Physiological Studies of the Effect of Moringa olifera and Vitamin (C) on Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Lead Acetate in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Lead is highly toxic naturally occurring element that affects numerous organ systems in humans, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Moringa olifera leaves extract and vitamin C in male albino rats against lead acetate toxicity. forty (40) male albino rats were used for the experiment. Group I was administered distilled water, Group II was administered lead acetate only (20mg/kg b.w.), Group III was administered lead acetate (20mg/kg b w) and Moringa olifera leaves extract (400mg/kg b.w.) and Group IV was administered lead acetate (20mg/kg b.w.) and Vitamin C (50 mg/kg b.w.). Animals were exposed to treatment once daily for 8 weeks orally. After the last day of treated animals were slaughtered and blood samples collected and serum separated for analyzing serum liver enzymes. Results obtained in this present study revealed a significant increased at (p<0.05) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),bilirubin and Malondialdehyde (MAD), while showed a significant decreased at (p<0.05) in Total protein, Albumin, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in group treated with lead acetate only when compared with normal group. However, Effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) and Vitamin C on hepatic injury due to lead induced oxidative stress revealed a significant decreased at (p<0.05) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and Malondialdehyde (MAD), while showed a significant increased at (p<0.05) in Total protein, Albumin, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) when compared with the control group. It is concluded that Moringa olifera leaves extract and vitamin C have antioxidant properties.