Cytoprotective impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on liver damage and insulin resistance in diabetic rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract (MOLE) on insulin resistance and liver damage in diabetic male albino Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats via intraperitoneal alloxan injections (150 mg/kg followed by 100 mg/kg), with hyperglycemia confirmed at blood glucose >250 mg/dL. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): control (Cnt), MOLE (100 mg/kg/day), diabetic untreated (DM), and DM + MOLE. MOLE was administered orally for 30 days. Blood glucose, insulin (ELISA), and HOMA-IR were measured. Liver function (AST, ALT, ALP), oxidative stress/antioxidants (MDA, CAT, SOD, GPx), and DNA damage (comet assay) were analyzed. Gene expression ( GLUT4 , IRS1 , PI3K , Akt , NFκB , TNFα , Nrf2 ) was quantified via qPCR, and liver histopathology (H&E staining) assessed steatosis and degeneration. MOLE treatment significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced blood glucose, HOMA-IR compared to the untreated DM group. Antioxidant defenses improved, with significantly ( P < 0.05) lowered MDA and elevated Nrf2 , CAT, SOD, and GPx. Insulin signaling genes ( GLUT4 , IRS1 , PI3K , Akt ) were significantly ( P < 0.05) upregulated, while inflammatory markers ( NFκB , TNFα ) were significantly ( P < 0.05) suppressed. Histopathology revealed severe macro-/microsteatosis in DM rats, whereas MOLE-treated rats showed minimal steatosis and restored hepatic architecture. The results show that MOLE improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and strengthens antioxidant defense, which suggests that it may help reduce problems associated with diabetes.