Moringa oleifera leaves as an inhibitor of human platelet aggregation

Abstract

Moringa oleifera L. (Moringaceae) leaves were examined for their effect on human platelet aggregation in vitro. The aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists such as adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and epinephrine. The degree of inhibitory activity varied depending on the agonist used, concentration of extract and duration of incubating the extract with platelets. Heat treatment reduced the inhibitory activity of extract against platelet aggregation. In addition, the extracts significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the amount of malonaldehyde formed in agonist challenged platelets. This study is the first report on the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves against human platelet aggregation. Overall, Moringa oleifera leaves have potential to protect platelets against aggregation.

Keywords::

• Moringa oleifera
• inhibitory activity
• platelet aggregation

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.