Safety Assessment and Hypoglycemic Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. Seed Lectin (WSMoL) in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds contain WSMoL, a lectin previously studied for toxicity and pharmacological effects. In this study, we investigated WSMoL (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg i.p.) for acute and 14-day repeated-dose toxicity, as well as genotoxicity, in Swiss mice. In addition, the hypoglycemic activity of WSMoL (25 and 50 mg/kg i.p.) was evaluated in alloxan-treated mice. Animals were monitored for body weight, water and food consumption, behavioral changes, hematological and biochemical parameters, and histological patterns of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Acute toxicity assay showed that WSMoL did not cause mortality or changes in behavior, food and water intake, or body weight. However, its administration resulted in monocytopenia, and histological changes consistent with an inflammatory process. The repeated-dose assay also indicated no significant alterations in body weight, water, or food intake. Hematological analyses, however, revealed monocytopenia and lymphocytopenia, and histological changes consistent with inflammation were observed. The micronucleus test in bone marrow cells indicated that WSMoL was not genotoxic. Administration of WSMoL (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance in both male and female animals after 10 days of treatment. Interestingly, WSMoL at 50 mg/kg reduced blood glucose to levels comparable to insulin. Histological analyses suggest that WSMoL prevented liver and kidney damage induced by hyperglycemia. Overall, our results indicate that WSMoL is a promising natural alternative for diabetes treatment, but its use should be approached with caution due to potential subclinical toxicity.