Lipid Lowering and Appetite Suppressive Effect of Leaves of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> Lam. in Rats

Abstract

This six-week study evaluates the effect of Moringa oleiferaon the lipid profile, body weight and appetite of adult male albino Wistar rats. The experimental rats were fed on a High Fat Diet (HFD) for four weeks and those found to be significantly hyperlipidemic were subdivided into five groups (A-E). Group A (control) received only distilled water; B, C, D received aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves at varied doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively; E were given the standard drug- atorvastatin (4 mg/kg, p.o.) along with the HFD. M. oleifera and atorvastatin were found to lower the serum cholesterol, triacylglyceride, VLDL, LDL, body weight and atherogenic index, but increased the HDL as compared to the HFD fed-untreated group (control). Interestingly too, it was found that the leaf extract did not precipitate high glucose and liver enzyme levels unlike those treated with the anti- hyperlipidemic drug. Extract exhibited a weight loss and appetite reducing property in the treated rats whist nourishing them as well. Thus, the study demonstrates that M. oleifera possesses a lipid lowering effect and also suppresses appetite, hence can be useful in the management of hyperlipidemia and associated health conditions.