How safe is neem extract with respect to thyroid function in male mice?

In this investigation we attempted to find out the hitherto unstudied adverse effects of neem (Azardirachta indica) leaf extract on the thyroid function of male mice. Neem leaf extract was orally administered in two different doses (40 mg and 100 mg kg(-1)day(-1)for 20 days). The extract exhibited differential effects. While the higher dose decreased serum tri-iodothyonine (T(3)) and increased serum thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations, no significant alterations of levels were observed in the lower dose group, indicating that the high concentrations of neem extract can be inhibitory to thyroid function, particularly in the conversion of T(4)to T(3), the major source of T(3)generation. A concomitant increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activity in the higher dosed group also indicated the adverse effect of neem extract despite an enhancement in the activities of two defensive enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Thus, it appears that the higher concentration of neem extract may not be safe with respect to thyroid function and lipid peroxidation. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.