Cardiac Ameliorative Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rat Model.

The consumption of a high-fat diet is linked to the development of obesity and considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEML) on the high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obesity and cardiac damage in rats. MEML, at a dose of 200 mg/kg/bw and 400 mg/kg/bw, was orally administrated to obese rats for 12 weeks. M. oleifera leaves were proved to be rich in nutrients and minerals. Diversity of phenolic compounds in MEML was evidenced via LC-ESI-MS analysis. The chronic administration of HFD in rats led to an increase in the body weight gain, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and reduction in the HDL-C levels. The obtained results indicated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the cardiac marker enzyme level in obese rats. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of cardiac catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities was accompanied with an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the high-fat diet group when compared to those of the control. The treatment with the MEML alleviated abnormalities in the serum biochemical parameters, balanced the antioxidant status, and reestablished the normal histological structure of the heart especially in the case of the higher concentration. Moringa oleifera leaves may be a promising candidate in the management of obesity and its related complications such as heart problems.

Immunoprotective activity and antioxidant properties of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) extract against chlorpyrifos toxicity in rats.

Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and traditional folk medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Opuntia ficus indica extract against chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced immunotoxicity in rats. The experimental animals consisted of four groups of Wistar rats (5-6 weeks old) of eight each: a control group, a group treated with CPF (10mg/kg), a group treated with Opuntia ficus indica extract (100mg/kg), and a group treated with cactus extract then treated with CPF. These components were daily administered by gavage for 30days. After treatment, immunotoxicity was estimated by a count of thymocytes, splenocytes, stem cells in the bone marrow, relative weights of thymus and spleen, DNA aspects, and oxidative stress status in these organs. Results showed that CPF could induce thymus atrophy, splenomegaly, and a decrease in the cell number in the bone marrow. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in elevated levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both spleen and thymus, and also degradation of thymocyte and splenocyte DNA. Consistent histological changes were found in the spleen and thymus under CPF treatment. However, administration of Opuntia ficus indica extract was found to alleviate this CPF-induced damage.