Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam., renowned for its diverse phytochemical composition and therapeutic properties, is increasingly recognized as a natural antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential and immunomodulatory action of an aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera (MOE) using chicken splenic lymphocytes in vitro. Preliminary qualitative screening confirmed the presence of major bioactive constituents, including tannins, flavonoids and phenols. Quantitative estimation indicated substantial amounts of total phenolics (173.6 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (127.7 mg RE/g). The extract showed strong free-radical scavenging potential in the DPPH assay, with an IC50 value of 56.15 µg/ ml. Based on the MTT assay, the maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) for chicken lymphocytes was determined to be 250 µg/ ml. At this dose, MOE significantly promoted both T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens (PHA, Con A and LPS), indicating pronounced immunostimulatory effects. Additionally, MOE treatment reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced intracellular antioxidant defences, demonstrated by elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations along with increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These findings highlight that aqueous M. oleifera leaf extract exerts potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, largely due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content, supporting its potential use as a natural immuno-antioxidant supplement in poultry health management.