Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-anaemic Potential of Moringa oleifera Parts on Phenylhydrazine-induced Heamatotoxicity in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

In recent years, scientific interest in Moringa oleifera has surged due to its potential health-promoting properties in traditional healthcare services. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of different parts of Moringa oleifera tree and the anti-anaemic potential of the parts in phenylhydrazine-induced heamatotoxicity in forty-eight (48) male Wistar albino rats using appropriate standard techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed that Moringa oleifera parts contain flavonoids, saponins, and steroids and have antioxidant capabilities. The IC₅₀ values for M. oleifera leaves and flowers DPPH were MOL 24.26 ± 2.92 µg/ml, MOF 43.69 ± 2.68 µg/ml, and gallic acid 16.71 ± 0.63 µg /ml. There was a significant increase in WBC, MCH, MCHC, and NEU in anaemic rats (14.07 ± 0.64 x 10³, 22.6 ± 0.44 pg, 32.5 ± 0.85 g/dl, 33 ± 1.00 %, respectively) compared to the normal control (9.98 ± 0.92 x10³, 18.98 ± 0.42 pg, 30.45 ± 0.5 g/dl, 29.05 ± 1.80 %, respectively) but lowered significantly with the treatment of different parts of Moringa oleifera. Histopathology showed moderate myeloblastic and lymphoblastic cellular traits in anaemic rats. The groups treated with hydroxyurea and Moringa oleifera parts showed varying frequencies of mild myeloblastic and lymphoblastic cellular traits, indicating improvement in the bone marrow. Findings from this study showed that Moringa oleifera parts have antioxidant capabilities and anti-anaemic potentials in a rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced heamatoxicity. However, the leaf is the most potent and efficient part based on the results of these findings.