Histological And Biochemical Changes Induced By Ethanolic Leaf Extract Of Moringa Oleifera In The Liver And Lungs Of Adult Wistar Rats

Background: Moringa oleifera, otherwise referred to as a miracle tree, has been used in the treatment of numerous diseases. Moringa has been the subject of intensive scientific research; however, there has been scant information on its sub-acute effect on the kidneys. This work was done to investigate the histological and biochemical effect of M. oleifera on the liver and lungs of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-eight adult healthy rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of seven per group and fed with pellets and water ad libitum. Group A served as the control, Group B was fed with 500 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Moringa leaf, Group C with 1000 mg/kg, while Group D with 1500 mg/kg body weight. Methods: Doses were administered once daily using oral gavage for 28 days. Before the time of sacrificing the animals, blood samples were collected into plain test tubes and the animals anesthetized before sacrifice. Necropsy was performed and the tissues (liver and lungs) processed and stained using hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. Some liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and albumin were analyzed. Results: There were significant increases in AST and albumin in the 1000 mg/kg (19.50 +/- 2.32, P = 0.036 and39.18 +/- 8.56, P = 0.041) and 1500 mg/kg (26.55 +/- 3.81, P = 0.021 and 46.75 +/- 8.57, P = 0.021), respectively, in the treated animals when compared with the control (21.47 +/- 16.33 and 4.54 +/- 1.09). Histoarchitecture of the liver showed vascular congestion in the 1500 mg/kg treated rats which is indicative of congestive hepatopathy. There was no noticeable structural damage on the lungs. Conclusion: The result showed that M. oleifera may be toxic to the liver at concentrations higher than 1000 mg/kg.