Hepato-Ameliorative Effect of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Stem Bark on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: The effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera stems bark on paracetamol-induced liver injury in wistar rats was investigated. Method: 25 male Wistar rats were used for this study. They were randomly divided into five groups: Positive control, Paracetamol control, paracetamol+1000mg/kg, paracetamol+ 1500mg/kg and paracetamol+2000mg/kg Moringa stem bark and 600mg/kg body weight per oral of Paracetamol was administered once daily with respective treatment. Weights of the rats were measured and liver biochemical markers (AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin) were determined using enzymatic kits. Histological assessment was also carried out on the liver tissues using H&E and viewed under light microscope. The experiment lasted for 10 days. Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the weight of the liver in the groups treated with different doses of M. oleifera. There was a slight increase in weight of liver, although not significant, when compared with positive control. M. oleifera significantly (p<0.05) reduced the blood levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin when compared with the paracetamol control. The results indicated a dose dependent increase in serum albumin and globulin levels which was significant when compared with paracetamol control group but not significant when compared to the control group. Histological assessment of the liver of the Wistar revealed that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera stem bark have hepato-protective ability revealed by regenerating hepatocytes. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera stem bark has hepato-protective potentials as reveal from the biochemical and histological outcome of this study. Hence, Moringa oleifera stem bark can be used to ameliorate or manage paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Keywords: Moringa oleifera stem bark, Paracetamol, Liver Injury, Biochemical parameters.