Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on some complete blood count and some oxidative stress markers of stress-induced Albino Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Moringa oleifera is a nutritive plant that is used to treat malnutrition in underdeveloped nations due to its nutritional benefits. It contributes significantly to humans' diet and is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The leaves of Moringa oleifera contain phytochemicals that may impact one's health. This study aimed to determine the effect of administering feed formulated from Moringa oleifera leaves on some hematological Parameters and oxidative stress markers of Gasoline vapour stress-induced Albino Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Fifty-eight (58) age-matched, apparently healthy male Albino Wistar rats were obtained from the animal holding unit of the Anatomy Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The rats were housed in stainless steel cages measuring 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft, partitioned into four compartments at the same facility. Automated ERMA haematology autoanalyzer PCE-210 was used to analyze the haematological parameters while Enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) for oxidative stress.

Results: Findings from the study revealed that exposure of animals to Gasoline vapour alone significantly (p< 0.05) increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and catalase (CAT) levels. There was a significant decrease in the haemoglobin and haematocrit values (p= 0.027 and 0.008 respectively) in the stressed groups when compared to the corresponding values in the control group. Monocyte concentration also increased in the group stressed and administered Moringa oleifera when compared to the group that was stressed only.

Conclusion: This study's results show that an extract from the leaf of Moringa oleifera fed to Albino Wistar rats might affect some haematological parameters, such as monocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet count. The gasoline vapour might be connected with the decrease observed in some groups.