Hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. ethanolic leaf extract on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice.

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice by histopathological analysis of the following parameters: steatosis, inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis and the percentage of apoptotic index. Four groups of 12 male mice each were subjected to different treatments for 8 weeks. Group 1, the control group, was provided with commercial pellet and water. Group 2, the negative control group, received commercial pellet and 15% ethanol as liquid source. Groups 3 and 4, the experimental groups, were given commercial pellet mixed with 400 mg/kg_bw/d and 800 mg/kgbw /d of ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extract, respectively, and 15% ethanol as liquid source. Treatment with the extract at 400 mg/kg_bw decreased steatosis and necrosis in Group 3. Inflammation, although not statistically significant, was also reduced in the said group. Group 4, on the other hand, exhibited significantly enhanced steatosis, necrosis and inflammation as Group 2. Fibrosis and the percentage of apoptotic index were not significantly different among the groups. It can be inferred that the ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extract has a significant hepatoprotective effect at the dose of 400 mg/kg_bw/d. This may be due to the antioxidants present in the said extract. The effect of the extract is, however, not dose-dependent. This could be a result of an oversupply of antioxidants. Antioxidants, when present in excess, can act as prooxidants, and promote oxidative stress.