Acetaminophen induces liver injury and depletes glutathione in mice brain: Prevention by Moringa oleifera extract

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is among the leading causes of acute liver failure worldwide. Moringa oleifera is used as food additive and, as phytomedicine for its antioxidant, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and hepatoprotective properties. The present study investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera aqueous extract on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury and glutathione depletion in mice brain. Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), distilled water and ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to mice 1 and 12 h before acetaminophen (500 mg/kg, p.o.). Mice were sacrificed 6 h after APAP treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum activities; malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite liver level, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α or TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) serum levels were assessed. Reduced glutathione (GSH) was evaluated in brain and liver tissues. Histological analyses of liver section were performed by hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining. APAP administration induced liver injury with significant (P < .01) depletion of liver and brain GSH level. ALT, ALP and AST serum activities (P < .05), MDA and nitrite liver content, TNF and IL-1β in the serum were increased (P < .05). Moringa oleifera extract significantly (P < .05) reduced liver injury, inhibiting ALT, AST and ALP serum activities. TNF and IL-1β serum levels, nitrite, and MDA liver content were significantly (P < .05) reduced by M. oleifera extract, compared to APAP-treated mice. GSH depletion in brain and liver was inhibited by M. oleifera extract. Histological injuries (vacuolization and inflammation) by acetaminophen were remarkably prevented by M. oleifera administration. Results of the present study revealed that M. oleifera leaf extract strongly protects mice against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present results support ethnopharmacological uses of M. oleifera for the treatment of liver diseases.