Histological study on the protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on indomethacin-induced degenerated testes and uterus in albino rat

Abstract

Background: Indomethacin has analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is a common treatment for pain and rheumatoid diseases, but it has many side effects. We speculate that the natural antioxidants of Moringa oleifera could be a remedy for the long list of side effects. This study aimed to determine the possible protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on the indomethacin-induced degenerated testes and uterus in albino rat. Methods: Forty-eight white albino rats were assigned randomly into six groups consisting of eight rats. Group, I was the Normal control. Group II was animals induced with indomethacin but not treated. Group III was dosed with 500 mg/kg Moringa oleifera leaf extract while Groups IV-VI were induced with indomethacin and treated with 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg Moringa oleifera leaf extract respectively for 28 days. Animals were euthanized after the treatment period. The uterus and testes were excised and processed using the paraffin wax method and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Results: Animals exposed to indomethacin became drowsy and lethargic with deep red teary eyes. The first mortality was recorded among animals administered with indomethacin without treatment. Histopathology of the testes showed that indomethacin caused degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and diminished the spermatozoa. The histology of the uterus was distorted, the endometrium and myometrium layers of the uterus were disintegrated. However, animals treated with Moringa oleifera showed dose-related improvements in the histology of the testes and uterus compared to the control group. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaf extract improved the histology of indomethacin-induced toxicity of the testes and uterine in white albino rats.

Keywords

• moringa oleifera
• indomethacin
• histopathology
• nsaid