Acute Toxicity Test of Alkaloid Fraction of Moringa oleifera Leaf and its Effect on Reproductive Hormones of Pregnant Wistar Rats

Abstract

Alkaloids occur naturally in plants but are not established nutrients and are responsible for bioactive functions in the plants. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of alkaloid extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (AMOL) and its effect on reproductive hormones of pregnant wistar rats using standard techniques. Results showed that in both phases of the oral acute toxicity test, no death occurred within 24 h of post-treatment and 14 days after AMOL administration. Rejection of food, increased salivation and decreased mobility were only observed immediately after treatment. Pregnancy was maintained in all groups, with significant (P<0.05) increase in progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in animals in Group 3. AMOL had no effect on estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In conclusion, AMOL may be relatively safe as pregnancy was maintained in AMOL treated groups and had significant effect on some of the reproductive hormones.