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2026-06-25
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Copyright (c) 2026 Noor Muhsen Jawad, Hussein Jasim Obaid AL-Harbi, Alaa Jawad Hassan
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Protective Effect of Moringa oleifera Methanolic Leaf Extract on Hematological Parameters, Cortisol, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels in Rats Exposed to Cold Stress
Noor Muhsen Jawad
Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Babylon, Babil, Iraq
Hussein Jasim Obaid AL-Harbi
Department of Forensic Science, College of Sciences, University of Al-Zahrawi, Karbala, Iraq
Alaa Jawad Hassan
Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Babylon, Babil, Iraq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v9i2.5944
Keywords: Cold stress, Moringa oleifera, HPLC, Cortisol, MDA
Abstract
Background: Cold stress is a potent environmental stressor that disrupts hematological homeostasis, activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and induces oxidative stress. Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds with documented antioxidant and adaptogenic properties.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of methanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract on hematological parameters, serum cortisol, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats exposed to cold stress.
Methods: Twenty-four adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): control, cold stress, M. oleifera extract, and extract plus cold stress. Cold stress was induced by exposure to 4 ± 1 °C for 2 h/day for 15 days. Rats received M. oleifera methanolic leaf extract orally (200 mg/kg body weight). Hematological parameters were assessed using an automated analyzer, while serum cortisol and MDA levels were measured by ELISA. Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated using DPPH assay and HPLC analysis.
Results: Cold stress caused significant reductions in red blood cell indices and platelet counts, accompanied by marked elevations in serum cortisol and MDA levels (p ≤ 0.05). Pretreatment with M. oleifera extract significantly ameliorated these alterations, restoring hematological parameters and reducing cortisol and MDA levels toward control values. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity and contained notable levels of chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and β-carotene.
Conclusion: Moringa oleifera methanolic leaf extract effectively protects against cold stress–induced hematological, endocrine, and oxidative disturbances in rats, supporting its potential role as a natural antioxidant and adaptogenic agent.
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