European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ETHANOL LEAF-EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA PROTECT AGAINST HYPERGLYCAEMIC-INDUCED NEURONAL IMPAIRMENT IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Davies Koofreh, Udokang Nsikak, Augustine Edet, Uduak Inwang*

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanol leaf-extract of Moringa oleifera on hyperglycaemic-induced neuronal impairment in albino Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) adult albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 was the control and was administered with 10ml/kg of distilled water. Hyperglycaemia was induced in Group 2 – Group 7 following the administration of 150mg/kg of aloxan. Group 2 – Group 6 were treated respectively with daily doses of moringa 500mg/kg, moringa 1000mg/kg, moringa 1500mg/kg, metformin 14.29mg/kg and moringa 1000mg/kg + metformin 14.29mg/kg. Treatment lasted for 28days. Group 7 had no treatment. Behavioural evaluation was carried out using novel object recognition test, T-maze simple alternation test and elevated plus maze. Furthermore, immuno-histochemical assessment of the cerebral cortex, and hippocampus were also carried out. The results showed no significant difference in the percentage (%) alternation (T-maze) and transfer latency (elevated plus maze) between control and the experimental groups. The discrimination ratio (novel object recognition test) was positive in all the groups but negative in the non-treated group. Immunohistochemical assessment showed severe and mild increase in the GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein) expression respectively in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the non-treated animals. The immunohistochemical changes were, however, ameliorated by low and moderate doses of Moringa oleifera. In conclusion, ethanol leaf-extract of Moringa oleifera is neuroprotective.

Keywords: Hyperglycaemia; Moringa oleifera; alloxan; neuronal-impairment.