Immunomodulatory effects of hydromethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaf on male wistar rats

Background: The current global economic recession has made modern drugs expensive, not easily accessible and affordable, thereby making alternatives such as medicinal plants including Moringa oleifera imperative. Aim: This study assessed the immunomodulatory effects of the leaf extracts of M. oleifera on male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 250 g were randomly divided into eight groups of six rats each. Group I served as the positive control. Groups II, III, and IV were administered oral doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of M. oleifera leaf extracts, respectively, for 15 days. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to Groups V (negative control), VI, VII, and VIII for the first 3 days. Thereafter, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg doses of the extract were administered, respectively, for another 15 days. On days 16 and 19, blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture and analyzed for red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, total white blood cell (WBC) count, percentage differentials of WBCs, and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]). Results: Results showed statistically significant dose-dependent increase in total WBC (TWBC) count and percentages of neutrophil, eosinophil, monocytes, and lymphocytes in Groups II, III, and IV compared to Group I. It also showed that the extract statistically reduced serum hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) in Groups II, III, and IV compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05). Administration of CTX significantly reduced TWBC count and percentages of neutrophil, eosinophil, monocytes, lymphocytes, and increased serum hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in Groups VI, VII, and VIII when compared to Group V (P < 0.05). The effects of CTX on blood and hepatic enzymes were reversed with administration of the extracts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that M. oleifera leaf extracts have stimulatory effects on the production of WBCs and also have hepatoprotective potentials. Thus, it may have immune-modulatory properties.