Hepatoprotective and Anti-anemic Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction Moringa oleifera and related species are commonly used in folk medicine for various human diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and anti-anemic effects of aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera in Wistar rats.

Methods Fresh leaves of M. oleifera were dried and extracted with distilled water. Thirty male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 150 and 250 g, which were kept under uniform laboratory conditions, and were randomly divided into five groups (A–E), were used for this study. The control group (group A) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water orally while the treatment groups (groups B–E) were given 250, 450, 650, and 850 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract orally, once a day, for 56 days. Blood sample was collected from each rat by cardiac puncture at the end of extract administration for laboratory analysis of red blood cell indices and the animals’ livers harvested for histological examination.

Results Phytochemical analysis revealed that tannins, saponins, salkowski, free anthraquinone and flavonoids were moderately present, while steroids, phlobatannins, combined anthraquinone, Lierberman’s and Keller kiliani were slightly present. The quantitative analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides in the following proportions: 2.70, 4.10, 8.00, 15.00, and 2.50%, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in red blood cells was noted for high dose of extract. Hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) for the dose of 650 mg/kg administered; while a non-significant change was seen in the level of packed cell volume and red cell indices, and non-significant dose-dependent reduction was observed in the level of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and reticulocyte when compared to the control. The histological architecture and features of the animals’ liver were normal following extract administration when compared to the control.

Discussion It can be concluded that the aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera may possess a possible anti-anaemic and hepatoprotective potential, owing to the presence of phytochemicals indicated in the study. Reticulocyte count with IRF can be routinely and widely used in the laboratory to evaluate erythropoietic activity.