Gender differences in spatial learning, aggressive and sexual behaviour of prenatally exposed rat weanlings to Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Moringa oleifer (M.oleifera) has been used widely as a herbal remedy in most parts of the world and has been variously referred to as the “miracle tree” due to its therapeutic ability for various diseases. However, studies on the behavioural effects of M. oleifera have been scanty. This study, therefore, investigated the gender differences in spatial learning, aggressive and sexual behaviour of prenatally exposed rat weanlings to M. oleifera. An Independent group randomised design was adopted for this study. A total of 30 Wister Albino rat weanlings randomly selected from 80 offspring prenatally exposed to M. oleifera were used. They were littered by 30 female Wister Albino rats randomly assigned into 3 treatment groups of 10 rats each. Dependent variables observed were spatial cognitive learning behaviours using the radial maze, sexual and aggressive behaviours of the rat weanlings adopting observational methods. The treatment groups comprised 20mg/kg M. oleifera, 60mg/kg M. oleifera and the Control group (Saline treatment). Data were analysed using a One-Way Analysis of Variance at a 0.05 level of significance. There was no significant interaction effect of gender and exposure to different doses of Moringa oleifera, Wilks’ Lambda = .18, F (2, 64) = .72, p >. 05, however there were main effects for Moringa oleifera treatment, Wilks’ Lambda = .12, F (2, 69) = 56.58, p < .04, and gender, Wilks’ Lambda = 32, F (2, 64) = 5.47, p < .01. There was a significant effect of Moringa oleifera on sexual behaviour (F (2, 64) = 10.09, p <.01). Rat weanling exposed to 60mg doses of Moringa oleifera exhibited more sexual activities than those exposed to 20mg/kg dose. There was a significant difference in response to aggressive behaviour (F (2, 64) = 4.20, p <.05). Rat weanling exposed to 60mg/kg dose of Moringa oleifera displayed less aggressive behaviour than those exposed to 20mg/kg dose. However, the main effect of Moringa oleifera on the learning task (F (2, 64) = 1.88, p>.05) was not significant. A significant main effect of gender was found only in the sexual behaviour (F (2, 64) = 4.199, p = .045). Male rat weanlings exposed to different doses of Moringa oleifera exhibited more sexual activities than female rat weanlings. M. oleifera enhanced more sexual functions in males, reduced aggressive behaviour in both males and females while spatial learning behaviour was normal for both male and female rats.