Medycyna Wet. 2012, 68 (2) 96 Praca oryginalna Original paper Lead is considered a major environmental pollutant as it is incorporated into a variety of products includ- ing pesticides, discarded batteries, wall paints and tank lining and piping. It is also used extensively in industrial processes and large-scale mining. Lead is absorbed through the digestive, respiratory tracts and skin (14). A permissible exposure limit for metallic lead, lead oxide and lead salts has been set by WHO and other health organizations (16), all these sources of lead can contribute to an increase in tissue levels. Lead is a toxic agent that causes symptoms reflect- ing its multisystemic actions, it affects target organs such as the haematopoietic system, kidneys, liver and nervous system (8, 9, 29). After lead absorption into the blood, 99% of lead is bound to erythrocytes (RBC), the other 1% remains in the plasma and is distributed to other tissues. The serum half-life of lead is around 25 days (17). Lead has been shown to alter RBC membrane flexibility and to increase RBC fragility, leading to increased risk of hemolysis. Lead remains in soft tissues (brain and kidneys) for less time than in bone. Lead accumulates in bone with time, and lead levels in bone generally increase with age (37). An investigation into lead toxicity using hematological indices revealed a signi- ficant decrease in the mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and RBC count and an increase in monocyte count, and platelets in com- parison with the control group (12). Effect of Moringa oleifera, activated carbon and wood charcoal on biochemical and hematological parameters of Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate TAREK MAHDY, MARIO GIORGI*, TEMIDAYO ADEWOLE**, FON ERNEST***, IDOKO IDOKO**, MERCY MATEY****, NONYELIM OZELE*****, SOLA OLADIPO*****, MAKAMAN SUNDAY***** Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, Forensic Medicine Authority, Cairo, Egypt *Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy **Veterinary Medicine, NEF-NVRI Toxicology Internship,Vom, Nigeria ***Biochemistry, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Cameroon ****Environmental Science, NEF-NVRI Toxicology Internship, Ghana *****Biochemistry Department, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria Mahdy T., Giorgi M., Adewole T., Ernest F., Idoko I., Matey M., Ozele N., Oladipo S., Sunday M. Effect of Moringa oleifera, activated carbon and wood charcoal on biochemical and hematological parameters of Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate Summary The prophylactic efficacy of Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal and wood charcoal to reduce lead toxicity in Wistar rats was evaluated. Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups consisting of 15 rats and marked as groups I to V. Group I was given distilled water while groups II to V were given lead acetate at a daily dose of 1000 mg/kg for seven days consecutively. Group II served as positive control while group I was a negative control. Groups III, IV and V were subsequently treated daily with extract leaves of Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal and wood charcoal respectively, at a dose of 1000 mg/kg for a period of one week (n = 5) and two weeks (n = 5). Group II was given distilled water daily for two weeks to study the possibility of natural recovery. The adverse effects of lead toxicity on biochemical and hematological parameters were demonstrated when the positive groups where compared to negative groups. Treatment with Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal but not wood charcoal, resulted in improvement in biochemical and hematological parameters. This study demonstrates ameliorating effects of Moringa oleifera on lead induced toxicities in the liver, kidneys, and blood, there is potential to exploit these properties for treatment and prevention. Keywords: Wistar rats, lead acetate, Moringa oleifera, activated charcoal, wood charcoal