The Impact of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaf on Foetal Development and Growth in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat

Diabetes mellitus is one of the unfavourable intrauterine environments in which foetus grow and this predisposes them to various abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Moringa oleifera extract on foetal growth parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats. Thirty (30) female Wistar rats (150-250g) were used. They were grouped into: group A (control), group B (diabetic), group C (Insulin), group D-E (diabetic treated 120mg, 240mg 600mg/kg Moringa oleifera respectively). The female animals were induced with diabetes (45mg/kg), mated with males in a 2:1 ratio. The presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal smear the following morning confirmed mating. The animals were sacrificed on day 20. The whole foetus was removed from the uterine horn and the weight, crown rump length and abdominal circumference were measured. The result revealed significant changes in the weight, crown rump length and abdominal circumference of all the animals in the Moringa oleifera treated groups.which could be attributed to its phytochemical content. This study has established that Moringa oleifera leaf extract can reverse the effect of maternal diabetes on the growth and development of foetus which could be attributed to its nutritious content.

Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, Moringa oleifera, foetus, development