Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) in Regulating Blood Glucose Levels: A Study on Food-Induced Diabetes in Patna

Dr. Kanhaiya Singh

Rashmi Kiran

Vol. 11, Issue 1, Jan-Dec 2025

Page Number: 12 - 24

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, is a growing public health concern worldwide. This study investigates the hypoglycemic potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract in individuals with food-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Patna, India. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (n = 10), which received standard diabetic medication and lifestyle modifications, and the experimental group (n = 10), which received 500 mg/day of Neem leaf extract in addition to standard treatment. Blood glucose levels were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8, measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index). Results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both FBG and PPBG levels in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The study attributes Neem's hypoglycemic effects to its bioactive compounds, which enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and improve pancreatic β-cell function. These findings indicate that Neem may serve as an effective adjunct therapy for managing diabetes. However, further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage. If proven effective, Neem could emerge as a natural, cost-effective intervention in diabetes management, particularly in resource-limited settings.

References

• Bandyopadhyay, U., et al. (2019). Neem and its medicinal properties: An overview. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 221, 234-245.
• Bose, P., et al. (2020). Reduction of oxidative stress by Neem extracts in diabetes management. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(12), 5674.
• Desai, P., et al. (2020). Clinical trial on the efficacy of Neem in combination with standard diabetic medications. Journal of Clinical Diabetes Research, 34(2), 98-110.
• Ghosh, A., et al. (2021). Urban dietary habits and the rising prevalence of diabetes in India. Indian Journal of Public Health, 45(3), 201-215.
• Gupta, R., et al. (2020). Effects of Neem extract on insulin secretion in diabetic rats. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 152(4), 456-468.
• Gupta, R., Mishra, S., & Verma, P. (2021). Role of herbal medicine in diabetes management: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 279, 114376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114376
• Jain, S., et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory properties of Neem and its impact on pancreatic function in diabetes. Phytomedicine, 92, 15234.
• Kaur, R., et al. (2020). Oxidative stress in diabetes and the potential role of Neem. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism, 11(2), 107-119.
• Kumar, A., et al. (2021). Bioactive compounds in Neem: Implications for diabetes treatment. Phytotherapy Research, 35(5), 1234-1245.
• Kumar, S., & Sharma, A. (2022). A review on the antidiabetic properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, 16(2), 102-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jherbmed.2022.102110
• Mishra, D., et al. (2019). Neem-based formulations as complementary therapy for diabetes management. Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 40(3), 210-225.
• Patel, A., & Choudhary, R. (2020). Clinical evaluation of Neem extracts in glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized controlled trial. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 24(3), 200-208. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijem.ijem_2020_30
• Patel, M., et al. (2017). Inhibitory effects of Neem on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes in diabetic models. Biochemical Pharmacology, 125(2), 321-330.
• Ramesh, K., et al. (2021). Neem supplementation in diabetic patients: A 12-week clinical study. Journal of Alternative Medicine, 46(2), 145-159.
• Sharma, K., et al. (2018). Neem and its impact on glucose metabolism: A biochemical study. Phytotherapy Research, 32(3), 123-135.
• Singh, K., & Kiran, R. (2024, October). Therapeutic potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) in combating food-induced diabetes addiction: An investigative study in Patna. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences and Technology, 18(1), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.37648/ijrmst.v18i01.011
• Singh, K., & Kiran, R. (2024, October). Therapeutic potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) in combating food-induced diabetes addiction: An investigative study in Patna. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences and Technology, 18(1), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.37648/ijrmst.v18i01.011
• Singh, R., et al. (2018). Neem’s role in reducing lipid peroxidation and improving glycemic control. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 27(1), 87-100.
• Tripathi, A., et al. (2022). Pancreatic β-cell protection and regeneration: The role of Neem. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 183, 109413.
• Verma, S., et al. (2019). Antioxidant effects of Neem in diabetes management. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 58(7), 345-359.
• World Health Organization. (2023). Global report on diabetes. WHO Publications. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/global-diabetes-2023.

Back Download