Repeated Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera modulated immunoactivities in Wistar Rats

The immunomodulatory capability of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera was investigated in male Wistar rats. Dry leaf powder of Moringa oleifera was extracted with water and lyophilized. Twenty four Wistar rats with body weight of 86.2 ± 4.43 g were grouped equally into four (A-D) and distilled water, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of extract were orally administered once daily for 56 days groups respectively. Serum interleukin-2 concentration increased (p<0.05), while interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-? reduced (p<0.05). Erythrocyte parameters, neutrophils and monocyte concentrations were reduced (p<0.05). Total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, and liver reduced glutathione were increased (p<0.05), while malondialdehyde and serum uric acid were decreased (p<0.05). The findings of this study supported the folkloric use of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera as an immunomodulating regime for the prevention and/ or cure of infective and degenerative diseases. However, the extract caused anaemia. Keywords: Immunomodulatory capability, Moringa oleifera, supported, folkloric use, degenerative diseases and anaemia