INFLUENCE OF MORINGA OLEIFERA (DRUM-STICK) FRUIT EXTRACT ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE FOLLOWING REPEATED EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVELS OF ARSENIC THROUGH FEED ON RATS

Abstract

Effect of Moringa oleifera fruits hot methanolic extract (MFE), if any, in minimizing the adverse reactions of repeated exposure to arsenic trioxide (AT) in feed was investigated in Wistar rats with reference to haematological profile. Three groups of rats each containing 10 (5male+5female) were used. The group I served as negative control. Rats of group II were fed arsenic trioxide (AT) alone @ 100 ppm in feed while those of group III simultaneously received AT (@100 ppm) and MFE (50 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from retroorbital plexus for estimation of hematological parameters (haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, MCH, MCHC, MCV) of different groups on 0 day, 15th day and 29th day respectively. Exposure to AT through feed in group II resulted in significant (P<0.05) decrease in haemoglobin, TEC and MCHC, accompanied by increased MCV, with no significant alteration of PCV or MCH of the rats. While rats of group III treated with AT (@100 ppm) and MFE (50 mg/kg/day) also resulted in same consequences as it was in group II but it was slightly less than that of group II suggesting of mild non significant protective effect.

Keywords

• Albino rats
• Moringa oleifera fruits
• Arsenic trioxide
• Haematological profile