Healing Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam against UV-B Induced Psoriasis form Changes in Rats

Abstract

Moringa oleifera extracts have been used in herbal medicines by various communities in different parts of the world. It is a multipurpose tree with a magnificent profile of medicinal uses, high nutritional values and pharmacological activities. Various parts of this plant such as the flower, seed, immature pod, stem bark, leaf and root, possesses anti-oxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anti-hepatotoxic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemia, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, antiepileptic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. An attempt was made to evaluate the healing properties of the methanolic extract of different aerial parts of Ultraviolet light-B was used to induce psoriasisform changes in rats. Irradiated rats were divided into 8 groups (6 rats/groups). The first group left untreated served as a control were given normal lab feed and a second group which served as the standard was administered retinoic acid (0.5 mg/kg) orally. Group III to Group VIII were administered orally with the methanolic extracts from aerial parts of M. oleifera (200 mg/kg bw) and (400 mg/kg bw). Data collected in this study was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in epidermal thickness of control and drugs treated group. The methanolic extracts from aerial parts of M. oleifera used for treatment, enhanced fibroplasia, reduced inflammation and produced high amounts of scar tissue and enhanced the rate of wound healing and re-epithelisation compared to control. The plant extracts were effective against psoriasiform changes in rats. Though, more studies are required to assess which of its known ingredients are responsible for the antipsoriatic effects. The constituents of M. oleifera should be considered for further studies.