Impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on renal histopathology, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and calcium oxalate crystals in rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to ethylene glycol.

BACKGROUND

Nephrolithiasis is a kidney disorder caused by the formation of crystals through physiological and chemical processes in the body, with calcium oxalate being a major contributor. Moringa oleifera leaves are known for their antioxidant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties and contain alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, saponins, phenolics, and tannins.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the potential of M. oleifera leaf extract (MLE) as a calcium oxalate crystal inhibitor, its effect on reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and histopathological changes in kidneys.

METHODS

Fifty male Rattus norvegicus aged 12 weeks and weighing 202.43 ± 30.39 g were divided into five groups of 10. The groups included: normal control (C) group without treatment, the untreated ethylene glycol (EG)-induced group (T0), and the EG-induced groups treated with MLE at doses of 200 mg/kgbw (T1), 316 mg/kgbw (T2), and 500 mg/kgbw (T3) at 4-hour intervals after EG induction. EG and MLE were administered orally using a gastric tube for 21 days. The parameters observed included SOD and MDA activity, calcium oxalate crystals, and kidney histopathology.

RESULTS

MLE inhibited calcium oxalate crystal formation, reduced MDA levels, increased SOD activity, and prevented tubular epithelial cell degeneration, epithelial necrosis, and interstitial inflammation in the kidneys.

CONCLUSION

MLE demonstrated calcium oxalate crystal dissolution activity, antioxidant effects by reducing MDA content, enhanced SOD activity, and improved kidney conditions, thereby contributing to good health and well-being.