Abstract

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE- INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS

Kadry El-bakry*, El-shahat Toson, Mamdouh Serag and Magy Aboser

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to evaluate of the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Female albino rats were used, rats were injected i.p. with CCl4 (0.5 ml /kg) mixed in olive oil (v/v), twice a week for 8 weeks and treated orally with Moringa oleifera (400 mg/kg) leaves extract daily for 8 weeks and compared with a group of rats injected i.p. with CCl4 (0.5 ml /kg) mixed in olive oil (v/v), twice a week for 8 weeks as a control group. Liver functions, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), blood reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in red blood cells were determined. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes in liver tissue homogenate were also assayed in addition to liver histopathology. Liver enzymes and MDA were increased after injection with CCl4, otherwise serum albumin, total protein, TAC and tissue SOD, catalase as well as blood glutathione level were reduced. Treatment with Moringa oleifera leaves extract reduce the level of MDA and activity of liver enzymes and increase the activity of the antioxidant parameters. Simultaneously, the histological deteriorative effects of CCl4 intoxication were also improved after treatments with this extract. In conclusions, Moringa oleifera leaves extract enhanced innate antioxidant activity and ameliorate the CCl4-induced liver injury and therefore can be used as a hepatoprotective drug in the future.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, antioxidant, hepatoprotective drugs, carbon tetrachloride.