Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on antitubercular drug-induced liver damage in rats

J Med Food. 2002 Fall;5(3):171-7. doi: 10.1089/10966200260398206.

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), commonly known as "Drumstick," is used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of various illness. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves on liver damage induced by antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and pyrazinamide (PZA) in rats. Oral administration of the extract showed a significant protective action made evident by its effect on the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin in the serum; lipids, and lipid peroxidation levels in liver. This observation was supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The results of this study showed that treatment with M. oleifera extracts or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by antitubercular drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • Antitubercular Agents / toxicity*
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Moringa oleifera*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Bilirubin