Hypoglycaemic Properties of Moringa oleifera Lam Seed Oil in Normoglycaemic Rats

Abstract

The healing properties of Moringa oil, also known as Behen oil, were documented by ancient and modern cultures. The hypoglycaemic properties of Moringa oleifera Lam seed oil extracted with petroleum ether and dichloromethane (MOPE and MODM) were investigated and compared with the standard drug glibenclimide (STND) in normoglycaemic rats. The oral doses of MOPE and MODM at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5ml/kg bodyweight along with 500μg/kg.bw STND and 2.5ml/kg.bw of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) control group (CNTRL) respectively was given to 5 groups of normoglycaemic wister rats of 3 rats per group. MOPE (2.0ml/kg.bw) and STND showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood glucose at 120mins (14.10% and 14.79%) while MODM (1.5ml and 2.0ml) and STND showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood glucose level at 6.88%, 15.22% and14.10% respectively. The acute toxicity test of MOPE and MODM showed no sign of toxicity at higher dose of 5ml/kg.bw. Therefore, Moringa oleifera seed oil can serve as a source of potential hypoglycaemic agent or adjuvant.