Effects of Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera (Lam) Leaves on Nicotine-induced Changes in Haematological Parameters in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Aim: This research was conducted to determine the potential role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract in attenuating the toxic effects that may be caused by nicotine on haematological parameters in rat.

Study Design: Experimental animal study of ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera on nicotine-induced changes in haematological parameters.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria. Between October 2014 to June 2015.

Methodology: Thirty adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 5 each. Group A served as the normal control. Group B served as the nicotine control and the rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with nicotine (3 mg/kg bw). Group C rats were pre-treated with the moringa extract (150 mg/kg bw), and then later given i.p nicotine (3 mg/kg bw). Group D rats received i.p. nicotine (3 mg/kg bw) and the moringa extract (150 mg/kg body weight) concurrently. Group E rats received i.p. nicotine (3 mg/kg bw) and were then post-treated with the moringa extract (150 mg/kg bw). Group F rats received only the moringa extract (150 mg/kg bw).

Results: The results revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) the RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV and MCH of the group that was pre-treated with the moringa extract and the group that was administered solely with the extract. In the groups treated with nicotine, the PCV, RBC, Hb, MCV and MCH were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) when compared with the untreated control group. The group that received concurrent administration of nicotine and moringa extract had significantly lower (p < 0.05) red blood cell count when compared to both the untreated and nicotine control groups. In the group treated with nicotine, followed by post-treatment with the moringa extract there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the RBC, PCV, Hb and other red cell indices when compared to the nicotine control group, following the administration of the extract. No significant change (p > 0.05) in the leukocyte levels was observed in all treated groups. There was however a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the platelet level of all treated groups except the group that received concurrent administration of moringa extract and nicotine, which showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) instead, when compared with the untreated control group.

Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that Moringa oleifera leaves have positive haematological effect and that post-treatment with moringa is protective against nicotine induced changes in haematological parameters.