of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical which deplete glutathione levels and
inhibit the activity of antioxidant enzymes, especially in renal tissues [6, 7]. Therefore, oxidative stress induced by
malaria infection may produce cellular injury and necrosis via several mechanisms including peroxidation of membrane
lipids, protein denaturation, and DNA damage [8].
In this respect, medicinal plants are potential targets for research and development of alternative drugs. In particular, Azadirachta indica (neem) is one of the most promising medicinal plants, having several biological activities, especially as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiulcer ones [9–12]. Several studies have been undertaken on the protective effects of neem [13–15].
It has been described that aqueous crude extract of neem leaves showed significant hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, hepatoprotective, and hypertensive activities [16–19]. Moreover,protective effect on diabetic nephropathy in rats of neem leaf extract has also been reported [20]. However, the protective