Toxic effect of Moringa peregrina seeds on histological and biochemical analyses of adult male Albino rats

Abstract

Moringa is multipurpose promising tree particularly for medicinal use. With its high nutritive and pharmaceutical values, every part of the tree is suitable for human consumptions. The use of vegetate parts, seeds or extracts requires toxicological evaluations to prove and verify safety uses before being added to pharmaceutical medicine, or any other products related to human diet. In this study, Moringa peregrina seeds, grown in high elevation mountain in Saint Catherin area, were investigated and evaluated for their toxicity with respect to its topological potential through histological and biochemical studies in Albino rats. Daily doses of 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of dry seed of M. peregrina were administered orally to 4 groups of rats for 14 days. Biochemical and histopathological results were evaluated by standard methods. Measured biochemical parameters, insulin, albumin, total protein, creatinine, urea, uric acid, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and Testosterone, revealed normal levels compared to control group. However, measured level of blood sugars, cholesterol, triglyceride and liver enzyme, displayed significant decreases. No histopathological changes were detected in the body tested organs. In consequences, intake of different doses of M. peregrina, even high one, exhibit no organ toxicity and are safe for human use. Keywords: Histopathological studies, Biochemical studies, Moringa peregrina, Toxicological evaluation