In vitro and In vivo Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera Ethanolic Leaves Extract and Effect on Serum Lipid Indices in Rat

Background: The pathogenesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) linked chronic diseases such as hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes has warranted the intensive search for plants with antioxidant properties. Aim: The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of ethanolic leaves extract of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) and its effect on lipid indices in male albino rats were investigated.Material and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant properties of the extract were determined; while the in vivo studies involved three groups of five male rats orally administered with extract [1 mL (200 mg/kg-1)], alpha-tocopherol [1 mL (500 mg/kg-1)] and 1 mL 5 % Tween 20 (control) respectively for 21 days. The effects on enzymatic antioxidants and lipid indices were evaluated. Results: Hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability of the extract was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of alpha-tocopherol. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased, while triacylglycerides and very low density lipoprotein were significantly (p<0.05) lowered by the extract. Malonaldehyde levels were not significantly (p<0.05) different in the extract, alpha-tocopherol and control treated groups. Conclusion: The extract had appreciable phenol content and exhibited in vitro antioxidant properties. The extract also had modulating effects on enzymatic antioxidants, showed lipid-lowering ability and caused changes in types of lipoproteins found in serum.