Ameliorative Effects of Moringa oleifera on Perinatal Lead-induced Systemic and Developmental Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Lead is a persistent environmental contaminant with no biological role and is known to produce systemic toxicity, particularly during pregnancy and early developmental stages. The present study evaluated the effects of perinatal exposure to lead acetate on maternal growth, offspring development, haematological indices, blood lead concentration, and essential mineral status in Wistar rats, and examined the potential protective role of Moringa oleifera. Eighteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): control, lead acetate treated (0.8% in drinking water), and lead acetate with Moringa oleifera supplementation (400 mg/kg body weight). Treatments were administered from gestation day 5 to postnatal day 21, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Lead exposure resulted in significant reductions in maternal body weight gain, pup body weight at birth and during lactation, litter size, and survival of pups. Haematological evaluation revealed decreased haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume in both dams and pups, indicating lead-induced anaemia. Blood lead concentration was markedLy increased in exposed animals, while the levels of essential minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, and copper were reduced compared with the control group. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera significantly improved growth performance, haematological parameters, and mineral levels and reduced blood lead concentration compared with the lead-treated group, although values did not completely return to normal levels. These findings indicate that perinatal lead exposure causes significant systemic and developmental toxicity, while dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera provides partial protective effects against lead-induced alterations.