Effects of Moringa oleifera extract on biochemical and histological parameters of sodium valproate induced lungs damage

Sodium valproate– a salt of valproic acid (VPA), is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy and a range of psychiatric conditions that include panic attacks, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, migraine and bipolar disorder etc. VPA can cause direct damage to many tissues due to accumulation of toxic metabolites. Nowadays, phytochemicals are amongst the best options for the treatment of diseases. Moringa oleifera is a popular plant in the tropics owing to its numerous pharmacological and phytochemical properties such as antiproliferative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. In the present study, the protective effects of Moringa ethanol extract on oxidative lung damage caused by VPA was assessed biochemically and histologically. Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, Moringa extract (M), sodium valproate (V), and sodium valproate + Moringa extract (V + M). Doses of sodium valproate and Moringa extract (dissolved in physiological saline) were given at 500 mg/kg b.w. and 300 mg/kg b.w. for 15 days, respectively. The rats were sacrificed on the 16th day, lung tissues collected biochemical parameters (glutathione level, antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress biomarker and inflammatory proteins) and histopathological findings obtained from the study indicated increased damage in lung tissue of the valproate administered group. The damage was prevented/decreased upon administration of Moringa to the valproate rats. The present findings revealed that Moringa extract had a protective and therapeutic effect against VPA induced lung damage. Moringa extract demonstrated an ameliorative effect on histopathological and biochemical parameters in valproate induced lung damage.

Graphical abstract