Moringa oleiferaSupplemented Diets Prevented Nickel-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background. TheMoringa oleiferaplant has been implicated for several therapeutic potentials.Objective. To evaluate whether addition ofM. oleiferato diet has protective effect against nickel-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methodology. Male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups of five. The rats were given oral exposure to 20 mg/kg nickel sulphate (NiSO4) in normal saline and sustained on either normal diet or diets supplemented withMoringa oleiferaat different concentrations for 21 days. 24 hours after cessation of treatments, all animals were sacrificed under slight anesthesia. The blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and histopathology analyses, respectively.Results. NiSO4exposure reduced the kidney-to-body weight ratio in rats and caused significant elevation in the levels of plasma creatinine, urea, and potassium. Also, the plasma level of sodium was decreased by NiSO4exposure. However, addition ofM. oleiferato diets averted the nickel-induced alteration to the level of creatinine and urea. The histopathology revealed damaged renal tubules and glomerular walls caused by NiSO4exposure. In contrast, the damages were ameliorated by theM. oleiferasupplemented diets.Conclusion. The addition ofM. oleiferato diet afforded significant protection against nickel-induced nephrotoxicity.