Effect of moringa oleifera leaves on the blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid profile and haematological parameters of type 2 diabetics in a rural Nigerian community.

There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the waist circumference and waist hip ratio in all the groups after the feeding trial. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the fasting blood glucose in all the groups after the feeding trial. Groups 3 (experimental group that consumed 40 g of Moringa oleifera leaves per day) and 4 (experimental group that consumed 60 g of Moringa oleifera leaves per day) had a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in their mean systolic pressure after the feeding trial. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was seen in the mean diastolic pressure and mean total cholesterol of the subjects after the feeding trial. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean triglyceride level of the subjects in group 3. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in low density lipoprotein was seen in group 2 (experimental group that consumed 20 g of Moringa oleifera per day) subjects. Group 3 subjects had significant (p < 0.05) increase in their mean very low density lipoprotein after the feeding trial. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean high density lipoprotein in groups 1, 2 and 4. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the mean haemoglobin level, packed cell volume and white blood cell count was seen only in group 4 subjects. Significant changes observed in the parameters assessed were not dose dependent.