Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Breast Milk Immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) Levels across Lactation in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Breast milk immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM), play essential roles in neonatal passive immunity. Although Moringa oleifera possesses recognised nutritional and immunomodulatory properties, its effects on breast milk immunoglobulin composition during lactation remain poorly understood. Objective: The study aims to determine the effect of maternal Moringa oleifera leaf extract supplementation on breast milk IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations during the colostrum, transitional, and mature stages of lactation in Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups, while twenty-four fertile males were used exclusively for mating. The treatment groups received ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract during different periods before mating and during pregnancy and/or lactation, whereas the control group received only standard rat chow and water. Breast milk samples were collected during the colostrum, transitional, and mature milk stages using a modified manual expression technique. Milk IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations were quantified using the ProcartaPlex Rat Antibody Isotyping Panel. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Maternal Moringa oleifera supplementation significantly altered breast milk immunoglobulin composition. Significant differences among groups were observed for IgA and IgG during colostrum (IgA: F = 11.22, p < 0.001; IgG: F = 26.40, p < 0.001), transitional milk (IgA: F = 16.03, p < 0.001; IgG: F = 4.17, p = 0.030), and mature milk (IgA: F = 18.72, p < 0.001; IgG: F = 4.40, p = 0.010). Fishers post hoc analysis showed significantly lower IgA and significantly higher IgG concentrations in all treated groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). IgM concentrations did not differ significantly at any stage of lactation (colostrum: F = 0.85, p = 0.530; transitional milk: F = 1.21, p = 0.380; mature milk: F = 2.43, p = 0.090). Conclusion: Maternal supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf extract selectively modified breast milk immunoglobulin composition by decreasing IgA and increasing IgG concentrations throughout lactation without significantly affecting IgM. These findings indicate immunomodulatory effects of Moringa oleifera on mammary immune function; however, the potential implications for neonatal passive immunity require further mechanistic and translational investigation before clinical recommendations can be made.