Ameliorative Effects of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) Leaves Extract on Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress, Hepcidin and δ-Alad Levels in Rat’s Blood

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that cause a lot health problem. Blood, especially hemoglobin and erythrocyte, is the main target of lead poisoning. Literatures explain that moringa has phytochemical contents to reduce heavy metal poisoning. This study aimed to examine ameliorative effects of moringa leaves extract on oxidative stress, hepcidin increasement and δ-alad level decline induced by lead poisoning in the blood of rat model. Methods: This study was completely randomized posttest-control group design. Forty-eight males Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain rat were divided into 4 groups. The control group or G0 (given Pb orally doses of 750 mg/kgBW/day for 7 days and was not given 50% ethanol extract of moringa leaves/MLEE). Three treatment groups (G1, G2 and G3), all were given Pb at a dose of 750 mg/kgBW/day orally for 7 days, followed by administration of MLEE for 14 days at a dose of 250 mg/kgBW/day, 500 mg/kgBW/day and 1,000 mg/kg/day orally, respectively. Blood samples were taken one day after 14 days of MLEE treatment. Pb levels was examined by AAS and δ-ALAD levels, GSH levels, MDA levels and hepcidin levels examined by ELISA. Results: MLEE doses 1,000 mg/kgBW/day for 14 days increased δ-ALAD levels, GSH levels, hepcidin levels and reduce MDA levels significantly compared to the control group. Conclusion: Moringa leaves ameliorate lead-induced poisoning by reducing oxidative stress, declining hepcidin, and increasing δ-ALAD in the blood of male Rattus norvegicus Wistar strains rats. Moringa leaves is beneficial to address Pb poisoning in the blood through antioxidants, anti-inflammation, and improving δ-ALAD level in the blood of Wistar strain rats.