EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. ROOT ON COLONIC MOTILITY DISORDERS INDUCED BY WATER AVOIDANCE STRESS IN RATS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. It affects the function and behavior of the intestine resulting in abdominal pain, flatulence, loose stools, frequent stools, feeling of being unable to completely empty bowel and nausea. Moringa oleifera, also commonly known as drumstick tree, is a highly valued plant with a wide range of medicinal uses. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam roots extract on colonic motility disorders induced by water avoidance stress in rats. Male Wistar rats weighing between (150 g -200 g) were divided into the following five groups (n=6). Group 1 Normal control (saline), Group 2 Disease control animals subjected to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 10 days, Group 3Animals received standard drug (Ramosteron) and WAS, Group 4 Animals received LMOE (100 mg/kg) and WAS, Group 5: Animals received HMOE (400 mg/kg) and WAS. Animals subjected to WAS, showed a significant increase in fecal pellet count and increased levels of MDA and MPO, decrease in SOD, Catalase, and in the whole gut transit time. Treatment with Moringa oleifera significantly reversed changes induced by WAS and restored normal physiology.