Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract against Silver Nanoparticles and Arsenic Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The present study was designed to investigate whether Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) modified the changes caused by interactive exposure of nanoparticles and heavy metals in various hepatotoxicity parameters. Sixty-three Sprague Dawley rats weighed 105 +/- 5 g were assigned into seven groups (n=9) each. Group I was control (C). Groups II and III were given moringa with low 2% and high 3 % doses. Group IV consisted of low doses of silver nanoparticles (100 mg/kg) and arsenic (10.25mg/kg). Group V embraced high doses of silver nanoparticles (150 mg/kg) and arsenic (16.4mg/kg). Group VI comprised low and group VII consisted of high doses of chemicals and MOLE as described above. Doses were administered orally and daily for three months. Three rats from each group were euthanized and evaluated for various parameters after 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the experiment. Results revealed that silver nanoparticles and Arsenic exposure at low and high doses induced severe necrotic histopathological changes in liver tissue accompanied by remarkably escalated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and oxidative stress marker (TBARS). Furthermore, albumin, total protein, SOD, CAT, GPX, and GSH levels were significantly depleted in each successive three-month treatment. Concurrent treatment of silver nanoparticles and arsenic-intoxicated rats with MOLE prevented tissue injury through improving the liver's cellular integrity, correcting liver proteins/enzymes and inhibiting TBARS levels by activating the antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, MOLE administration demonstrated a therapeutic role against hepatotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles and arsenic, which are related to its antioxidant capabilities.