Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Moringa oleifera Leaves Mollified Toxicological Activities
Actuated by Bitis arietans (Puff adder) Venom

Bitis arietans (Puff adder) venom possess numerous biological active toxins exhibiting toxicological actions after envenoming. Moringa oleifera crude extract has been documented to extenuate toxicities induced by B. arietans venom. This study reported the efficacy of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol solvent fractions obtained from crude extract of M. oleifera against the lethal dose toxicity, biological activities and oxidative stress induced by B. arietans venom to ascertain the best fraction with active antivenom phytochemicals. Forty-five male rats were randomly selected into nine groups (n=5) for the anti-oxidative stress study. Groups 1 served as control; group 2 to 9 were envenomed by a single intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg (LD50) of the venom. Group 2 was not treated post envenomation while groups 3 was treated with polyvalent antivenom. Group 4, 6 and 8 were treated with 300 mg/kg while group 5, 7 and 9 were treated with 600 mg/kg of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol solvent fractions of M. oleifera respectively. High dose of M. oleifera ethyl acetate solvent fraction best neutralized the lethal dose toxicity and strongly inhibited the heamorrhagic and anticoagulant activities of B. arietans venom. The venom induced oxidative stress with significant (P<0.05) enhancement of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Malondialdehyde levels in serum and heart tissues of untreated envenomed rats. However, ethyl acetate solvent fraction was most effective in normalizing the antioxidant enzyme activities of envenomed treated rats. Results showed that ethyl acetate fraction of M. oleifera possesses active antivenom phytochemicals against B. arietans venom induced toxicities.