Influence of Moringa oleifera leaves on atherogenic lipids and glycaemia evolution in HIV-infected and uninfected malnourished patients

Objectives: The study evaluated mineral composition of “Togolese ecotype” of Moringa oleifera leaves and its effect on anthropometric parameters, atherogenic lipids and glycaemia during nutritional recovery in HIV negative and HIV positive malnourished patients after daily use of the leaves powder. Methodology and results: Patients aged from 12 months to 8 years, consumed every day for 15 weeks the leaves powder. Results showed that powder is rich in proteins, micronutrients and induced BMI increase in both patients (p C 0.001). Biochemical parameters determination showed decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol (p C 0.01), atherogenicity index (AI) correlated with HDL-cholesterol increase (p C 0.001) in HIV negative. Increase in triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, AI (p C 0.001) correlated with HDLcholesterol decrease (p C 0.001) is observed in HIV positive. Total cholesterol decreased more in HIV positive asymptomatic and increased in patients treated with ARV drugs (p C 0.0001). Glycaemia level is decreased in both patients of the study. Conclusion and application of findings: This study confirms higher concentrations of proteins, micronutrients, hypolipidemic potential and hypocholesterolemic activity of M. oleifera leaves. This explained nutritional recovery and reduction of atherogenic lipids. Positive effect of the powder on cholesterol metabolism is due to beta-sitosterol, bioactive phytoconstituent of the leaves which fixed LDL particles and thought to be through the lowering significantly of their plasma concentrations. Reduction of glycaemia in both patients confirms also hypoglycemic properties of leaves with high concentration of polyphenols and antioxydants. The lowering of atherogenic risk and glycaemia after regular consumption of M. oleifera leaves powder is more significant in HIV negative than HIV positive patients. Results of this study bring information which will make it possible to pediatrics and nutritionists to adapt better use of M. oleifera leaves to combat malnutrition and the follow-up of HIV positive persons and in particular those on antiretroviral treatment.