1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
2Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Andalas, West Sumatra, Indonesia
3Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
4Department of Pharmaceutical, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
5Department of Socio-economic, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
*Corresponding Author E-mail: yufrialdi@phar.unand.ac.id
Online published on 31 March, 2026.
Moringa oleifera Lam. is a plant with medicinal properties. The Indonesian community widely uses it to boost the immune system.
The study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract on NK cell activity, total leukocyte cell count, and percentage of leukocyte cells in male white mice exposed to COVID-19 virus antigen.
25 white male mice (Mus musculus) were used in this study. In the control group, mice were given 0.5% Na-CMC for 7 days. In the treatment group, on the first and seventh days, mice were given the COVID-19 vaccine intramuscularly. Each group was given different treatments (0.5% Na-CMC, 10 mg/kg BW, 30 mg/kg BW, and 100 mg/kg BW Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanol extract) orally for 7 days. NK cell activity, total leukocyte cell count, and leukocyte cell percentage were analysed on the eighth day. The data was analysed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's New Multiple-Range Tests (DMRT).
The highest NK cell activity and the total amount of leukocytes were found in those given the vaccine and Moringa oleifera Lam. extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. In addition, the lowest activity was in the group that was only given 0.5% Na-CMC. The One-way ANOVA Test and DMRT result showed significant differences (p<0.05) in NK cell activity, total number of leukocytes, and percentage of leukocytes in white male mice. Total leukocyte count increased in all groups compared to the Na-CMC 0.5. On the other hand, in the percentage of total leukocyte type, there was an increase in segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, and lymphocytes. However, no increase in monocytes and eosinophils was noted in any group.
The administration of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanol extract can increase NK cell activity, total leukocyte count, and certain leukocyte types in white male mice exposed to COVID-19 antigens.
COVID-19, Leukocytes, Moringa oleifera Lam, Mus musculus, NK Cells
