Moringa oleifera hydroethanolic extracts effectively alleviate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats through their antioxidant nature

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant properties Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) extracts and its curative role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxic liver injury in rats caused by oxidative damage. The total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of hydroethanolic extracts of different MO edible parts were investigated by employing an established in vitro biological assay. In the antihepatotoxic study, either flowers or leaves extract (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg, i.p) were administered an hour after APAP administration, respectively. N-Acetylcysteine was used as the positive control against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The levels of liver markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the levels of oxidative damage markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adduct, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analysed and compared between experimental groups. Among MO edible parts the flower extracts contain the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, followed by leaves extract. The oxidative marker MDA, as well as 4-HNE protein adduct levels were elevated and GSH, SOD and CAT were significantly decreased in groups treated with hepatotoxin. The biochemical liver tissue oxidative markers measured in the rats treated with MO flowers and leaves hydroethanolic extracts showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the severity of the liver damage. The results of this study strongly indicate the therapeutic properties of MO hydroethanolic extracts against acute liver injury and thereby scientifically support its traditional use.

Figure 1

4-HNE adducted proteins observed following APAP, NAC and Moringa oleifera treatment. Hepatic tissues were collected from rats 24 h after administration with APAP. Image J analysis was performed and expressed in percentage (%). Animals treated with MO flowers and leaves extract shows declining 4-HNE adduct production.

Figure 2

Effect of MO flowers and leaves extract on hepatic enzymatic antioxidants SOD and CAT in APAP induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Values are presented as the means ± SEM of six rats per group. Statistical significance between the groups (^a p < 0.05; ^b p < 0.05) compared to vehicle control and APAP treated groups respectively.

Figure 3

Effect of MO flowers and leaves extract on hepatic ALT levels in APAP induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Values are presented as the means ±SEM of six rats per group. Statistical significance between the groups (^a p < 0.05; ^b p < 0.05) compared to vehicle control and APAP treated groups respectively.