Temitope M. Olatosin, Damilola S. Akinduko and Chukwuemelie Z. Uche
Hepatocytes are reportedly susceptible to the injurious effects of oxidants when exposed to toxic substances such as Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4). The widespread claims of the medicinal efficacy of various parts of Moringa oleifera plant have been well documented in literature. So far, less attention has been focused particularly on the seed oil extract of the plant; hence this study was aimed at investigating the effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil as a possible therapy in treatment of chemical-induced hepatic disorders. Twenty-four albino rats (male, Wistar) were divided into 4 groups of six. Group1 served as Controls and group2 received CCl4 only. Group3 animals were preadministered daily with Moringa seed oil (2ml/Kg) for 10 days before receiving CCl4 (1ml/Kg) once; group4 animals received Moringa seed oil only for 10 days. Thereafter, liver tissues were excised for biochemical assay of tissue homogenates. Markedly raised MDA (p<0.01) was observed in CCl4-intoxicated animals (group2) compared to those pre-treated with the Moringa seed oil (group3). The group4 animals also showed a slightly but significantly (p<0.01) lower MDA (malondialdehyde) levels than the Controls. Furthermore, CCl4-induced alterations in activities of antioxidant enzymes Catalase and SOD (superoxide dismutase) were significantly (p<0.01) prevented in the group3 animals. These results are a clear indication that Moringa oleifera seed oil possesses strong antioxidant capacity to protect against CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative damage.
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