Introduction: The Moringa oleifera (MO) plant, commonly referred to as the 'miracle tree,' is known by various names. In English, it is called the Drumstick tree or Horseradish plant. Locally in Nigeria, it is known as Zogale in Hausa, Okwe oyibo in Igbo, Ewe Ile in Yoruba, and Gawara in Fulani. The uses of MO leaf extract in controlling high blood pressure and as a food supplement with high nutritional value have been documented scientifically. Some studies have also shown that dosages appear to be safe from tested toxicity but a relative increase such as 3-4 times the recommended doses is known to cause genotoxic damage. However, there is a paucity of human evidence of the potency of MO presently, most studies use animal models such as rats and ethanol extract.
Objective: The study aims to assess the Nutritional and Medicinal
values of MO determining its acute toxicity lethal and sublethal doses (LD50)
and its phytochemical constituents in our locality where consumption is very
high using Swiss albino mice.
Methods: The ethanol extraction method was used to obtain the
concentrates of 100 g, and thirty (30) adult mice (30–40g) were used for Acute
Toxicity (LD50). Phytochemical Qualitative and Quantitative analyses, Gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer were carried out to determine the major
Bio-Nutrients, Identification of Phytocomponents and Minerals and Vitamins
constitution respectively.
Results: The results showed that LD50 of 3900 mg/kg induced death
in mice. Piloerection amongst others and weight gain were observed in sublethal
doses. Carbohydrates (36.6%), Calcium, Phenol, Ascorbic acid, and Methyl
Octadecenoate (30%) recorded the highest constituents.
Conclusion: It is safe to consume MO in the right doses for body
nourishment and health promotion. The consumption of MO may alleviate
malnutrition and other related diseases, and dried leaves as a food supplement
since it has a low genotoxic effect when an appropriate dose or quantity is
taken. Future studies are necessary to move from animal models to human trials
and to improve the preparation of the extract from raw crude to a more refined
and palatable form for easy human consumption.
Author
(s) Details
Emmanuel Odumeru
Department of Medical Imaging Science, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, University of Rwanda, Remera Campus, Rwanda.
Costelia C Njoku
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences,
Technology, and Management, Amaigbo, Imo State, Nigeria.
Solomon Ijioma
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v7/3101
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