Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae)
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of ethnopharmacology
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has
been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective.
However, over the past decade, several news-catching episodes in developed communities indicated
adverse effects, sometimes life-threatening, allegedly arising as a consequence to taking herbal prod-
ucts or traditional medicines from various ethnic groups. Despite the popular use of Moringa oleifera
for treating various disorders, there is limited or no scientific data available regarding safety aspects of
this remedy, nor are there any documented toxicological studies that can be used to ascertain the safety
index of its herbal preparation. Therefore, this present study aimed to carry out extensive toxicological
evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera.
Materials and Methods: In an acute toxicity test, male Wistar albino mice were orally administered an
aqueous extract up to 6400 mg/kg and intraperitoneally up to 2000 mg/kg. A sub-chronic toxicity test
was performed by daily administration with the extract at 250, 500 and 1500 mg/kg orally for 60 days.
Control rats received distilled water. Sperm quality was analyzed, haematological and biochemical (liver
enzymes, urea and creatinine) parameters were determined and a histopathological examination was
carried out.
Results: The LD50 was estimated to be 1585 mg/kg. The extract did not elicit any significant difference
(P ≥ 0.05) in sperm quality, haematological and biochemical parameters in the treated rats compared
to the control. Moreover, there was no significant difference in weight gain of the control and treated
animals although there was a dose-dependent reduction in food consumption ofthe animals treated with
250 to 1500 mg/kg extract.
Conclusions: Results obtained in this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera is
relatively safe when administered orally.
Description
Keywords
Moringa oleifera, Haematology, Liver and renal function, Sub-chronic toxicity
Citation
Awodele, O., Oreagba, I. A., Odoma, S., da Silva, J. A. T., & Osunkalu, V. O. (2012). Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam.(Moringaceae). , 139(2), 330-336. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.008