Increased serum zinc, copper and selenium in albino rats fed with moringa oleifera leaf extract

Certain degree of the world's population is probably deficient in one or more essential elements and at increased risk of nutritional disorders. Availability of dietary supplement of these elements may prevent some of these nutritional disorders. This study was designed to access serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium in albino rats fed with Moringa oleifera leaf extract. The research was carried out in the animal house of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo. Seventy healthy male and female rats (40 tests and 30 controls) were selected into the study. Test rats were fed with diet fortified with extracts of Moringa oleifera leaf for a period of five weeks while the control rats were fed with normal diet. Serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium were determined after six weeks of the experiment using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software package (version 17). The mean serum levels of zinc (99.41±31.59 Vs 66.05±33.24), copper (14.45±6.87 Vs 7.82±4.33) and selenium (17.30±7.33 Vs 9.73±5.25) were significantly higher in the test group when compared with control group, the mean differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a significant strong positive correlation between zinc and copper(r = 0.786**), copper and selenium (r = 0.931**) and zinc and selenium (r = 0.671**) (p<0.01). In conclusion, this study establishes a strong relationship between Moringa oleifera leaf feeding and increase in the levels of serum zinc, copper and selenium.