Histological and biochemical changes induced by ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera in the heart and kidneys of adult wistar rats

Abstract

Study Background: Moringa oleifera, (miracle tree), has been used in the treatment of numerous diseases. Moringa has been the subject of intensive scientific research; however, there have been scanty information on its sub-acute effect on the kidneys. Aims: This work was done to investigate the histological and biochemical effect of M. oleifera on the heart and kidneys of adult Wistar rats. Settings and Design: Twenty-eight adult healthy rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into 4 groups of 7 per group and fed with pellets and water ad libitum. Group A served as the control, Group B were fed with 500 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Moringa leaf, Group C with 1000 mg/kg while Group D were fed with 1500 mg/kg body weight. Methods and Material: 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 (heart and kidney) processed and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining techniques. Serum electrolyte (sodium and potassium), urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed for. Results: There were significant increases in urea and potassium in the 1000 mg/kg (41.26 ± 16.89 and 10.52 ± 1.48) and 1500 mg/kg (44.23 ± 17.49 and 13.82 ± 1.57) treated animals when compared with the control (21.47 ± 16.33 and 4.54 ± 1.09). Histo-architecture of the kidneys showed glomerula atrophy in the 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg treated rats which is indicative of intrinsic renal damage. There were no noticeable structural damage on the heart. Conclusions: The result showed that M. oleifera may be toxic to the kidneys at concentrations higher than 1000 mg/kg.