Exploring the dual benefits: acute and subacute toxicity, hypolipidemic, slimming and hypoglycemic effects of Moringa oleifera lam : Leaf extract in female wistar albino rats.

Moringa oleifera (MO) from the Ghardaia region (southern Algeria) is traditionally used to manage metabolic disorders. This study evaluates the biochemical and histological effects MO hydro-methanolic leaf extract (MHE) following toxicological assessment in rats to provide safety data supporting its use as a slimming, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic nutraceutical. For this, an acute toxicity study was assessed following Guideline 425 of OECD, using doses of 4000 and 6000 mg/kg, while a sub-acute toxicity study was evaluated according to Guideline 407 of OECD, involving daily oral administration of 400, 700, and 1000 mg/kg to female Wistar Albino rats (FWA) for 7 and 28 days, respectively. Following the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses in accordance with standard protocols. As a result, no mortality or overt toxicity was observed, indicating a lethal dose (LD50) exceeding 6000 mg/kg (Acute) and 1000 mg/kg (Sub-acute). Following single-dose administration, liver relative weight increased alongside elevated transaminase levels indicating hepatocellular necrosis. In contrast, repeated dosing led to reductions in weight gain, glucose levels, improved lipid profile, and lowered transaminases without signs of liver damage. Histology revealed inflammatory infiltration in the renal glomeruli and reversible destruction of intestinal villi and glands in all treated groups. We can conclude that the extract shows promise for managing metabolic disorders but poses potential toxicity risks at repeated doses exceeding 400 mg/kg.