Abstract
The aim is to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on hematological parameters of malaria infected children under 5 years. A total of 500 children were recruited and baseline data on malaria prevalence and hematological profiles obtained. Children infected with malaria were treated. The infected pupils were divided into two groups and uninfected divided into two groups. One group of infected pupils was added to one group of uninfected (Group A) while the other group of infected pupils was added to the uninfected (Group B) giving two study groups of 250 each. Group A was served a lunch pack of jollof rice with 8g of Moringa oleifera leaf powder each while Group B was served a lunch pack of jollof rice without Moringa oleifera leaf powder each daily for six months. Thereafter, determination of PCV, Hemoglobin, WBC and platelets were carried out bimonthly for three intervals in the children. Baseline mean hematological parameters were 0.30, 10.08 g/dl, 5.88 x109/l, 273.17/mcl for children fed on jollof rice with Moringa oleifera leaf powder for PCV, hemoglobin, WBC, platelets and 0.29 9.92 g/dl, 5.68 x109/l and 279.15/mcl for same parameters in the group fed on jollof rice only respectively. Six months following feeding, mean values of 0.32, 10.78g/dl, 6.17 x109/l and 286.83/mcl in children fed on jollof rice with Moringa oleifera leaf powder for PCV, hemoglobin, WBC and platelets were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 0.29, 9.96 g/dl, 5.80 x109/l, and 279.33/mcl for the same parameters in the group fed on jollof rice only respectively. The study shows that Moringa oleifera leaf has a positive effect on hematological parameters in children.