Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: Aug | Volume: 7 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 120-126
Haematological Effects of Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Wistar Rats: Further Evidence of Immunomodulatory Potential
Ojeka, Sunday Ogbu, Obiajulu, Chibuike Josiah, Dapper, Datonye Victor
Immunology Research Unit Department of Human Physiology College of Health Science
University of Port Harcourt PMB 5323, Port Harcourt Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ojeka, Sunday Ogbu
ABSTRACT
Haematological effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa Oleifera in male wistar rats was investigated in this study. Twenty five (25) wistar rats were used, which were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group I served as control and received water and normal feed. Group II served as positive control and received 40mg/kg levamisole (a potent immune booster). Groups III-V served as test groups and were administered with 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the leaf extract once a day for 28 days. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for analyses of hematological parameters. The result showed significant (p<0.05) dose dependant increase in Total WBC count, Neutrophil count, Lymphocyte count, Monocytes count, Total lymphocyte count (TLC) and Platelets count. However, non significant increase in Eosinophil and Basophile were seen. The results therefore scientifically confirm the Immunomodulatory claim of M.Oleifera leaf extract at high dose. However, further studies that can explore its effects on other immunological parameters, such as cytokines which were not assayed in this study are recommended.
Key words: Moringa Oleifera, immunomodulation, haematology, wistar rats.