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Hypoglycemic Assessment of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Diabetic Wistar Rats
Egbujo Ejike Amina1, James O Adisa1, Solomon Matthias Gamde2
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Jos, Plateau, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Background: Moringa oleifera leaf is used for diabetes due to its pharmacologic effects. Patients with hyperglycemia experience beta cell destruction. However, no research on risk awareness has been done to ascertain its safety. The present study describes the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf, such as the protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, before addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats weighed 160 ± 10 g were divided into nine groups. All animal operations complied with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals as approved by the Animal Ethical Committee, University of Jos. Group I was normal control and Group II was diabetic animals induced with alloxan. Insulin and extract doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were given to diabetic Groups III-VI. Normal animals in Groups VII-IX were given extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. Tissues were retrieved for biochemical and histological investigations using standard techniques. Results: There was decrease relative body weight of diabetic animals (95.50 ± 5.50) when compared to normal control (142.75 ± 20.08) with increased levels of urea (control 6.13 ± 0.523 and diabetes 29.23 ± 1.267) and creatinine (control 0.70 ± 0.057 and diabetes 2.13 ± 0.185). Histology of the liver and pancreas also points to organ damage due to hyperglycemia. However, oral administration of extract showed antidiabetic effect with protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, no glycogen was deposited in the liver, addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Further discovery revealed that extract elevated antioxidant enzyme expression. Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.
Insights
Moringa oleifera leaf extract demonstrates significant antidiabetic effects by protecting pancreatic beta cells and inducing glycogen synthesis. This natural remedy also mitigates hepatic and renal toxicity associated with hyperglycemia.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Product Research
- Diabetes Mellitus Research
Background:
- Moringa oleifera leaf is traditionally used for managing diabetes due to its known pharmacological properties.
- Hyperglycemia leads to pancreatic beta cell destruction, a critical factor in diabetes progression.
- Limited research exists on the safety and risk awareness concerning Moringa oleifera's use in diabetes management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antidiabetic effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract.
- To assess the protective impact on pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis.
- To evaluate the extract's efficacy in addressing secondary diabetic complications like hepatic and renal toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five Wistar rats were divided into nine groups, including normal controls and alloxan-induced diabetic models.
- Diabetic and normal rats received varying doses (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) of Moringa oleifera leaf extract orally for 28 days.
- Biochemical and histological analyses of liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues were performed to assess treatment effects.
Main Results:
- Diabetic animals exhibited decreased body weight and significantly elevated urea and creatinine levels, indicative of renal dysfunction.
- Histological examination revealed hyperglycemia-induced damage to the liver and pancreas in diabetic rats.
- Moringa oleifera extract administration demonstrated antidiabetic activity, preserving pancreatic beta cells, promoting glycogen synthesis, and reducing hepatic and renal toxicity. Antioxidant enzyme expression was also elevated.
Conclusions:
- Moringa oleifera leaf extract effectively reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic models.
- The extract offers protective benefits against hyperglycemia-induced damage in pancreatic and hepatic tissues.
- Moringa oleifera shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and its associated complications.
