Biochemical Studies on the Protective Role of Moringa oleifera Leaves Against Sodium Nitrite-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Albino Rats

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL), widely recognized for their nutritional and medicinal properties, are rich in natural antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective and therapeutic potential of MOL extract against sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male rats. Thirty-five rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 7): the control group, NaNO₂ group (75 mg/kg body weight), MOL group (400 mg/kg body weight), the therapeutic group (NaNO₂ for 21 days, followed by MOL), and the protective group (MOL for 21 days, followed by NaNO₂). Moreover, Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), Serum biomarkers of liver functions, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), were measured. GC-MS exhibited the existence of varied bioactive compounds, while the main chemical constituents were 9-Octadecenami de (16.44%), Phenol, 2,2'-methylenebis [6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-m ethyl (8.46%), 1,2,4-Metheno-1H-cycl obuta[cd]pentalene-3, 5-diol, octahydro (2.94%), 4H-1-benzopyran -4-one, 2-(3,4-dimethoxyp henyl)-3,5-dihydr oxy-7-methoxy (2.44%), NaNO₂ administration significantly elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT (P < 0.001) compared with the control group, indicating severe liver damage. Conversely, MOL supplementation either before or after NaNO₂ exposure significantly ameliorated these alterations and improved hepatic histological architecture. These findings demonstrate that MOL exerts both protective and therapeutic effects against NaNO₂-induced liver injury, supporting its potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent.