Abstract

ANTISTRESS EFFECTS OF THE LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA IN RATS SUBJECTED TO ACUTE AND CHRONIC ANIMAL MODEL OF STRESS

Bonoy Lamou*, Mbame Jean-Pierre, Djofang Hugues, Monabang Marcelle Yvana, Tan V. Paul

ABSTRACT

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the antistress properties of the leaves aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in rats subjected to acute and chronic stress models. Methods: For this purpose, fifty five rats (173-175 g) were divided randomly into eleven groups of five rats each. Six groups were used to evaluate the effect of extract in acute stress model, and five remaining groups were used for the evaluation of this effect in chronic stress. The antistress effect of M. oleifera extract was tested at dose levels of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally and compared with diazepam (1 mg/kg) as standard. Rats were subjected to acute and chronic animal model of stress for 14 days, after which behaviors scored, gastric lesions, oxidative stress parameters in stomach and serum biochemical parameters were measured. In addition, food and water intake and body weights were determined. Results: The administration of M. oleifera extract had no significant effect on body weight, food and water intake as compared to respective stress control groups (p˃0.05) in acute and chronic stress model. However, significant modifications of behavioral parameters, gastric lesions, oxidative stress parameters and serum biochemical parameters in extract-treated groups as compare to their respective control groups (p˂0.05-p˂0.001) were observed. Conclusion: results suggest that M. oleifera extract significantly prevented the dysfunctions induced by acute or chronic stressors.

Keywords: Moringa Oleifera, Chronic Stress, Acute Stress, Antistress.