HPLC-based flavonoid compounds and hepatoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera Seed ethanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride–induced liver damage in male rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity is one of the most common animal models used to screen for the hepatoprotective properties of natural plant extracts. The potential liver-protective and antioxidant property of the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera seed (MOSE) against hepatic injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated in male Wistar rats. A total of thirty-two male rats were randomised evenly into four groups (n = 8, Group I (Control, given normal saline/olive oil), Group II (CCl4-only, 1 mL/kg body weight, intraperitoneally, twice a week), Group III (CCl4 + MOSE 250 mg/kg/day, oral administration) and Group IV (CCl4 + MOSE 500 mg/kg/day, oral administration) for 8 weeks. The liver function parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), and total bilirubin (TB), were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Methods: CBC, biomarkers of hepatic oxidative stress as malondialdeheyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined. CCl4 administration resulted in a significant elevation in serum ALT, AST, ALP, TB, and hepatic MDA as well as a significant decrease in TP, SOD, CAT, and GSH at (P < 0.05). These biochemical parameters were significantly corrected toward normal values, and the hematological indices of RBC, Hb, HCT, WBC, and PLT were markedly restored with oral supplementation with MOSE, especially at the 500 mg/kg dose. MOSE exhibits potent hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in CCl4-intoxicated rats, with the highest efficacy at 500 mg/kg. The aforementioned protective effects are due to the high phytochemical content of Moringa oleifera seeds, rich in isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.