The Immuno-modulatory and Thrombocytopaenic Effects of the Varying Concentrations of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera and related species are commonly used in folk medicine for various human diseases.

Aim: The study was undertaken to establish the thrombocytopenic effect of the aqueous leaf extract of moringa oleifera and to find the utilization of platelet parameters in determining the cause of the thrombocytopenia.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of moringa were dried and extracted with water. Thirty (30) male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 150-250 g, which were kept under uniform laboratory conditions, were randomly divided into five (5) groups (A-E), based on their weights. The control group (group A) was orally given 0.5 ml of distilled water while the treatment groups (groups B to E) were orally given 250 mg/kg, 450 mg/kg,650 mg/kg and 850 mg/kg body weight respectively of the extract, once a day, for 56days and then sacrificed. At the end of the administration, blood samples were collected from each rat and examined for platelet indices. The effects of treatment with aqueous leaf extract of moringa oleifera on the platelet parameters were compared with the control group.

Result: The rats treated with the extract, showed a decrease in platelet count and platelet crit while there was a significant increase in the platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume and immature platelet fraction, concerning the control.

Conclusion: The aqueous leaf extract of moringa oleifera is therefore shown to modulate the immune system and cause thrombocytopaenia, through platelet destruction.