Abstract
The fresh matter or extracts from Moringa Oleifera (MO) have antioxidant and protective effects against toxicants. The hepatoprotective effect of leaf aqueous extract was studied on cadmium-induced liver toxicity in albino rats. Thirty-six Wister rats were divided into six groups (n=6). Group I: was negative control received only distilled water, Group II: was the positive control received 11 mg/kg of CdCl2, Group III and Group IV received llmg/kg CdCl2, and concurrently treated with 250 mg/kg b.w. and 500 mg/kg MO leaf aqueous extract, respectively. The rats in groups V and VI received daily 250 mg/kg b.w. and 500 mg/kg of MO leaf aqueous extract, respectively. Cadmium toxicity damaged hepatic tissues and the liver homogenate showed increased MDA content accompanied by decreased SOD, CAT, and GSH levels, whereas the serum showed altered liver function by the increased activity of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin accompanied by decreased protein and albumin. Furthermore, the administration of Moringa reversed the activities of serum hepatic enzymes nearly to their normal levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, increased the antioxidants levels, and recovered the normality of the liver. In conclusion, moringa succeeded in protecting male rats against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity by alleviating liver injury as evidenced by histological and biochemical examinations.