Evaluation of Chale Neem (Azadirachta Indica) As an Immunomodulator in Elderly Persons: A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Study

Abstract

Elderly subjects have loss of functionality and dysregulation of immune system. Immunosenescence is associated with deleterious changes, primarily in adaptive immunity and particularly in T cell subset. It includes reduced production of T cells in bone marrow and thymus and diminished function of mature lymphoid tissues. As a result, elderly individuals do not respond to immune challenge and are at increased risk of infection and related complications. Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) is reported to be muhafize fasade akhlat (prevent humoral disturbances) and dafe taffun (anti sepsis) in Unani literature, but it is not scientifically explored so far. The objective of the study is to evaluate the immunomodulator effect of Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) in elderly. A single blind randomized placebo controlled study was conducted at national institute of Unani medicine hospital, Bangalore. 60 immunocompromised elderly persons were selected on the basis of clinical examination and history they were randomly assigned into two groups, 30 in test and 30 in control group. Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) powder was given to test group, 6 gm, orally filled in capsules in the morning and same dose in the evening for two months while control group was given placebo for the same period of time as that of test drug. Response was measured by the assessment of TLC, DLC, ESR and T cell count (CD4 and CD8) before and after treatment. The results were analysed statistically using appropriate tests. Test drug showed significant increase in CD4 count (P<0.05) at 60th day in comparison to baseline, but increase in CD8 count was not statistically significant. TLC remains unchanged in test group and significantly reduced in control group. The findings outlined above indicate immunomodulator activity of Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) and suggests its use in conditions where immune-modulation is required and thus is suggestive of therapeutic usefulness.

Keywords: Unani medicine, aging, Chale Neem, immunity, immunosenescence

Cite this Article

Mohd. Akmal, Zarnigar, Basharat Rashid. Evaluation of Chale Neem (Azadirachta Indica) As an Immunomodulator in Elderly Persons: A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Study. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2016; 6(3): 48–52p.