LAUSR

Abstract Cadmium is considered one of the most important heavy metals contaminant to both soil and plants that possess a great threat to the whole ecosystem. In the present work, the role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract was studied to reduce the negative effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on Lepidium sativum was examined. Results showed a significant increase in the Malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content of Lepidium sativum with increasing concentrations of cadmium (0, 30, 60 and 120 mgL−1) while their content decreased notably after the addition of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. However, compared to the control plants there was an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidant content, such as Glutathione (GSH) and Ascorbic Acid (ASA) whenever cadmium concentrations were increased even after their treatment with Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Also, enzymatic antioxidant activity such as (SOD, CAT, PPO, ASO and GR) were increased. This study demonstrates the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on Antioxidant System of Lepidium sativum under Cadmium Stress.