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. .

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.

Anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in the early stages of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on angiogenesis and inflammatory process in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy.Methods:Four weeks after a single injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin,rats were treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg/day Moringa oleifera leaf extract,1 mg/kg/day dapagliflozin,or a combination of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and dapagliflozin for further eight weeks.Renal function,kidney histology,and gene expression were evaluated at the end of the experiment.Results:Renal function of diabetic rats was significantly impaired as evidenced by increased blood urea nitrogen,albuminuria,24-h proteinuria,and high creatinine clearance which indicated glomerular hyperfiltration.In addition,diabetic rats showed an increase in gene expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-A(VEGF-A),angiopoietin-2(Ang2),the Ang2/Ang1 ratio,tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1βand monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated a significant increase in the density of glycoprotein CD34.Moringa oleifera leaf extract markedly improved all renal dysfunction markers and modulated the upregulated expression of angiogenic factors and inflammatory genes.Conclusions:Moringa oleifera leaf extract could suppress abnormal angiogenesis and inflammatory processes possibly by downregulating gene expression of angiogenesis factors and proinflammatory cytokines.

Effect of Pure Culture Fermentation on Biochemical Composition of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Lam Leaves Powders

This study was carried out to determine the effect of the age of the leaves and fermentation on in vitro protein digestibility and biochemical properties of leaves powder of Moringa oleifera. A 6 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two ages of the leaves (one and seven-month-old leaves), six times of fermentation and two fermentation temperatures was used for this purpose. One and seven-month-old fresh leaves were dried at 45 ℃ for 24 h, crushed to 1000 μm then fermented at 30℃ and 37℃ for 120 hours with Lactobacillus plantarum A6 at 108 CFU/g. Samples were withdrawn every 24 hours for physico-chemical analyses. Results showed that 7 month-old leaves were richer in iron, proteins, polyphenols and phytates than one month old leaves. The phytates content dropped from 66.92% and 61.95% in the seven and one month-old leaves powders respectively fermented at 37℃, and from 54.15% and 67.95% in the seven and one month-old leaves powders respectively fermented at 30℃. Protein content increased by 26.34% and 24.48% for the 1and 7-month-old leaves powders respectively fermented at 37℃, and by 13.06% and 13.97% for the 1and 7month-old leaves powders respectively, fermented at 30℃. Iron availability increased from 35.97% to 40.57% and 20.74% to 30.98% for the 1and 7-month-old leaves powders respectively, fermented at 37℃ and from 35.97% to 39.79% and 20.76% to 23.72% for the 1and 7-month-old leaves powders respectively, fermented at 30℃. There was a negative correlation between pH, total and reducing sugar contents, time as well as fermentation temperature, whereas there was a positive correlation between total protein content and pepsic digestibility of protein and fermentation time. From these results, fermentation of M. oleifera leaf powder by Lactobacillus plantarum A6 increases protein content, pepsic digestibility of protein and availability of iron and reduces the phytates content of these powders.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Moringa oleifera Lam Leaf Functional Tea in Rat Models and Human Subjects

Maintenance of glycemic control is important in preventing diabetes and its associated complications. Considering the current recommended approach for the use of functional foods and their bioactive components in the prevention and management of diabetes, the aim of this study was to determine the antihyperglycemic effect of Moringa oleifera functional tea in rat models and in normoglycemic human volunteers using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Moringa tea prepared by extracting Moringa leaf powder in distilled water (1:20 mg/ml) at 97°C for 30 min was administered at different doses to male Wistar rats and human volunteers prior to glucose loading. Blood glucose was measured at intervals of 30 min for 150 min. Consumption of Moringa tea prior to glucose loading suppressed the elevation in blood glucose in all cases compared to controls that did not receive the tea initially. The degree and pattern of decrease however, were dose dependent. In rats, intermediate doses of 20 ml/kg BW were more effective in reducing blood glucose overall (18.2%) vs 13.3% and 6% at doses of 10 and 30 ml/kg BW respectively. In humans, the final decrease in blood glucose was not significantly different for high 400 ml (19%) and low 200 ml (17%) doses. Of interest here was the pattern of decrease, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 30 min with 200 ml (22.8%) than with 400 ml (17.9%). It is suggested that low doses exert their antihyperglycemic effect more at intestinal level by inhibiting glucose absorption, whereas high doses exert their effect more in circulation. We conclude that Moringa oleifera tea has potential as a functional food in the management of hyperglycemia.

Evaluation of Toxicological Risk Related to Presence of Lead and Cadmium in <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Lam. Leaves Powders Marketed in Cotonou (Benin)

To evaluate lead and cadmium contamination in Moringa oleifera leaves powders marketed in Cotonou and health risks associated with its consumption, cross-sectional and analytical study were done from October 23th, 2012 to June 20th, 2013. Samples of Moringa powders were purchased at different outlets (health centers, supermarkets, pharmacy, etc.). Assays were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion according calcination method. Pb and Cd levels were compared with Codex Alimentarius standards, using the Student t test. Daily Exposure Doses (DDE) and Hazard Quotients (HQ) specific to each contaminant were calculated using a conventional method. Results revealed that the mean concentration of lead for all samples (1.526 mg/kg) exceeded of about 5.08 times the maximum allowable limit whereas cadmium levels (0.246 mg/kg) was not statistically higher than the standard. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd are respectively 4.263 mg/kg and 0.354 mg/kg. Children are 2.3 to 3.8 times in greater danger than adults although all QD calculated are less than 1, reflecting that there is a low risk to consumers in general. For both metals, DJE specifically linked to the consumption of Moringa was less than 2% compared to other kinds of food intake. In conclusion, the current level of contamination (with lead and cadmium) of Moringa leaves powders marketed in Cotonou is not yet an alarming threat to consumers’ health. However, care must be taken to reduce chemical pollution especially soils where these plants grow.

High-frequency Plant Regeneration from Leaf Cultures of Moringa oleifera Lam: a Multipurpose Plant

[Objective] The aim was to optimized and established the regeneration system of Moringa oleifera and provided foundation for its rapid propagation and further research. [Method] Tissue culture techniques and large scale micropropagation of M. oleifera were studied in this paper. By means of a series of experiments, we used the leaf of aseptic seedling from M. oleifera as explants to optimize and establish the regeneration system cultured in vitro by means of direct organogenesis. [Result] It was observed that using the fresh shelled M. oleifera seeds with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 6 minutes could reach the best disinfection effect. The seed germination rate was 85%. The leaf could produce cluster buds well using the medium with MS＋2.0 mg/L 6-BA＋0.05 mg/L NAA, while the best proliferation condition was under MS＋6-BA 1.0 mg/L＋KT 0.1 rag/L＋2, 4-D 2.0 mg/L＋NAA 0.05 mg/L. The best rooting induction culture medium was MS＋0.5 mg/L IBA, with the rooting rate as 100%. [Cenclusien] This protocol might find use in mass production of true- to-type plants and in production of transgenic plants through Agrobacterium/biolisticmediated transformation.

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract mitigates carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatic inflammation and apoptosis via targeting oxidative stress and toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B pathway in mice

Carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)is a hepatotoxin that triggers liver damage.This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of phytochemicals detected in Moringa oleifera Lam.leaf extract(MOLE)on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.Phytochemicals,total phenolics,and total fl avonoids were detected in MOLE.MOLE markedly decreased the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in consistence with the ameliorating effect on CCl4-induced histopathological abnormalities.Moreover,MOLE significantly alleviated the decrease in the antioxidant defense mechanism induced by CCl4.The suppressing effect of MOLE on the boosted inflammatory pathway triggered by CCl4 was detected by measuring the protein levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells(NF-κB-p65),toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,and IL-8 as well as the relative expressions of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),TNF-α,IL-1β,and TLR4 genes.Apoptosis and genotoxicity induced by CCl4 were signifi cantly alleviated by MOLE.MOLE co-administration modulated TLR4/NF-κB pathway as presented by the suppressed gene expression of TLR4 and NF-κB as well as by the reduced protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB-p65.In conclusion,MOLE has a multifarious protective role against hepatotoxicity through control of oxidative stress and modulation of TLR4/NF-κB.

Attenuation of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory events in BV-2 microglial cells by Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Objective: To determine the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract(MLE) under lipopolysaccharide stimulation of mouse murine microglia BV2 cells in vitro. Methods: The cytotoxicity effect of MLE was investigated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. The inflammatory response of BV-2 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharide. The generation of nitric oxide levels was determined by using Griess assay and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) was evaluated by ELISA kit. The expression of iNOS, COX-2 as well as IκB-ααwas carried out by immunoblot analysis. Results: MLE reduced the nitric oxide production in concentration-dependent manner, and maintained the viability of BV-2 microglial cells which indicated absence of toxicity. In addition, MLE repressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B by arresting the deterioration of IκB-α, consequently resulted in suppression of cytokines expression such as COX-2 and iNOS. Conclusions: MLE inhibitory activities are associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B transcriptional activity in BV2 microglial cells. Thus MLE may offer a substantial treatment for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Phytopharmacological potential of the natural gift Moringa oleifera Lam and its therapeutic application: An overview

Traditionally,medicinal plants of family Moringaceae have been well-recognized due to their multipurpose utilization in various fields such as treatment of several diseases for they have a broad range of pharmacological activities,in wastewater treatment as well as food source.Fractionation of this medicinal plants and its bioactivity study discloses the presence of several phytoconstituents and secondary metabolites like terpenes,flavonoids,steroids,phenolic compounds,tannins,carohydrates,flavonoids,vitamins and minerals.The results of bioactivity study results revealed that different extracts such as aqueous,methanolic and ethanolic of Moringa oleifera showed notable therapeutic activities.Our present review explore and focus on the phytochemical composition and various pharmacological activities like immunomodulator,antidiabetic,antiulcer,anthelmintic,anti-inflammatory,antipyretic,analgesic,antiepileptic,cardioprotective,lipid lowering,antihypertensive,hepatoprotective,anti-nephrotoxicity and anti-microbial activities to arouse public consciousness about the nutritional and medicinal value of this"miracle tree-Moringa oleifera"in favor of humanity.

Lead-Induced Damage on Hepatocytes and Hepatic Reticular Fibres in Rats;Protective Role of Aqueous Extract of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Leaves (Lam)

This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves on the histologyof liver and hepatic reticular fibres integrity of adult Wistar rats following lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty four adult Wistar rats, weighing 180 - 220 g, randomly assigned into four groups of six animals each were used for the study. Lead and Moringa oleifera were given orally to the rats. 24 hours after the last administration, animals were sacrificed, blood obtained by cardiac puncture and liver excised, fixed in 10% phosphate buffered formalin for histological and histochemical analysis. The activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used as markers of hepatotoxicity and catalase (CAT) activity were used as marker to evaluate the anti-oxidant status of the tissue. Result showed that lead treatment increased markers of hepatic damage (ALT, AST and ALP) and decreased CAT activities. Histological studies reveal alterations of hepatic structure including hepatocytic vacuolations, sinuosoidal congestion and loss of reticular fibres following lead treatment. Treatment with MO prevented and reversed lead induced hepatic damage. In conclusion, this study shows that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has an appreciable ability to prevent hepatotoxicity caused by lead, partly as result of its chemical constituents which has hepatoprotective properties.

Antiurolithiatic activity of aqueous extract of bark of moringa oleifera (lam.) in rats

In the present study, aqueous extract of bark of Moringa oleifera administered orally, was eva- luated for its antiurolithiatic potential in albino rats of Wistar strains. The stones were produced in this study by zinc disc foreign body insertion in the bladder supplemented with 1% ethylene glycol in drinking water. The reduction in weight of the stones was used as criteria for assessing the preventive or curative antiurolithiatic effect of the bark of this plant. Two doses of extract for prophylactic and curative groups were used. In both groups the oral administration of the extract of bark of Moringa oleifera has resulted in significant reduction in the weight of bladder stones compared to the control group.

The Primacy of Moringa(Moringa oleifera Lam.)in Boosting Nutrition Status and Immunity Defence Amidst the COVID-19 Catastrophe:A Perspective

A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)led novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19)outbreak spread through China has become the biggest global public health challenge today.The virus upon several mutations has led to the resurgence of more infectious and lethal variants infecting over 298 million people with more than 5.46 million deaths worldwide by the end of December,2021.Though vaccines are available,various preventive measures particularly a high body immunity is still extremely important which determines the likelihood of disease severity and subsequent recovery in the current and future pandemics.This review acknowledges the potentiality of miraculous Moringa oleifera Lam.against recently evolved novel coronavirus and accompanying health complications.Moringa a well-proven super-food,densely packed with an abundant quantity of 92 minerals,several vitamins,46 antioxidants,and numerous bioactive compounds,thus own a massive therapeutic potential for healing all levels of nutritional deficiencies and poor immunities and cure above 300 diseases.Moringa acts as anti-asthmatic,anti-cancerous,anti-diabetic,anti-inflammatory,hypotensive,hepatic,renal and cardio-protective,and anti-viral in nature.Thus it may reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections and associated serious medical emergencies.In addition,self-isolation at home or the workplace has put people at increased risk of physical and mental sicknesses,which could be simply addressed by integrating this wonderful plant into everyday diet.Furthermore,the immune-modulatory properties and viral inhibiting nature of moringa contribute to reduced risk of COVID-19 infection and quicker recovery from its symptoms.As per the existing pieces of literature,it is a great time to harness the esteemed moringa for safeguarding people from the terrible ongoing COVID-19 situation and other future pandemics.

Using Morphological Markers to Assess Variations between and within Cultivated and Non-cultivated Provenances of Moringa Oleifera Lam. in Tanzania

The use of morphological markers to assess variations between and within cultivated and non-cultivated provenances of Moringa oleifera Lam. from selected coastal regions of Tanzania was studied. A descriptors list of 15 selected morphological characters was used to generate a character state matrix. Cluster analysis using NTSYS-pc and UPGMA program produced six clusters with similarity ranging from 66% to 100%. The majority cultivated and non-cultivated clusters with similarity ranging from 86-100% and 97-100% respectively reflected a clustering pattern based on the status of individuals whether cultivated or non-cultivated. Most individuals from same population clustered differently indicating high morphological variations within populations than between populations. The present results suggest that selection and conservation of elite germplasm could be achieved by considering individuals from both cultivated and non-cultivated plants.

Effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Leaf Meal on Performance, Carcass, Organs, Eggs and Meat of Japanese Quails

There are several reports on the utilisation of Moringa oleifera in poultry diets due to its essential bioactive compounds yet,little is known about its influence on Japanese quail eggs and meat qualities.Hence,the need to examine performance,eggs and meat qualities of Japanese quail hens fed M.oleifera leaf.To achieve this,240 Japanese quail chicks were allocated to three dietary treatments:D1:control,0.0%(without M.oleifera leaf meal),D2:(0.5%M.oleifera leaf meal)and D3:(1%M.oleifera leaf meal).Data on performance,carcass,organs,eggs and meat qualities were collected and subjected to ANOVA at 0.05.Results revealed that feed consumption was lowest(2,701g)in D1 and highest(2,800g)in D2,carcass weight varied from 100-100.67g,thigh weight(12.66-13.58g)and breast weight was highest(40.41g)in D3.Liver weight was lowest(3.25g)in D1,kidney was largest(0.91g)in D3 whereas,the heart,gizzard and spleen weights ranged from 1.00-1.16g,3.08-3.50g and 0.04-0.08g,respectively.In the eggs,crude protein(10.94%),crude fat(6.71%),ash(1.36%),high-density lipoprotein(96.12mg/100g)and low-density lipoprotein(120.67mg/100g)were highest in D1.Total cholesterol(364.08mg/100g)and triglycerides(147.27mg/100g)were least in D1 and the caloric value varied from 1.46-1.47kcal/g.In the meat,crude protein(17.14%)and energy value(1.96kcal/g)were best in D2 but,crude fat(12.62%),ash(2.85%)and carbohydrates(1.31%)were superior in D3.In both eggs and meat,no crude fibre(0.0%)was detected.In any case,all the parameter values were within the normal ranges given in healthy Japanese quails at similar age.Consequently,addition of M.oleifera leaf meal at 1.0%to Japanese quail diets might not depress performance,affect carcass quality,cause organs dysfunctions but may improve nutritional quality of the eggs and meat.

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.