IN VITRO INVESTIGATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES FOR ANTI-HYPERLIPEDIMIC ACTIVITY

Hyperlipidaemia is a major metabolic disorder characterized by elevated cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood, leading to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Although synthetic lipid-lowering agents are effective, their long-term use may cause adverse effects, necessitating safer alternatives. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Leaves were shade-dried, powdered, and extracted by maceration using methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive constituents. Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity was assessed using an in vitro cholesterol-binding assay at concentrations ranging from 50 to 300 micrograms per milliliter. Cholestyramine was used as the standard drug. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent cholesterol-binding activity, showing 15.29 percent inhibition at 50 micrograms per milliliter and 62.35 percent at 300 micrograms per milliliter. The standard drug demonstrated 72.24 percent inhibition at 300 micrograms per milliliter. The results indicate that Moringa oleifera possesses significant lipid-lowering potential and may serve as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of hyperlipidaemia. Further in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to confirm its efficacy and safety.