HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF Moringa oleifera LEAVES AND ITS EXTRACT ON RATS

Abstract

The major symptom for heart diseases and atherosclerosis is hypercholesterolemia. Based on assumption, Moringa oleifera leaves and its extract are used for prophylaxis )protection( against cardiovascular system diseases. The present investigation has been conducted to study the protective effect and anti-atherosclerotic effect of moringa leaves and its extract on experimental rats fed on high fat diet. In addition to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a diet containing moringa leaves or its extract on serum lipids content and liver enzyme activities as well as measure the blood lipid peroxidation of high cholesterolemic rats (HCR). Gross chemical composition of moringa leaves was determined. Polyphenols content and fractionation were obtained. Concerning, the biological evaluation, sixty adult male albino rats weighing 188±15.21 g were divided into six groups. The rats were fed on high fat diet )HFD( containing )17% lard and 3% corn oil +1% cholesterol + 0.25% bile salts( for two months, plus two concentrations of moringa leaves powder, 0.737% )containing 29.13 mg gallic acid equivalent )GAE(/100 g diet( and 1.475% moringa leaves powder )containing 58.13 mg )GAE(/100 g diet(, or orally administered with 200 mg moringa leaves ethanolic extract )containing 15.5 mg GAE/kg body weight of rat( and 400 mg moringa leaves ethanolic extract )31 mg GAE/kg body weight of rat(. Biochemical analysis of blood serum including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, total lipids, liver function enzymes and atherogenic index as well as liver weight percent of rats were determined. Results indicated that feeding rats on HFD led to increase serum lipid levels, liverweight(%) and also increase liver function enzymes (harmful effect) in serum. Results also ascertained that consumption of moringa leaves or its extract can reduce the bad effect of feeding (HFD) by lowering lipid profile levels and liver function enzymes.