Anti–Diabetic Activity of Dried Moringa Oleifera  Leaves in Normal and Streptozotocin (Stz)–Induced  Diabetic Male Rats

Ghada Z A Soliman

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Anti–Diabetic Activity of Dried Moringa Oleifera Leaves in Normal and Streptozotocin (Stz)–Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Ghada Z A Soliman

Abstract :

The prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus continues to increase all over the world. Medicinal plants constitute an important source of potential therapeutic agents for diabetes. Moringa oleifera has anti–cancer, anti–inflammatory and some researchers reported its hypoglycaemic potential. This study aimed to determine the antihyperglycemic effect of dried Moringa oleifera leaves powder or its ethanolic extract in STZ–induced diabetic male rats and on normal rats as well. One hundred and forty rats were included and divided into 7 groups (20/group). The active ingredients of Moringa oleifera were determined through HPLC analysis. A significant increase in body weight was found in normal groups treated with M. oleifera leaves powder. A significant increase in blood glucose, plasma and liver; and a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in insulin, liver glycogen, protein, super oxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity level were observed in the STZ–induced diabetic rats. These changes were reversed by treatment with dried leaves of M. oleifera or its ethanolic extract. The administration of the M. oleifera leaves powder also caused a reduction in blood glucose level in normal rats. Moringa olifera leaves or its ethanolic extract can reduce reactive free radicals that might lessen oxidative damage and this might be due to rich presence of flavonoids which have antioxidant property. Although M. oleifera leaves powder or its ethanolic extract has hypoglycaemic activity in STZ–induced diabetic rats but hypoglycaemic properties of leaves in normal rats needs more study and elucidation.