Ameliorative Efficacy of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. against the Sodium Fluoride Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rat

A study was conducted to evaluate the protective efficacy of a methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera L. (MO) for the remediation of nephrotoxicity induced by exposure to a significant groundwater pollutant, fluoride. Wistar albino male rats weighing 150–200 g were divided into five groups, each containing five animals. The control group received normal drinking water, and Group I received sodium fluoride in drinking water (20 mg/l daily) for 90 days. Group II received M. oleifera extract (250 mg/l) for 90 days. Group III received sodium fluoride 20 mg/l along with a low dose of M. oleifera extract (250 mg/l) for 90 days, and Group IV received sodium fluoride 20 mg/l along with a high dose of M. oleifera extract (500 mg/l) for 90 days. After 90 days, the kidneys and blood samples were obtained to evaluate their histological characteristics and assess the levels of oxidative stress and various enzyme parameters. The current investigation showed that sodium fluoride has a notable impact on renal function by elevating levels of creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), urea, as well as Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) indicators. Further exposure resulted in a decrease in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels, whereas Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) activity increased in kidney tissue. The histopathological examination of the kidney revealed glomerular enlargement, degenerative changes in Bowman’s capsule, and alterations in the tubular portion of the glomerulus. The study’s findings indicate that the administration of M. oleifera extract had a notable impact on the renal function and antioxidant status of rats subjected to sodium fluoride treatment. The administration of M. oleifera extract demonstrated a significant ability to mitigate the nephrotoxic effects induced by sodium fluoride in rats, mainly when both substances were concurrently administered. M. oleifera extract may also provide hepatoprotective effects by modifying membrane permeability and blocking enzymes from entering the serum.