Effects of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Seed on the Histology of the Kidney in Wistar Rats

Moringa oleifera, also called the “magic tree”, has a long history of use in the treatment of many diseases including those affecting the liver and kidney. This research work focuses on the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seed on the kidney of healthy Wistar rats. Twenty (20) rats weighing between 100 - 150g were divided into four groups (A-D) of five rats each. Group A was control and received food and water. Group B, C and D received 400mg/kg, 800mg/kg and 1600mg/kg of aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera per body weight respectively. The extract was administered orally for 21 days. On the 22nd day, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the kidneys fixed in 10% formalin for histological studies using H&E. Histological observation showed proliferation of the mesangial cells in group B while in groups C and D glomerular sclerosis were observed. This study submits that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seed has nephrotoxic tendencies, and this effect was dose dependent.