The Effect of Different Moringa Oleifera (Moringaceae) Leaves on Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a serious, long-term condition with a major impact on the lives. Type 2 diabetes is closely associated with insulin resistance and obesity and is characterized by impairments in physiological body processes and hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Moringa oleifera (MO) is a traditional herbal plant that has been used for a long time as a food ingredient or in traditional folk medicine. Aim and objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different Moringa oleifera leaves on diabetic rats.  Subjects and methods: This study was carried out at the Postgraduate Lab of Home Economic Faculty, Helwan University. Thirty-five adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on standard diet for one week for adaptation. Rats then was randomly divided into two main groups. Result: The results indicated that, STZ treated rats showed significant reduction (P<0.05) in serum insulin concentration and, increased glucose levels compared to normal rats. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaves in the diet caused significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentration of insulin while glucose level was significantly (P<0.05) decreased compared to the positive control one. It was also observed that, liver and kidney functions and lipid profile of the treated rats was improved compared to the positive control group. Conclusion: Administration of Moringa oleiferia to diabetic rats ameliorated all the adverse effects of diabetes via modulation of insulin, glucose, liver and kidney function, and lipid profile, therefore Moringa oleiferia leaves extract and dried could be used as a suitable supplementation therapy for diabetic patients.