ASSESSMENT OF THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AGAINST PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN RATS

ABSTRACT Background: Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in Nigeria, acting through formation of the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) which depletes hepatic glutathione and triggers oxidative necrosis. N-acetylcysteine remains expensive and often unavailable, prompting interest in affordable medicinal plants. Moringa oleifera, locally called "zogale" or "okwe oyibo", is widely consumed in Delta State and is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids and glucosinolates with reported antioxidant properties. Aim: This study assessed the hepatoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: Fresh leaves were collected in Abraka, authenticated (voucher UBH-M345), and extracted with 70% ethanol. Thirty male Wistar albino rats (150-200 g) were randomized into five groups (n=6): normal control, paracetamol control (2,000 mg/kg single dose), and three treatment groups pretreated orally with 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg extract for 14 days before intoxication. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total protein and albumin were assayed. Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured, and liver sections were examined with H&E staining. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p