Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Dogs Treated with Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally for the treatment of a number of ailments.  The haematological and biochemical changes following treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic dogs with aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves was investigated in this study. Fifteen dogs with mean weight of 10 ± 1.3 kg) were divided into three equal groups. Group A were neither induced nor treated. Group B were induced but, untreated. Groups C were induced and treated with Moringa extract 5.2% (300mg/kg) orally in water, once daily, for 42 days post induction. Blood was collected from all dogs pre-induction, post-induction and post-treatment for haematological and biochemical analysis. Values obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of means and data were analysed by one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test using Graph Pad. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) of group C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) post treatment compared to group B. The Packed Cell Volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration insignificantly (P < 0.05) decreased in diabetic groups post-induction and post-treatment, while white blood cells count increased. Platelet count increased post-induction and post-treatment. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in diabetic groups compared to non-diabetic group post-induction and then decreased in group C post-treatment with moringa extract. Albumin and total protein concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) post-induction in diabetic groups but, decreased in group C post-treatment. In conclusion, diabetes caused decrease in haematological parameters, and increased platelet count and some biochemical parameters, while moringa extract decreased biochemical parameters in dogs.

Key words: Haematobiochemical changes, M. oleifera, Diabetes, dogs