Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Journal (Jan 2020)
Evaluation of weight and appetite of adult wistar rats supplemented with ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera
Abstract
Background: Moringa oleifera, also known as “tree of life,” has been used in the treatment of numerous diseases. Moringa has been the subject of intensive scientific research; however, there has been scanty information on its sub-acute effect on weight and appetite. This work was done to evaluate the weight and appetite of adult Wistar rats supplemented with ethanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera. Methods: Twenty-eight adult healthy rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of seven per group and fed with pellets and water ad libitum. Group A served as the controls, Group B was fed with 500 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Moringa leaf, Group C with 1000 mg/kg, whereas Group D was fed with 1500 mg/kg body weight. Doses were administered once daily using the oral gavage for 28 days. Feed and water intake were monitored, calculated, and values recorded. The body weights of the animals were also monitored weekly, and the values were recorded. The animals were anesthetized with chloroform before the time of sacrifice. Necropsy was performed, and the tissues (liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys) weighed and values were recorded. Results: There were statistically significant increases in feed (126.26 ± 6.02 and 122.61 ± 4.26) and water (152.38 ± 4.29 and 149.96 ± 5.29) intake in the 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg treated rats, respectively. Statistical differences in the body weights (253.92 ± 4.52 and 251.76 ± 5.55) of the 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg treated rats, respectively, were noted. Conclusion: The result showed that M. oleifera may cause an increase in appetite and weight at concentrations higher than 1000 mg/kg.
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