Evidence of effectiveness of Azadirachta indica leaves in chronic hepatitis C in addition of conventional therapy failure

Abstract

Background: HCV is taken as worldwide load in both developed and developing countries. Its treatment depends on HCV genome, dietary factors, pathogenesis and environmental factors.

Aims and Objective: A randomized controlled study was designed to prove the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica leaves in chronic hepatitis C in addition of conventional therapy failure.

Material and Methods: Twenty patients with history of hepatitis C and failure of conventional therapy were included in the study.  Effect of Azadirachta indica leaves and interferon was observed on sample having hepatitis C was observed and seropositivity of HCV was tested.

Results: In vitro study, it was observed that in serum of patients with hepatitis C, there is a protein peptide of 14 Kda is present, which is not observed in serum of normal subjects. Results showed that upon incubation of  Azadirachta indica with serum of patients, there was an inhibition of protein peptide of 14 Kda. However when same sample was incubated with interferon alpha there is mild inhibition or decreased activity of of protein peptide of 14 Kda.  In vivo results showed that the extract of neem leaves decrease the titer of 15 patients. While 05 patients showed no response.

Conclusion: Study concluded that the leaves of Azadirachta indica may be effective for the treatment of hepatitis C. Presence of 14 Kda protein in serum of HCV patients may be a marker of HCV.