Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaves Methanolic Extract on Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Moringa oleifera, popularly known as “miracle tree” belongs to the family, Moringaceae. It is a medicinal plant in which the leaves are the most nutritious part, being a significant source of vitamins and protein among others. This study was conceived and designed based on the gaps in the research that has been performed and what is known about the plant. In this study, the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats was investigated. A total of forty five (45) rats were acclimatized for a period of two weeks, then randomly divided into five (5) groups (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) of  nine (9) rats each and fed with standard feed and water. Group 1 which is the control was fed with just water and standard feed while Hyperglycemia was induced in groups 2, 3, 4, & 5 intra-peritoneally after an over-night fasting using alloxan at a concentration of 130 mg/kg b.w. and allowed for 48hours which resulted in a high blood glucose level between 300 mg/dl and 600 mg/dl. Group 2 was not given any treatment while Groups 3, 4, & 5 were treated with doses 100 mg/kg b.w., 200 mg/kg bw, and 400 mg/kgbw of Moringa oleifera leaf extract respectively for a period of four weeks. A glucometer was used to check the blood glucose level of the animals before and after treatment. The results of Groups 3, 4, & 5 (172.0±4.75 mg/dl, 142.9±47.25 mg/dl, 70.6±24.46 mg/dl respectively) showed a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in blood glucose level of the induced rats when compared with Group 2 (316±47.17 mg/dl) which was induced only alloxan. It can therefore be concluded that this study has shown that the extract of Moringa oleifera leaves offers an anti-diabetic effect in Wistar albino rats.