The Regulatory Activity of Aqueous Moringa Oleifera Leaves on Benzene Induced Leukemia in Wister Rats Using TNF-α Assay

Abstract

Background: Many of the pharmacological principles currently used as anticancer agents were first isolated from plants. Proper understanding of the complex synergistic interaction of various components of anticancer herbs would help in formulating a design to attack the cancerous cells without harming the normal cells of the body.

AIM: This study is aimed at investigating the regulatory activity of aqueous leaves extract of moringa oleifera in leukemic wistar rats using TNF- alpha assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult wistar rats were grouped into ten each per group. Intravenous injection of 0.2 mg/ml of benzene chromosolv was administered 48 hourly for four weeks. 0.2 ml of 100 mg/ml of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera was administered orally pre, during and post leukemia induction. Group A (Normal control), Group B (benzene administration only) and Group C (benzene + aqueous Moringa oleifera extract). The plasma samples of each of the groups were collected and analyzed using TNF-α kit by ELISA technique.

RESULTS:A comparison of TNF- α level obtained in all the groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference between them. However, there was mean and standard deviation difference between then. Group B (benzene only) 229.16±58.18 ng/L, group A (Normal control) 209.04±18.75 ng/L, group C (treated with AMO) 204.60±13.54 ng/L. These results imply that in the response of the immune system to leukemia, there is an increased production of TNF- alpha greater than in normal subjects. But at the onset of remission, the TNF-alpha level begins to reduce, hence showing an indication of response to treatment. 

CONCLUSION: his study has shown that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera has anti-leukemic effect thus down regulating TNF-alpha activity as treatment of leukemia sets in.