AqueousAzadirachta indica(Neem) Extract Attenuates Insulin Resistance to Improve Glycemic Control and Endothelial Function in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica) exhibits multiple therapeutic benefits in preclinical studies, but clinical studies are lacking. This clinical study investigated the efficacy and safety of an aqueous A. indica leaf and twig extract (NEEM) on metabolic parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Subjects were randomized to receive (1) placebo or (2) 125 mg, (3) 250 mg, or (4) 500 mg of NEEM twice daily (n = 20/group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin, postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), insulin resistance (IR), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), endothelial function, circulating markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, lipid profiles, and platelet aggregation were measured at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. NEEM supplementation dose dependently improved the trajectories for FBS, PPBS, IR, and HbA1c over time, as well as endothelial function and most markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, NEEM may be considered a promising therapeutic to attenuate the hyperglycemia and associated cardiometabolic derangements in people with MetS. Clinical trial registration no.: CTRI/2019/03/018034 [registered on: March 12, 2019].

Limonoids from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) are potential anticancer drug candidates

“…Several clinical and randomized control trials have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of neem extracts on gastric ulcer, 149 orodental protection, 150 psoriasis, 151 diabetic foot lesions, 152 metabolic syndrome, 153 and COVID‐19 9 . Although many preclinical studies have unequivocally demonstrated the cancer preventive and therapeutic potential of neem limonoids, clinical trials on these compounds have not been documented so far.…”

Exogenous Nucleotides Ameliorate Insulin Resistance Induced by Palmitic Acid in HepG2 Cells through the IRS-1/AKT/FOXO1 Pathways

“…Conversely, nutritional interventions possess attributes such as minimal side effects, sustained efficacy, broad applicability, and cost-effectiveness, thereby assuming a pivotal role. Presently, nutritional interventions targeting insulin resistance center on dietary patterns [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], plant-derived compounds [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], probiotics [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], and other modalities. Nevertheless, many of these compounds predominantly exert singular effects.…”