Research Article
Phytochemical Analysis, Acute Toxicity and Glycemic Regulation of the Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Normoglycemic and Hyperglycemic Rats
Kouakou Koffi Roger*
,
Kouadio Kouakou John,
Affi Mataphouet Emmanuel Guy Joslin,
Kaltouma Nicole,
Tahiri Annick
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
21-27
Received:
16 March 2026
Accepted:
28 March 2026
Published:
16 April 2026
Abstract: Moringa oleifera is generally considered to have numerous therapeutic properties in traditional Ivorian medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and blood glucose regulation in rats of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was performed using the standard staining and precipitation method. The toxicity study was conducted in accordance with OECD 423, by administering a single dose of the extract at 5,000 mg/kg body weight. The antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities of Moringa oleifera extract were evaluated by administering a single dose of 75 mg/kg μg, 150 mg/kg μg, 300 mg/kg μg, 600 mg/kg μg, and 1200 mg/kg μg of aqueous Moringa oleifera extract to normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals. The effects of the different Moringa oleifera extracts on rats were monitored for 120 minutes. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract is rich in secondary compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, and saponins. Moringa oleifera extract is non-toxic, with an LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract administered to normoglycemic rats did not induce hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract significantly reduced anhydrous glucose-induced hyperglycemia in hyperglycemic rats, from 170 mg/dL to approximately 78 mg/dL. These results confirm the regulatory properties of Moringa oleifera on blood glucose levels in Wistar rats.
Abstract: Moringa oleifera is generally considered to have numerous therapeutic properties in traditional Ivorian medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and blood glucose regulation in rats of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was performed...
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Research Article
Effects of Different Lipid Diets on Myocardial Extracellular Matrix-Related Gene Expression in Healthy Rats
Koffi Konan Gervais*,
Germaine Niamke,
Chantal Gauze-Gnagne,
Luc Dere,
Benedicte Yapo,
Eric Badia,
Fabrice Reynaud,
Bernard Jover,
Ferdinand Djohan,
Jean Paul Cristol,
Ake Absalome Monde
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
28-33
Received:
10 April 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
30 April 2026
Abstract: The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cardiac architecture, ventricular compliance, and cell-matrix signaling. Because dietary lipid quality can influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation, it may also affect myocardial ECM homeostasis. This exploratory study assessed whether different lipid-enriched diets modified myocardial ECM-related transcript expression in healthy rats. Forty rats were allocated to five groups (n = 8 per group) and received for 12 weeks either a control diet or diets enriched with crude palm oil, refined palm oil, olive oil, or lard. Myocardial tissue was collected at sacrifice, RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA, and relative expression of elastin, vimentin, myonectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and the apelin receptor (APJ) was assessed by polymerase chain reaction using ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0 (Rplp0) as the reference gene. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for elastin, vimentin, MMP-2, myonectin, or APJ expression (all p > 0.05), although slight non-significant qualitative fluctuations were observed for myonectin and APJ in some lipid-fed groups. Overall, the findings indicate that under the specific conditions of this 12-week experiment in healthy rats, the tested dietary lipids did not measurably disrupt myocardial ECM-related gene expression. Because the study was limited to transcript-level assessment and did not include protein, histological, or functional validation, the biological interpretation should remain restricted to early molecular observations under non-pathological conditions.
Abstract: The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cardiac architecture, ventricular compliance, and cell-matrix signaling. Because dietary lipid quality can influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation, it may also affect myocardial ECM homeostasis. This exploratory study assessed whether different lipid-enriche...
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Research Article
Feasibility and Outcomes of a Modified Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test: Implications for Glucose Clearance Rate in Euglycemic Black Adults
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
34-42
Received:
31 March 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ab.20261402.13
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Abstract: Introduction: The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is acknowledged as the gold standard for assessing insulin sensitivity, as it provides the glucose clearance rate (Kg) from the bloodstream. The ICARUS panel expert protocol for the implementation of the IVGTT involves the administration of a high dose of glucose over a brief bolus period, which is risky and may result in discomfort. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a heparin-assisted IVGTT with a lower glucose infusion rate and to determine the glucose clearance rate from blood (Kg) for healthy black African adults using a modified ICARUS protocol. Methods: In a modified ICARUS protocol, heparin was administered to six healthy black African volunteers to prevent clotting in an indwelling catheter. Then, an infusion of 0.33 g/kg glucose was administered over 5–10 min instead of the usual 0.50 g/kg over 3 min. Blood sampling was performed every 5–10 min for up to 95 min. Blood glucose levels were determined using the glucose oxidase method. Timed blood glucose curves were plotted, and the following parameters were determined: area under the curve (AUC), baseline return time, and glucose clearance rate (Kg). Results: No bleeding symptoms or other adverse events were observed. The blood glucose peak ranged from 9.4 to 15.3 mmol/L. The baseline returned time ranged from 45 to 55 minutes. Kg ranged from 1.6 to 2.7, depending on the amount of infused glucose. The AUC varied with the amount of infused glucose and infusion duration. The Staub effect was not observed in this study. The features of the curves were all plausible compared to those obtained in healthy subjects using the original Icarus protocol. Conclusion: Under our experimental conditions, we achieved IVGTT using a heparin-assisted IVGTT protocol with reduced glucose infusion rates, and determined the glucose clearance rate. This protocol is feasible and can potentially be used to assess insulin sensitivity. The protocol can be applied on a larger scale to determine its statistical features.
Abstract: Introduction: The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is acknowledged as the gold standard for assessing insulin sensitivity, as it provides the glucose clearance rate (Kg) from the bloodstream. The ICARUS panel expert protocol for the implementation of the IVGTT involves the administration of a high dose of glucose over a brief bolus period...
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