Evaluation of acute toxicity, 28-day repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity of Moringa oleifera leaves infusion and powder

• Published in: Journal of ethnopharmacology 2022-10, Vol.296, p.115504-115504, Article 115504
• Main Authors: de Barros, Matheus Cavalcanti, Silva, Ana Gabrielle Barros, Souza, Talita Giselly dos Santos, Chagas, Cristiano Aparecido, Machado, Janaína Carla Barbosa, Ferreira, Magda Rhayanny Assunção, Soares, Luiz Alberto Lira, Xavier, Viviane Lansky, de Araújo, Larissa Cardoso Corrêa, Borba, Elizabeth Fernanda de Oliveira, da Silva, Teresinha Gonçalves, Alves, Robson Raion de Vasconcelos, Coelho, Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso, de Oliveira, Alisson Macário, Napoleão, Thiago Henrique, Paiva, Patrícia Maria Guedes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0378-8741; 1872-7573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115504

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEMoringa oleifera Lam. leaves infusion and powder are widely used by population due the nutritional and medicinal potentials, however data regarding safety of use are still inconclusive, leading to prohibition of this plant in some countries. AIM OF THE STUDYThe present work investigated the nutritional and phytochemical composition, acute and 28-day repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity of M. oleifera leaves infusion and powder. MATERIALS AND METHODSFor nutritional characterization of leaf powder, it was determined: humidity; mineral residue (ash); total lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and crude fiber contents; and total caloric value. Phytochemical composition was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The acute toxicity assay used Swiss female albino mice and oral administration in a single dose at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg of infusion or powder. The 28-day repeated dose toxicity assay employed female and male mice, with oral administration of infusion or powder at the doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The animals were evaluated for body weight, water and feed consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, and histology of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. In vivo genotoxicity and mutagenicity (2000 mg/kg) were evaluated by the comet assay and the micronucleus test, respectively. RESULTSNutritional characterization confirmed that M. oleifera leaves are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, and fiber. HPLC indicated the presence of flavonoids and cinnamic derivatives as major polyphenols. Acute toxicity did not reveal alterations in weight gain and water and feed consumptions and no change in biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters. Behavior alterations was observed in the first 2 h after administration at 5000 mg/kg in both treatments. Infusion did not present toxicity when administered for 28 days. Conversely, the powder at 500 and 1000 mg/kg promoted liver and kidney damages observed through biochemical parameters and histopathology. Genotoxicity and mutagenicity were not detected at 2000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONSThe present study reveals that M. oleifera leaves are an important source of polyphenols and nutrients. Indiscriminate use of both infusion and crude leaf powder above 2000 mg/kg and powder at 500 and 1000 mg/kg are not recommended. Chronic toxicological studies and establishment of preparation protocols are suggested aiming to guarantee the safety in the use of M. oleifer