Effects of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on acute indomethacin-induced haematological changes and gastrointestinal pathology in male albino rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEMO) against indomethacin- induced haematological and gross gastrointestinal pathological changes. Indomethacin is known to cause pathology, especially ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Assessed parameters include complete blood count,
gastric ulcer index (GUI) and intestinal ulcer index (IUI). Forty eight male rats, aged 14 – 16 weeks were randomly divided into 8 groups. Group A, distilled water; Group B, MEMO 250 mg/kg; Group C, MEMO 500 mg/kg; Group D, Indomethacin 125 mg/kg; Group E, MEMO 250 mg/kg + Indomethacin 125 mg/kg; Group F, MEMO 500 mg/kg + Indomethacin 125 mg/kg; Group G, Indomethacin 125 mg/kg + MEMO 250 mg/kg; Group H, Indomethacin 125 mg/kg + MEMO 500 mg/kg. Indomethacin-only rats showed a significant normocytic, normochromic anaemia compared to other groups. There was neutrophilia and mild lymphocytosis in the indomethacin-treated groups. Indomethacintreated rats showed varying degrees of GIT haemorrhages, erosions and ulceration. The group treated with only indomethacin showed a significantly higher GUI and IUI compared to other groups. The rats treated with both indomethacin and MEMO had significantly reduced GIT lesions. From 36 – 84 hours post-treatment however, all indomethacin-treated rats showed a significant increase in GUI and IUI when compared to values recorded at 24 hours. The results of this study show that MEMO is protective against the toxicity of indomethacin. Follow-up dosing of MEMO however seems to be necessary to sustain its protective activity. Administration of MEMO before Indomethacin showed better prospects in the GIT than when administered afterwards.