Assessment of ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. on epididymal dysfunctions and fertility in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective:To assess the protective effects of 70%ethanolic extract of Moringa(M.)oleifera leaves on fertility and epididymal dysfunctions in diabetic rats.Methods:Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups,each with six rats.GroupⅠwas the normal control group receiving vehicle(0.5 mL of distilled water/rat/day)orally;group Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ and Ⅵ were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin once to induce type Ⅰ diabetes.Then,the diabetic rats in group Ⅱ receiving vehicle(0.5 mL of distilled water/rat/day)orally;the diabetic rats in groups Ⅲ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ were orally treated with M.oleifera leaf extract at dose of 100,250,and 500 mg/kg body weight(b.wt.)/day,respectively;the diabetic rats in group Ⅵ were administrated with reference drug glibenclamide(5 mg/kg b.wt./day).The treatment lasted for 60 days.Sperm parameters(sperm count,motility and viability),fertility index,litter size,lipid peroxidation and antioxidative defense markers(i.e.superoxide dismutase,catalase,glutathione,and ascorbic acid)in the epididymal tissue were determined.Histopathological changes in epididymis were also evaluated.Results:Administration of different doses of M.oleifera leaf extract in diabetic rats induced a remarkable dose dependent improvement in sperm parameters,fertility index,litter size,epididymal antioxidant status and also restored histopathological changes as compared to the diabetic control group.These findings were comparable with reference drug.Conclusions:M.oleifera leaf extract possesses significant antioxidant activities as well as beneficial effects on epididymal dysfunctions in diabetic male rats.

Effect of Moringa oleifera on semen quality profiles in endangered Teressa goat under tropical humid island ecosystem

Objective:To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on semen quality parameters in Teressa goat buck.Methods:A total of 25 semen samples from six bucks were selected for the study.Spermatozoa of 150×10^(6) were incubated in 0,300,500 and 700μg of leaf extract as groupⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ,respectively.Liquid stored semen samples were analysed for motility,viability,total sperm abnormalities,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,seminal plasma intracellular enzymes[aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)]and total antioxidant capacity(TAC)and spermatozoa malondialdehyde(MDA)and cholesterol efflux in comparison with the control group(groupⅠ)for up to 72 h.Results:Moringa oleifera leaf extract(500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)-treated semen had significantly higher motility,viability,plasma membrane,acrosomal and nuclear integrities,and TAC(P<0.05),and had significantly lower total sperm abnormalities,AST,ALT,LDH,MDA production and cholesterol efflux compared to those in other Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated(300 or 700μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa)and control groups at different hours of liquid storage(P<0.05).Semen quality parameters and TAC showed an increasing trend and total sperm abnormalities,MDA production,leakage of intra-cellular enzymes and cholesterol efflux showed a decreasing trend from group Ⅰto group Ⅲand then an opposite trend from group Ⅲ to group Ⅳ at different hours of liquid storage.Conclusions:Moringa oleifera leaf extract 500μg/150×10^(6) spermatozoa can be used for liquid semen preservation in Teressa goat at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Prevelance of Bovine Cysticercosis in Egypt and the Cysticidal Effect of Two Extracts Obtained from Balanites aegyptiaca and Moringa oleifera on Mice Model Affected with T. saginata Cysticerci

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in both cattle and buffloas, in Egypt and to assess the cysticidal efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (B. aegyptiaca) and Moringa oleifera seeds (M. oleifera) extracts in experimentally infected mice. The study detected the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) to monitor the immune and inflammatory responses of experimentally infected mice. Through meat inspection, a total number of 2125 male bovine, 2 to 5 years old, (1125 cattle and 1000 buffloes) were examined under the authority of Albsatine and Alwaraq official abattoirs in Cairo Governorate, Egypt covering the period extended from March 2022 to April 2023. The overall prevalence of the disease among bovine was 7.8% (6.31% of cattle and 9.5% of buffloes). Besides, B. aegyptiaca and M. oleifera extracts showed cysticidal activity in experimentally infected mice. A decrease in the numbers of cysticerci was found in all treated mice groups, and up to 88% reduction was achieved in the B. aegyptiaca-treated group;higher than that was recorded in both M. oleifera (72.23%) and albendazole-treated ones (80.56%). Postmortem findings proved that M. oleifera and B. aegyptiaca reduced cysticerci numbers comparable to a commercial anthelmintic. The study showed a significant decrease (P 0.001) in TNF-α levels after treatment with Balanites and Moringa extracts, compared with the untreated control and the albendazole-treated groups.

The Protective Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaves Extract on Paracetamol Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

In recent years, there has been an increase in concern regarding the effects of paracetamol poisoning on liver tissues, particularly when consumed in large amounts. Some studies have estimated that paracetamol is involved in 56% of acute liver diseases, whereas 0.4% of paracetamol overdose cases result in fatal-ity. In this study, the effects of Moringa oleifera on paracetamol toxicity in the liver were explored. It has been demonstrated that Moringa oleifera is highly nu-tritious, contains bioactive molecules, and is therapeutically beneficial. Many studies have shown that Moringa oleifera leaves possess a wide range of biologi-cal properties, including antioxidant, tissue protection, analgesic, antihyperten-sive, and immunomodulatory activities. This study highlights the protective role of Moringa oleifera on handling possible paracetamol hepatotoxicity in male rats. .

GC/GCMS analysis of the petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of Moringa oleifera roots

Objective:To explore the phytochemical constituents from petroleum ether and diehloromethane extracts of Moringa oleifera(M.oleufera)roots using GC/GC—MS.Methods:A total of 5.11 kg fresh and undried crashed root of M.oleifera were cut into small pieces and extracted with petroleum ether and diehloromethane(20 L.each) at room temperature for 2 d.The concentrated extracts were subjected to their GC—MS analysis.Results:The GC-MS analysis of the petroleum ether and diehloromethane extracts of M.oleifern roots,which showed promising biological activities,has resulted in the identification 102 compounds.These constituents belong to 15 classes of compounds including hydrocarbons,fatty acids,esters,alcohols,isolhioeyanate.thiocyanale,pyrazine,aromalics.alkamides.cyanides,steroids,halocompounds.urea and N-hydroxyimine derivatives,unsaturated alkenamides.alkyne and indole.GC/GC-MS studies on petroleum ether extraet of the roots revealed that it contained 39 compounds,belonging to nine classes.Cyclooctasulfur S8 has been isolated as a pure compound from the extract.The major compounds identified from petroleum ether extract were trans-13-clocosene(37.9%).nonacosane(32.6%).cycloartenol(28.6%) nonadecanoic acid(13.9%) and cyclooctasulfur S8(13.9%).Dichloromethane extract of the roots was composed of 63 compounds of which nasimizinol(58.8%) along with oleic acid(46.5%),N—benzyl-N-(7—cyanato heptanamide(38.3%),N—benzyl-N—(1—chlorononyl) amide(30.3%),bis[3—benzyl prop-2-ene]-1-one(19.5%) and N.N-dibeuzyl—2-ene pent 1.5—diamide(11.6%) were the main constituents.Conclusions:This study helps to predict the formula and structure of active molecules which can be used as drugs.This result also enhances the traditional usage of M.oleifera which possesses a number of bioactive compounds.

Antibacterial Activity of Moringa ovalifolia and Moringa oleifera Methanol, N-Hexane and Water Seeds and Bark Extracts against Pathogens That Are Implicated in Water Borne Diseases

Antibacterial activity of methanol, n-hexane and water extracts of seeds and bark of Moringa oleifera and Moringa ovalifolia was conducted. The causative agents of common bacterial infections that are thought to cause water-borne diseases, namely, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus were chosen for the study. The paper-disc diffusion method was used with treatments arranged in a completely randomized design and replicated four times. The M. oleifera extracts showed more inhibitory effect than those of M. ovolifolia. The conventional antibiotic Ampicilin generally showed higher inhibitory effect than the extracts of both M. oleifera and M. ovalifolia. The inhibitory effect varied depending on the solvent used. The n-hexane extracts of both seeds and bark of M. ovalifolia and M. oleifera had almost the same inhibition activities (6 ± 1 mm mean inhibition zones) on B. cereus, E. coli and E. faecalis. The n-hexane extract generally gave lower antibacterial activities than those of the other solvents for seeds and back. The results of the study showed that M. oleifera and M. ovalifolia had a degree of antibacterial properties against the selected test organisms that cause water borne diseases.

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Moringa oleifera against malarial vector,Anopheles stephensi Liston(Insecta:Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi(A.stephensi) mosquitoes at different concentrations(20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm).Methods:M.oleifera was collected from the area of around Bharathiar University,Coimbatore.The dried plant materials were powdered by an electrical blender.From each sample,100 g of the plant material were extracted with 300 mL of methanol for 8 h in a Soxhlet apparatus.The extracts were evaporated to dryness in rotary vacuum evaporator to yield 122 mg and 110 mg of dark greenish material(residue) from Arcang amara and Ocimum basilicum,respectively.One gram of the each plant residue was dissolved separately in 100 mL of acetone(stock solution) from which different concentrations, i.e.,20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm were prepared.Results:Larvicidal activity of M.oleifera exhibited in the first to fourth instar larvae of the A.stephensi,and the LC_(50) and LC_(90) values were 57.79 ppm and 125.93 ppm for the first instar,63.90 ppm and 133.07 ppm for the second inslar,72.45 ppm and 139.82 ppm for the third instar,78.93 ppm and 143.20 ppm for the fourth instar,respectively. During the pupal stage the methanolic extract of M.oleifera showed that the LC_(50),and LC_(90) values were 67.77 ppm and 141.00 ppm,respectively.Conclusions:The present study indicates that the phytochemicals derived from M.oleifera seeds extracts are effective mosquito vector control agents and the plant extracts may be used for further integrated pest management programs.

Role of Moringa oleifera in regulation of diabetes-induced oxidative stress

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Atoringa oleifeta M.oleifera) young leaves by in vivo as well as in vitro assays.Methods:In vitro study included estimation of total phenolic,total ilavonol,total flavonoid and total antioxidant power(FRAP assay).Tn addition, in vivo study was done with the identified most effective dose of 200 nig/kg of its lyophilized powder on normal and diabetic rats.Its effect on different oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes,viz,superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione-S-transferase(GST),lipid peroxide(LPO) contents were measured.Results:Significant increase in activities of SOD.CAT, GST while,a decrease in LPO content was observed.Whereas,total phenolic,flavonoid and ilavonol contents in the extract were found to be 120 mg/g of CAK,40.5 mg/g of QEK and 12.12 mg/g of QE,respectively.On the other hand.FRAP assay results of M.oleifera leaves was(85.00±5.00)μM of Fe^+/g of extract powder.Conclusions:The significant antioxidant activities of M.oleifera leaves from both in vivo as well as in vitro studies suggests that the regular intake of its leaves through diet can protect normal as well as diabetic patients against oxidative damage.

Research advances on the multiple uses of Moringa oleifera: a sustainable alternative for socially neglected population

Moringa oleifera Lam(Moringaceae) is a plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its different parts are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals and present different pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Moreover, M. oleifera seeds are widely used in water and effluent treatment, for their coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation properties, their ability of improving water quality, by reducing organic matter and microbial load, with special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. In addition, due to its high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, this tree may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. In this context, this review gathers information on M. oleifera, emphasizing its chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and antimicrobial properties, applications in the treatment of water effluents, and ecological and social aspects.

A review on promising phytochemical, nutritional and glycemic control studies on Moringa oleifera Lam. in tropical and sub-tropical regions

Plants have provided sources to find novel compounds. These plants are being used as therapeutic purposes since the birth of mankind. The traditional healers normally utilize medicinal plants as crude drugs while scientists using the folk claim as guides to explore medicinal plants. Moringa oleifera is a famous edible plant having therapeutic and nutritive values. The present study was designed to cumulate the research data regarding to what extent, phytochemical, nutritional and glycemic control studies has been explored using its different extracts. The articles indicated that the powder, aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of Moringa oleifera(leaves, pods, seeds, stem and root bark) have significant therapeutic herbal potential to treat diabetes mellitus. Collectively, the mechanism behind is intestinal glucose inhibition, insulin release as well as decrease in insulin resistance probably regeneration of b-cells of pancreas, increase in glutathione and reduction in malondialdehyde. Conclusively, this article give descriptive information about antidiabetic effect, claimed marker compounds and proposed antihyperglycemic mechanism of a single plant. It can be suggested a potential herbal source to treat diabetes mellitus as being widely accepted by major population as nutrition and therapeutic agent.

In vitro antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic Moringa leaf extracts

Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic moringa leaf extracts (Moringa oleifera) on the growth of gram-positive and negative bacteria.Methods:Paper disks were soaked with 100,200,300 and 400μL of extract at 20 g/180mL and 10 g/190 mL.All extracts were tested against Escherichia coli(ATCC25922),Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC25923),Vibrio parahaemolyticus,Enterococcus faecalis(ATCC29212),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(ATCC27853), Salmonella enteritidis(IH) and Aeromonas caviae.The susceptibility tests were performed using the modified disk diffusion method.Results:The strains E.coli,P.aeruginosa and S.enteritidis (IH) were resistant to all treatments.In general,disks with 400μL extract were the most efficient against S.aureus,V.parahaemolyticus,E.faecalis and A.caviae.Conclusions:The study indicates a promising potential for aqueous and ethanolic Moringa leaf extracts as alternative treatment of infections caused by the tested strains.

Biofabrication of Ag nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

Objective:To formulate a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera).Methods:10 mL of leaf extract was mixed to 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous of AgNO_3 and was heated at 60-80 ℃ for 20 min.A change from brown to reddish color was observed.Characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM) was performed.Results:TEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 57 nm.Conclusions:M.oleifera demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions(Ag^+ to Ag^0). Biological methods are good competents for the chemical procedures,which are eco-friendly and convenient.

Moringa oleifera:A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application

Moringa oleifera,native to India,grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.It is commonly known as‘drumstick tree’or‘horseradish tree’.Moringa can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions and hence widely cultivated across the world.With its high nutritive values,every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes.The leaves are rich in minerals,vitamins and other essential phytochemicals.Extracts from the leaves are used to treat malnutrition,augment breast milk in lactating mothers.It is used as potential antioxidant,anticancer,anti-inflammatory,antidiabetic and antimicrobial agent.M.oleifera seed,a natural coagulant is extensively used in water treatment.The scientific effort of this research provides insights on the use of moringa as a cure for diabetes and cancer and fortification of moringa in commercial products.This review explores the use of moringa across disciplines for its medicinal value and deals with cultivation,nutrition,commercial and prominent pharmacological properties of this“Miracle Tree”.

Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds(100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis(50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone(reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results: Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GCMS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended.

Effect of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Leaf Powder Supplementation on Some Quality Characteristics of Wheat Bread

The effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation on some physico-chemical and sensory properties of wheat bread was determined. Bread was prepared from varying proportions of 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% and 95% wheat flour supplemented with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% Moringa oleifera leaf powder respectively. The bread samples were allowed to cool at ambient temperature (30℃± 1℃) and analysed for some physical properties, proximate composition, and sensory attributes. Moringa leaf powder addition significantly (p % to 3.28%), ash (1.10% to 1.65%), protein (9.07% to 13.97%), and ether extract (1.51% to 2.59%), while decreasing moisture content (35.20% to 27.65%). Moringa leaf powder supplementation also significantly (p cm3, 32.32 to 25.65 g, 7.00 to 5.83 cm and 4.70 to 2.65 cm3/g respectively, while the loaf weight increased from 169.20 to 185.86 g. There was a significant (p mg/100g and 0.02 to 3.27 mg/100g respectively, while Iron (Fe) and Cupper (Cu) contents decreased from 2.74 to 1.25 mg/100g and 2.26 to 0.03 mg/100g respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that although there was significant (p Moringa supplementation. This implies that despite the high nutrient content of Moringa oleifera powder, it is not a good substitute for wheat in bread production due to its physical characteristics and sensory attributes.

Nutritional Evaluation of Complementary Food Formulations from Maize, Soybean and Peanut Fortified with <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Leaf Powder

Nutritional evaluation of complementary food formulations from maize, soybean and peanut fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder was carried out. Maize, soybean and peanut were blended in a ratio of 60:30:10 to produce a complementary food, which was then fortified. While the unfortified food product (sample A) served as control, the other three formulations were fortified with 5%, 10% and 15% Moringa leaf powder to give three samples (B, C and D respectively) of fortified food. Nutritional composition determination and feeding trials were then carried out, using two weeks old male albino rats to determine the performance of the food formulations. While the crude protein, crude fibre, and ash contents of the diets increased significantly (p with fortification, with values ranging from 16.04% to 17.59%, 2.25% to 4.42% and 1.40% to 2.50% respectively, crude fat and carbohydrate decreased significantly (p < 0.05), with concomitant decrease in energy, with values ranging from 23.48% to 20.80%, 49.32% to 47.63% and 472.76% to 448.08 kcal/100g respectively in samples A to D. PER values significantly (p < 0.05) improved up to 10% substitution, from 1.77 in unfortified (sample A) to 1.90 in 10% fortified (sample C), but declined at 15% substitution (sample D) to 1.69. Similarly, NPR values increased from 0.71 to 0.76 and 0.68. However, all the PER values including that of Nestle Cerelac (2.04) were lower than, though within the same range, with the value of 2.10 recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) for complementary foods. Sample C (10% Moringa flour blend) gave the best performance after rat feeding trials.

Molecular mechanisms of the anti-obesity potential effect of Moringa oleifera in the experimental model

Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the potent anti-obesity effect of Moringa oleifera Lam.(M. oleifera) ethanolic extract and to clarify the link between these mechanisms and the associated metabolic and vascular risks in the experimental model of visceral obesity.Methods: M. oleifera ethanolic extract was orally administered at 600 mg/kg body weight in obese female rats daily for 12 weeks. At the end of treatment, body weight was determined, and the atherogenic index, coronary artery index, glucose level, insulin resistance status, liver and kidney functions were assessed. Also, the m RNA of leptin, adiponectin and resistin in visceral adipose tissue was determined by quantitative real time-PCR.Results: The results showed that M. oleifera extract down-regulated m RNA expression of leptin and resistin, while it up-regulated adiponectin gene expression in obese rats relative to untreated obese control counterparts. This amelioration of genes expression was paralleled by a reduction in body weight and improvement of the atherogenic index and coronary artery index, as well as glucose level and insulin resistance value without adverse effects on liver or kidney functions, versus the untreated obese control ones.Conclusions: It is reasonable to assume that the anti-obesity, anti-atherogenic and antidiabetic properties of M. oleifera are mechanistically achieved via working directly on the adipokines of the visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, M. oleifera may be a good therapeutic candidate for the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

GC-MS analysis,determination of total phenolics,flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activities of various crude extracts of Moringa peregrina(Forssk.) Fiori leaves

Objective:To perform phytochemical screening,estimate total phenolics,flavonoids and to evaluate antioxidant potential of Moringa peregrina(M.peregrina) leaves.Methods:The dried powdered leaves of M.peregrina(150 g) were extracted exhaustively by Soxhlet with ethanol and then fractionated into hexane,chloroform,ethy alacetate and methanol.All the prepared extracts were also analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the chemical compounds present in the crude extracts.Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods were used to estimate total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts.Hydrogen peroxide and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl were used to determine in vitro antioxidant activity.Results:Phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results revealed presence of 19 phytoconstituents in hexane extract,6 in ethyl acetate and 7 compounds in methanolic extract.Methanol extract was found to contain the highest phenolic content and flavonoids.In vitro antioxidant activities of all crude extracts were significant and comparable with the standard ascorbic acid.Conclusions:Results of this study show that the leaves of M.peregrina are the rich source of phenolic compounds that can play an important role in preventing the progression of many diseases.

Estimating the Nutritional Value of the Leaves of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>on Poultry

In this study, we validated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves as food supplement on poultry. Proximate neutron activation analysis was used in determining the level of some of the vital nutritional minerals and potential toxic elements in the serum of the birds during the experimental process, including Magnesium, Copper, Vanadium, Chlorine, Aluminum, Manganese, Calcium, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Sodium and Potassium. Incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaves in maize meal fed to poultry showed profound, statistically significant effect on their weight (p > 0.05) as well as intensity in coloration of the beaks and legs, combs and wattles, in contrast to a control (maize-meal only) feeding of broilers (p > 0.05). Moreover, a significant level of the biochemical minerals of serum Calcium (1.17 - 1.20 mmol·L-1), Sodium (141.6 - 152.6 mmol·L-1), Potassium (4.1 - 5.7 mmol·L-1), Chloride (95 - 110 mmol·L-1), Albumen (30 - 55 mmol·L-1) and Triglyceride (0.3 - 1.7 mmol·L-1) were observed in broilersfed with the formulated Moringa oleifera leaves and maize meal as compared to the maize meal only (control). Addition of Maringa oleifera leaves to poultry feed will lead to high output performance in poultry production.

Effect of Incorporation of Yam Flour and Moringa Powder in Wheat Bread on Glycemic Response

This study aimed to investigate the effect of yam flour substitution (Dioscorea alata L.) and moringa powder in wheat bread on glycemic response. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of pieces of bread were determined. A mixture plan design was used to determine the optimal formulation of bread made of yam flour, wheat flour and moringa powder. The mixture of 79.4% soft wheat flour, 20% yam flour and 0.6% moringa leaves powder has a good potential in bread preparation and was used in this study. 100% wheat bread was used as control. Postprandial blood glucose response (glycemic response) was evaluated with the glucose used as a reference food. Blood glucose responses were measured at different intervals for 2 hours. The results indicated that composite bread had low GI and GL values than wheat bread. Values are GI = 80 and GL = 61.2 for wheat bread and GI = 37.78 and GL = 29.65 for the composite bread. This study demonstrated that the inclusion of yam flour of moringa leaves powder in bread production might not pose a threat to blood glucose response compared to wheat bread. These pieces of bread could be included easily in diabetics’ and non-diabetics diet.