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Original Research ArticlesPeer-reviewedOpen Access · CC BY 4.0

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Moringa Oleifera in Lead Poisoning: An Investigation of its Effects on Blood Lead Levels and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Onah Christian Ejike1, Onah Chinwemma Florence2, Ehiaghe Alfred Friday3, Onyegbule Onyema Athanasius4, Ogbodo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka5, Ijeomah Ann Ukamaka6, Nnaemeka Wuraola Serah7, Meludu Samuel Chukwuemeka8, Dioka Chudi Emmanuel9

  1. 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  2. 2 Department of Nursing Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi
  3. 3 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  4. 4 Department of Obstetric and Gynaenicology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
  5. 5 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (corresponding author)
  6. 6 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University Keffi
  7. 7 Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  8. 8 Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  9. 9 Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Published 2023-03-26 · pp. 1-6

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Abstract

Objective: Lead poisoning is a global public health problem that has been associated with poor treatment outcomes. We therefore evaluated the ability of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) to reduce blood lead level (BLL) and lead-induced oxidative stress in relation to dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in albino wister rats. Methods: Thirty rats were allocated into five groups consisted of 6 rats each. Control group (A) received normal rat chow and water ad libitum for 12 weeks. Group (B-E) initially received 100 mg/kg body weight lead acetate per oral for 6 weeks. Thereafter, groups B, C, D and E received DMSA and different doses of M. oleifera and their combination for another 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected prior to treatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment for the analysis of BLL, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). Results: BLL and MDA increased significantly (p<0.05) while serum SOD, CAT, and GST activities decreased significantly (p<0.05) from their pre-treatment levels after 6 weeks of lead acetate administration. However, 400 mg/kg body weight M. oleifera administration after 12 weeks post-treatment significantly (p<0.05) decreased 6 weeks BLL by (40.5%); MDA (52%); and significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of serum SOD by (35%); CAT (26.3%); and GST (53%). Conclusion: M. oleifera was observed to not only effectively reduce blood lead levels but also ameliorate lead induced oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidant activities. M. oleifera may therefore, serve as an alternative therapeutic approach to lead poisoning especially in resource limited settings.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Lead toxicity; Moringa oleifera; dimercaptosuccinic acid; oxidative stress