Abstract

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA (LAM) AGAINST CARBONTETRACHLORIDE (CCI4) INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN RATS

*Etim E.I., Umoh E.E., Okokon J.E. and Etok N.J.

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera commonly known as miracle plant possesses enormous nutritional and medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine in treating many ailments, including liver disorders. The hepatoprotective effect of the methanol leaf extract (MLE) of Moringa oleifera against carbontetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver toxicity was carried out in male albino rats. The median lethal dose LD50 of 90mg/kg was obtained using the up and down method. Thirty six male albino rats weighting between 150 and 180g were randomly divided into six groups with six per group. Group 1 served as control and were administered 10ml/kg normal saline. Group II was the toxic control and received 3ml/kg of CCl4. Group III served as the reference control and received 100mg/kg of silymarin while groups IV, V and VI received 10%, 20% and 30% of LD50 i.e, 9mg/kg, 18mg/kg and 27mg/kg of MLE respectively. On the 8th day groups III, IV, V and VI were each given 3ml/kg of CCl4 intraperitoneally. On 9th day the animals were sacrificed and serum collected for liver function test (LFT) and liver samples were collected for histopathology. Liver function tests (LFT) for alanine aminotransferate (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (BIL) revealed a significant (p<0.05) protective effect when compared with silymarin. Histopathological studies provided supportive evidence for the protective effects of the MLE. It was concluded that MLE of Moringa oleifera possesses hepatoprotective activities in a dose-dependent manner and is safe for oral administration.

Keywords: Hepatoprotective, Moringa leaf, carbontetrachloride, hepatotoxicity.