Context: Moringa oleifera leaves have been reported to have antidiabetic, antitumor, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties as well as antibiotic, antitryponosomal, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory activities. They are outstanding source of vitamins A, B, C, and also rich in calcium and protein.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to formulate Moringa oleifera powdered leaf tablets and to study the in vitro and in vivo properties of the herbal drug from the tablets.
Material and methods: The Moringa oleifera powdered leaf was formulated into tablets by direct compression. The in vitro properties of the tablets were evaluated in terms of uniformity of weight, hardness, disintegration time, friability and dissolution rate. Also, the in vivo antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera tablets were studied using Wistar rats.
Results and discussion: The results of the tablets' weight uniformity gave percentage deviation that was below 5%. Tablet disintegration time ranged from 11.50 ± 0.11 to 14.90 ± 0.27 min. The tablets exhibited friability results lower than 2% and exhibited about 82% to 83% release of the extract at 15 min. In vivo antidiabetic studies showed that at 8 hr, about 54.4% and 40% of glucose reduction occurred in groups that received Moringa oleifera tablets and glibenclamide (Daonil®) respectively, while the negative control groups showed increased blood glucose level with time.
Conclusions: This study has shown that Moringa oleifera leaves formulated into tablets possess good physicochemical and antidiabetic properties in addition to being a supplement.