PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND HEMATOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA (LAM)
Igbinaduwa PO1*, Oluwasegun DM1, Innih SO2
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 7(2): 95-100; Nov/Dec 2015
ABSTRACT
Increasing interest in medicinal plants has increased scientific scrutiny of their therapeutic potentials and safety. This work evaluated the proximate analysis and toxicological effects and its consequences on hematological parameters of Moringa oleifera leaf. Proximate analysis showed that the leaf contains carbohydrate, fats, protein and fibre. It also shows the presence of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, and sulphur. Subacute toxicity was done on Wistar albino rats for 28 days. There were no changes in body and organ weight except a statistical decrease in the spleen weight. Hematological investigation revealed an increase in mean corpuscular volume, granulocytes, and monocytes. There was a decrease in white blood cells and lymphocytes. The work shows that the leaf of the plant is nutritious and it is relatively safe at low dose. However, further evaluation of its long term effects may be necessary.
*Authors of correspondence: patrick.igbinaduwa@uniben.edu