EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA) LEAVES IN DIABETIC RABBITS

Adel R. Shaat, Kadry M. Sadek*, Ali H. El-Far, Sherif M. Nasr and Yasser El-Sayed

ABSTRACT

Background: Because of the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera), there is an increased interest in its potential role in the prevention and control of diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective: This study evaluated the potential antidiabetic efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) powder against streptozotocin (STZ)-high-fat diet (HFD) induced diabetic rabbits. Material and methods: Forty rabbits were divided into four groups of ten animals each. Control group, received no any treatment; diabetic group, injected STZ (35 mg/ kg BW, i.p) and fed on HFD; MOL50 group, received MOL, 5% of the diet and MOL100, received MOL, 10% of diet. Results: The STZ - HFD induced diabetic rabbits exhibited a significant increase in blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, liver enzymes and renal functions as well as decrease in insulin, antioxidant enzymatic activities and catalase mRNA expression compared with the control group. However, concurrent administration of MOL normalized the levels of all these parameters compared with the diabetic group. Discussion and conclusion: MOL ameliorated the adverse biochemical effect of DM, likely by increasing insulin secretion and sensitivity, improving the antioxidant status and decreasing the lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance.

Keywords: Antioxidant status, Moringa oleifera, Streptozotocin, Hepatoprotection.