Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract against Arsenic-induced Hepatic and Metabolic Toxicity in Zebrafish

Abstract

Arsenic is a pervasive environmental toxicant that poses a serious threat to human and animal health through contamination of water and food sources. Chronic exposure to arsenic is known to induce oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction and hepatocellular injury. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) against arsenic-induced toxicity using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model. A total of 240 adult zebrafish were randomly divided into four groups: control, arsenic trioxide–exposed (50 µg/L), arsenic trioxide with MOLE at 200 mg/L and arsenic trioxide with MOLE at 400 mg/L, and treated for 60 days. At the end of the exposure period, liver tissues were collected and analyzed for key biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Chronic arsenic exposure resulted in a significant elevation of TC, TG, ALT and AST levels compared to the control group, indicating impaired lipid metabolism and hepatocellular damage. Co-treatment with MOLE significantly and dose-dependently attenuated these arsenic-induced biochemical alterations, with marked reductions in hepatic lipid levels and liver enzyme activities. Although the parameters in MOLE-treated groups did not completely normalize to control values, they were substantially improved compared to the arsenic-only group. The ameliorative effects of MOLE are likely attributed to its rich content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions by reducing oxidative stress and stabilizing hepatocellular membranes. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf extract exhibits significant protective effects against arsenic-induced hepatic and metabolic toxicity, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent.