Comparative study of the effect of different extracts of M. Oleifera on some biochemical and histological parameters in rats

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a plant whose therapeutic significance has been reported scientifically. However, relatively few studies elucidate the safety of different extraction solvents used for the extraction of the plant bio actives. This study investigated the effect of administration of different solvent extracts of M. oleifera on liver and kidney functions of rats. Thirty six adult male rats were used and divided into four groups of nine rats each. Group 1 served as control. Different solvent extracts (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol) were administered to study groups (2, 3 and 4) at different doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. Biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine were determined after 3 days (acute) and 28 days (sub-chronic) using standard techniques. Histology of liver and kidney tissues was examined 28 days after administration of the extracts at the highest dose of 400mg/kg. The results showed treatment-related abnormalities in most of the biochemical parameters of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera. However, aqueous extracts did not show any abnormality on the biochemical parameters. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera significantly increased (p