Effects of Quercetin Fraction from Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Oxidative Markers and Histological Profile of Carotid and Coronary Arteries: An Experimental Animal Study

Abstract

Stroke and coronary disease are mainly caused by atherosclerosis. Quercetin in Moringa oleifera leaf extract may protect against oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the role of quercetin in improving dyslipidemia and inhibiting atherosclerosis onset using laboratory and histological examinations. This experimental laboratory study used a double-blind randomized sampling technique and a pre- and post-test control group design. A double-blind randomized technique referred to which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilized to prevent bias in research results. Experimental animals were divided into the control and treatment groups that received quercetin at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight and a high-fat diet for 10 weeks from January to March 2023. The Friedman's test of the effect of quercetin administration on malondialdehyde (MDA), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), C-reactive proteins (CRP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels revealed significant differences between the pre- and post-test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the effect of quercetin administration on MDA levels revealed a significant difference in MDA levels after quercetin administration. Paired sample statistics revealed an average decrease in ICAM and CRP levels and an increase in LDL levels after quercetin administration. Cramer's V value demonstrated a strong relationship between quercetin administration and the intensity of the carotid and coronary arteries. A one-way analysis of variance indicated significant differences in the average sizes of the coronary and carotid arteries after quercetin administration. The quercetin fraction of M. oleifera leaves has a satisfactory therapeutic effect in an atherosclerotic rat model.