Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract against Bisphenol A Induced Alterations in Blood Glucose and Serum Cholesterol in Mus musculus
Padmaja Kumari *
University Department of Zoology, T.M.B.U. Bhagalpur, India.
Ashok Kumar Thakur
University Department of Zoology, T.M.B.U. Bhagalpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely recognised endocrine-disrupting chemicals. It is a synthetic compound extensively used in the production of polycarbonate plastics; it was first identified by Aleksandr Dianin in 1891 and later synthesised by Zincke in 1905. BPA can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. It can adversely affect the endocrine and reproductive systems, biochemical parameters, cardiovascular health, and growth and development. BPA exposure has also been associated with lung, breast, and prostate cancers, while prenatal exposure may reduce bone density in children. Moringa oleifera, also known as the magic tree, was evaluated as a protective agent in this study. It is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, glucosinolates, alkaloids, carotenoids, vitamins, saponins, tannins, and other bioactive substances. Owing to these phytoconstituents, it exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, and immune-protective properties. In the present study, Swiss albino mice were administered with BPA at 55 and 110 mg/kg body weight and their effects on blood glucose and total serum cholesterol were analyzed. Further, mice were co-treated with an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves. The results showed that the extract attenuated the BPA-associated increases in blood glucose and total serum cholesterol, supporting the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of M. oleifera.
Keywords: BPA exposure, bisphenol A, Mus musculus, ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, Swiss albino mice, blood glucose, serum cholesterol