Asserting the Nephroprotective Potentials of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract against Aluminium Chloride-induced Nephritis

Abstract

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), a widely used industrial and pharmaceutical compound, is known to exert nephrotoxic effects through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and electrolyte imbalance. However, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive antioxidants, which has demonstrated protective properties against various forms of organ toxicity, was probed for nephroprotective potentials. The compelling antioxidant for this study on Wistar rats was Moringa oleifera. In this study, we evaluated the nephroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera seed extract against AlCl3-induced renal toxicity in Wistar rats.  Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into six groups (n=5). Group 1 served as the control, while Group 2 received AlCl3 only (20 mg/kg). Groups 3–5 received low (5 mg/kg), standard (10 mg/kg), and high (15 mg/kg) doses of Moringa seed extract, respectively, along with AlCl3 (20 mg/kg). Group 6 received AlCl3 plus resveratrol (standard drug). Serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine (SEUCr), and antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, GPx, catalase, MDA) were measured. Histopathological analysis of renal tissues was also performed. AlCl3 exposure significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, and MDA levels, while reducing Na+, K+, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, SOD, GPx, and catalase levels (p<0.05), indicating marked renal damage and oxidative stress. Moringa oleifera extract, especially at standard and high doses, effectively restored biochemical parameters and renal histology to near-normal levels. The low-dose extract provided partial protection. Resveratrol showed less consistent protective effects compared to the moringa extract. We concluded that Moringa oleifera seed extract exhibits dose-dependent nephroprotective effects against AlCl₃-induced renal toxicity, likely through its antioxidant properties. It may serve as a potential therapeutic agent in preventing heavy metal-induced kidney injury.