Abstract

ENTEROPROTECTIVE ACTION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AGAINST RADIATION AND MERCURY INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN MICE

R. K. Purohit*, Indu Bala, Himani Bhati, Shefali Sobti, Arti, Birbal Ram, Aruna Chakrawarti and Manisha Agarwal

ABSTRACT

In the present investigation protective effects of Moringa oleifera against radiation and mercury induced biochemical changes in the jejunum of mice have been investigated. For the study, healthy Swiss albino mice were exposed to cobalt-60 gamma radiations with or without mercuric chloride treatment. The experimental groups were given Moring oleifera extract prior to individual or combined treatment of radiation and mercuric chloride. The value of total proteins, glycogen, cholesterol, acid & alkaline phosphatase activities, DNA and RNA were observed in the form of increase or decrease. More severe changes were noted after combined treatment of radiation and mercuric chloride showing synergistic effect. An early and fast recovery was noticed in the Moringa treated experimental groups showing protection provided by the drug.

Keywords: Radiation, Mercuric chloride, Moringa and Mice.