Insulinotropic action of Azadirachta indica leaf and bark extracts: comparison with azadirachtin

Recent reports have drawn attention to the hypoglycaemic action of extracts from Azadirachta indica. We have therefore investigated the direct effect of both leaf and bark extracts, as well as purified azadirachtin, on glucos e-stimulated insulin release in isolated rat pancreatic islets. In all thre e cases, the release of insulin evoked by 16.7 mM D-glucose was significant ly reduced, albeit to variable extents. These findings do not support the v iew that the alleged hypoglycaemic action of the Azadirachta indica extract s is attributable to the stimulation of insulin release. They raise the ide a, however, that such extracts or azadirachtin itself could be used to prev ent excessive insulin secretion in pathological situations of hyperinsulina emia. Med Sci Res 27:711-712 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.