EN
The prophylactic efficacy of Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal and wood charcoal to reduce lead toxicity in Wistar rats was evaluated. Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups consisting of 15 rats and marked as groups I to V. Group I was given distilled water while groups II to V were given lead acetate at a daily dose of 1000 mg/kg for seven days consecutively. Group II served as positive control while group I was a negative control. Groups III, IV and V were subsequently treated daily with extract leaves of Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal and wood charcoal respectively, at a dose of 1000 mg/kg for a period of one week (n = 5) and two weeks (n = 5). Group II was given distilled water daily for two weeks to study the possibility of natural recovery. The adverse effects of lead toxicity on biochemical and hematological parameters were demonstrated when the positive groups where compared to negative groups. Treatment with Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal but not wood charcoal, resulted in improvement in biochemical and hematological parameters. This study demonstrates ameliorating effects of Moringa oleifera on lead induced toxicities in the liver, kidneys, and blood, there is potential to exploit these properties for treatment and prevention.