Effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil on lipid profiles, bone biomarkers and reproductive hormones in ovariectomized rats

This research evaluated effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MSO on lipid profiles, bone biomarkers and reproductive hormones in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. To study the preventive effect and the recovery effect, rats were ovariectomized and fed with MSO on day 3 after ovariectomy (Group1) and on day 60 after ovariectomy (Group 2), respectively. Each group was then divided into five subgroups; sham-operated control (SHAM); OVX rats treated with vehicle; OVX treated with MSO 0.25 mL/100g BW/day, OVX treated with MSO 0.50 mL/100g BW/day and OVX treated with 17β-estradiol 10 µg/kg BW/day. After 6 weeks of treatment; serum of rats in each treatment group was analyzed to determine lipid profiles [the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], bone biomarkers [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum calcium, serum phosphorus] and female reproductive hormones [Estradiol(E 2 ) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)]. The urine samples were also collected to determine urine calcium, phosphorus and creatinine. OVX rats treated with MSO showed significant decreases in LDL-C, increases in HDL-C compared to the OVX-control group. MSO treated rats restored the elevated serum levels of Ca, P and ALP. The oil also decreased urine Ca and P levels in all OVX groups compared with the SHAM group ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, MSO could elevate serum E 2 but lowered serum LH concentration.Taken together, these findings suggest that MSO can improve lipid profiles, bone biomarkers and reproductive hormones in ovariectomized rats.