Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Moringa Oleifera in Lead Poisoning: An Investigation of its Effects on Blood Lead Levels and Oxidative Stress in Rats
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Date
2023-06
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Publisher
Sumathi Publications
Abstract
Objective: Lead poisoning is a global public health problem that has beenassociated with poor treatment outcomes. We therefore evaluated the ability of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) to reduce blood lead levels (BLL) and lead-induced oxidative stress related to dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in albino Wister rats. Methods: Thirty rats were assigned to five groups each consisting of six rats. The control group (A) received normal rat chow and water ad libitum for 12 weeks. Group (B-E) initially received 100-mg/kg body weight of lead acetate orally for 6 weeks. Thereafter, groups B, C, D, and E received DMSA and various doses of M. oleifera and their combination for an additional 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken before treatment, 6 and 12 weeks after treatment for analysis of BLL, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). Results: BLL and MDA increased significantly (p<0.05), while serum SOD, CAT and GST activities decreased significantly (p<0.05) from their pretreatment valuesafter 6 weeks of lead-acetate administration. However, administration of 400-mg/kg body weight M. oleifera at 12 weeks posttreatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced 6-week BLL by(40.5%); MDA (52%); and significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of serum SOD by (35%); CAT (26.3%); andGST (53%). Conclusion: M. oleifera was observed not only to be effective in lowering blood lead levels, but also toalleviate lead-induced oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidant activities. M. oleifera may therefore serve asan alternativetherapeutic approach to lead poisoning, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
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Keywords
Antioxidants, lead toxicity, Moringa oleifera, dimercaptosuccinic acid, oxidative stress.
Citation
Ejike Onah Christian, Florence Onah Chinwemma, Friday Ehiaghe Alfred, thanasius Onyegbule Onyema, Chukwuemeka Ogbodo Emmanuel, Ukamaka Ijeomah Ann, Micheal Olisah Chinedu, Serah Nnaemeka Wuraola, Chukwuemeka Meludu Samuel, Emmanuel Dioka Chudi. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Moringa Oleifera in Lead Poisoning: An Investigation of its Effects on Blood Lead Levels and Oxidative Stress in Rats. International Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research. 2023 Apr; 9(2): 1-6