Study of the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves powder in Southwestern Algerian diabetic patients: a pilot clinical trial

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves are commonly used for diabetes worldwide. To date, there has been no research study done to investigate its effect on lipid and carbohydrate profile in Algerian diabetic patients. This pilot clinical study aimed to evaluate its long term-effect on lipid and carbohydrate profile in Algerian diabetic patients in preparation for a larger trial. 44 diabetic patients from Adrar city were administrated with 3600 mg of MO leaves powder twice a day at breakfast and at 7 p.m. for a period of 90 consecutive days, along with their regular hypoglycemic medications, in order to evaluate their serum lipid (TC, C-HDL, C-LDL and TG) and carbohydrate profile (blood sugar and HBA1c), weight, BMI and blood pressure, across five time-points (on days 0, 3, 7, 30, and 90). The results showed that oral administration of Moringa oleifera powder had a statistically significant effect on blood sugar (HBA1c), LDL-C, HDL-C levels in diabetic patients (p<0.05). Moringa oleifera leaf powder seemed reduced LDL-C, and HBA1c and elevated HDL-C, in diabetic patients. No side effect was reported by any participant. However, it did not have a statistically significant effect on weight, BMI and blood pressure. The data from the present clinical trial provide persuasive, although preliminary evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder for managing chronic hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in Algerian patients with diabetes. A more extensive trial is necessary to determine the Moringa oleifera leaf powder optimal dose and evaluate if its effect results into long-term advantages. In addition, further investigations are required to clear the underlying mechanisms involved with these effects.