Blood glucose and lipid reducing activities of the oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera in Wistar rats

Abstract

The effect of the repeated administration of Moringa oleifera on blood glucose and serum lipid profile was investigated in male Wistar rats. Dry leaf powder of Moringa oleifera was extracted with water and lyophilized. Twenty four Wistar rats with body weight of 86.2 ± 4.43 g were grouped equally into four (A-D) and distilled water, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of extract were orally administered once daily for 56 days groups respectively. The body weights of rats were reduced (p<0.05) at high doses of the extract, while the blood glucose decreased (p<0.05) at all the doses. All the lipid profile parameters and atherogenic index were reduced (p<0.05) in rats administered the extract, except the high density lipoprotein cholesterol. From the foregoing, the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera has blood glucose and lipid reducing activities, and body weight maintenance capabilities.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, glucose, lipid, reducing, body weight maintenance