Estrogenic Modulation and Haematological Profile of Moringa oleifera Consumers in Nsukka Urban Enugu State Nigeria

Recent studies have shown that Moringa olieifera negatively affects the fecundity of wistar rats. This research is aimed at studying the estrogenic and haematological profile of Moringa oleifera consumers in Nsukka. Approximately 250 questionnaires were distributed. Responses on their personal data and consumption pattern were obtained and analyzed statistically using SPSS version 18. The result from this work affirms that Moringa oleifera is known and consumed in Nsukka Urban, most amongst age group 20-39, with the most prevalent source of information been from friends and colleague and highest consumption was found amongst females (53.28%). The result shows that estrogen level in the respondents was higher than the reference value, but values for haematology tests were within reference ranges. In conclusion, the result shows that consumption of M. oleifera products resulted to an increase in estrogen level in male and female but maintains a healthy production of blood cells.

Practical abstract

Some consumers of moringa in Nigeria have complained of perceived imbalance in their reproductive behaviours and functions, a problem that requires concerted efforts by nutritionists, medical personnel and life scientists. The research approach in unraveling this claim is important to meaningful economic and health development of any nation. The results of this study shows that consumers of moringa and or its products span through all socio-economic strata and are majorly between the ages of 20-39 years old. This is an important socio-economic group that is also a reflective of the reproductively active age. Therefore awareness on the reproductive implications of moringa consumption should be created among this important age group in order to minimize losses due to imbalance in their nutrition and health.

Author(s): Otitoju O, Nwamara JU, Otitoju GTO

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