control survey was conducted using a standard questionnaire. A questionnaire was prepared comprising different processes of daily regimen (Dinacharya vidhis) as per ideal Ayurveda lifestyle. The perceived stress scale that may influence the development of dark circles was also included in the study. The data collected were computed in the excel sheet. The data were analyzed by applying the odds ratio and Chi-square test. Results: A positive relationship between intake of ghee and milk and absence of dark circles was observed, and the odd’s ratio was calculated as 1.5 and 3.54, respectively. The subjects practicing Yoga were found less affected by dark circles; the odds ratio was calculated as 3.7. Stress was moderately high among the subjects having dark circles. Conclusion: The present study shows that individuals following Ayurvedic lifestyle in the form of processes of daily regimen (Dinacharya vidhis) like head and feet massage with oil, Yogic practices, taking milk and ghee in the diet regularly and taking adequate sleep, are less prone to loss of luster in the form of dark circles around the eyes.

Introduction: Elwa (Aloe barbadensis / Aloe vera) is also known as Sibr in Unani medicine, which is dried juice obtained by the inspissations and used to treat many diseases, especially digestive disorders, arthritis, gastric ulcer, jaundice, amenorrhoea, kidney diseases, diseases of spleen and liver, constipation, nervine disorders, wounds, burns, scalds, and other skin diseases. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of Aloe barbadensis gel (ABG) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals in each. Group I (control); group II, III and IV were administered gentamicin 100 mg/kg/d subcutaneously from day four to eight. The lower (350 mg/kg) and higher doses (1260 mg/kg) of crude ABG were co-administrated orally in group III and group IV from day 1. On the 9th day, animals were sacrificed and their serum was studied for blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine and kidneys were prepared for histopathological analysis. Gentamicin alone treated group showed increased levels of blood urea nitrogen (118.76 ± 0.90) and creatinine (3.42 ± 0.13) that were significantly inhibited in groups pretreated with lower [blood urea nitrogen (40.13±0.56); creatinine (1.64±0.13)] and higher [blood urea nitrogen (55.79 ± 0.71); creatinine (2.50 ± 0.06)] doses of crude Aloe barbadensis gel. Results: The histopathological analysis also showed the protective nature of Aloe barbadensis gel in gentamicin-induced renal damage. Discussion: In conclusion, the biochemical parameters and histopathological results confirmed the nephroprotective effect of the crude Aloe barbadensis gel against gentamicin-induced renal damage.

Background: A focus on the need to develop alternative treatment protocols, especially from natural sources like plants, to circumvent the antimicrobial resistance experienced with synthetic products has become imperative. Objective: This research focused on the evaluation of the antifungal activities of Nigella sativa and the formulation of a vaginal suppository in a bid to provide therapeutic solutions to vaginal candidiasis. Methods: Antifungal activities of the methanol extracts of seeds and commercial oil from Nigella sativa were examined by the agar well diffusion method against ten clinical isolates of Candida albicans and one reference standard Candida albicans ATCC 3147. Clotrimazole was used as a positive control. Vaginal suppositories were formulated with 20% of the alcohol extract and commercial oil using cocoa butter and shea butter as bases. The suppositories were assessed for their physicochemical and in-vitro dissolution properties. Agar well diffusion method was used to examine the antifungal activities of the Nigella sativa suppositories. Results: The zones of inhibition of the extract ranged between 12.00 ± 1.73 and 32.33 ± 3.21 mm. After formulation, both cocoa butter and shea butter bases were found to be compatible with the extract. They exhibited a relatively high disintegration time (8.56 ± 0.42 to 12.39 ± 0.98 min). The cocoa butter base gave stable suppositories and a faster release rate (56.95 ± 1.37 min) of the extract. The zones of inhibition of the suppositories incorporated with the extract ranged between 10.00 ± 1.00 and 23.67 ± 2.08 mm. Conclusion: These outcomes showed that the extract possesses antifungal activities, and when incorporated into suppositories, activities vary according to the bases employed, with the cocoa butter base being the more effective of the two bases.

Background: Azadirachta indica(Neem) is an important medicinal plant that is traditionally known for its insecticidal, and antimicrobial properties. Objective: The objective of present study was to evaluate the in-vitro antidiabetic activity and characterize the chemical constituents of Neem extract. Materials and Methods: The chemical constituents in ethyl acetate extract of the Neem leaves were determined by GC-MS and the in-vitro antidiabetic activity of Neem extract was evaluated via the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Results: The ethyl acetate extract of Neem yielded 49 chemical compounds and these constituents amounting to 97.07% of total Neem leaf extract composition. The major chemical components of the Neem were octadecanoic acid (7.17%), propyl tetracosyl ether (5.35%), 1-decanol, 2-octyl (5.01%), hexadecane (4.70%), tricosane (4.73%), octadecane, 1-chloro (4.65%), and linolenic acid (4.35%). The Neem extract produces dose dependent-inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes ranging from 21.67±2.81 to 75.82±3.44% and 17.04±4.43 to 58.44±1.21% for concentration 31.25 to 1000 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values for Neem extract and acarbose were 165.53±2.75 and 91.04±2.16μg/mL, respectively against the α-amylase enzyme. The IC50 values for Neem extract and acarbose were 210.08±2.16 and 120.05±2.16 μg/mL, respectively against the α-glucosidase enzyme. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that Neem may be used as drug candidate in the management of post prandial hyperglycemia.