Antiplatelet activity of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> seed and leaf extracts in New Zealand rabbits

Abstract

Background: Many people rely on herbal medicine globally, especially rural dwellers in Sub-Saharan Africa. In a quest to search for African traditional  medicine to alleviate the possible impact of transfusion-induced thrombocytosis among transfusion-dependent patients. Thus, it employs Moringa  oleifera for antiplatelet activity; since it has been used traditionally to treat various illnesses.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the antiplatelet activity of Moringa oleifera seed and leaf extracts in New Zealand Rabbits.

Materials and Methods: The lethal dose of 50% of the total population (LD50) was examined. Bleeding Time and Clotting Time were carried out at an  ambient temperature, and Prothrombin Time, and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time were estimated using a coagulometer. Platelet count using a  haematology analyser. Biochemical parameters were analysed with the aid colorimetric method. Standard statistical software (Graphpad prism version  8.0.2) was used to evaluate the data.

Results: The results revealed low platelet count, as platelet counts at different grades of intervention 125mg/kg,  250mg/kg, and 500mg/kg body weight in rabbits treated with Moringa oleifera seed extracts; 194.0±0.0*(P=0.001), 230.0±0.0*(P=0.001) and 225.0±0.0*(P=0.001) were significantly below the  control group 374.0±55.3; Whereas, for rabbits treated with Moringa oleifera leaf extract the counts were lower at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg; 190.3±19.1*  (p=0.001) and 158.0±0.0*(P =0.001) compared to the same control group. Also Clotting time for the same extract at 125mg/kg and 250mg/kg; 642.0±95.5*  (P=0.002) and 570.0±17.3*(P=0.034) were significantly higher compared to the control group 383.7±132.3.

Conclusion: Moringa oleifera is used widely not only in Africa for nutritional values and to cure many ailments. In this study, it was observed that the  plant is safe and may be used as an antiplatelet agent.