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

Authors

1. Onah Christian Ejike
   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
2. Onah Chinwemma Florence
   Department of Nursing Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi
3. Ehiaghe Alfred Friday
   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0406-1340
4. Onyegbule Onyema Athanasius
   Department of Obstetric and Gynaenicology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
5. Ogbodo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka
   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2560-6995
6. Ijeomah Ann Ukamaka
   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University Keffi
   https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8730-2076
7. Nnaemeka Wuraola Serah
   Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5883-883X
8. Meludu Samuel Chukwuemeka
   Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
9. Dioka Chudi Emmanuel
   Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

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

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