Effects of Moringa Oleifera Seed Extracts on Nutmeg Induced Renal Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Nutmeg is a common household spices because of its rich nutrient composition, that has been found to have very serious toxic effects on the kidney function at high doses. This study investigated the ameliorative potency of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on nutmeg induced renal dysfunction. Twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 80-150g were randomly separated into six groups of four rats each. Group A was only fed with food and water. Group B received oral doses of 500mg/kg/day of nutmeg extract for 21 days. Group C received oral doses of 500mg/kg of nutmeg extract and 200mg/kg of Moringa oleifera ethanolic seed extract simultaneously for 21 days. Group D received oral doses of 500mg/kg of nutmeg extract and 400mg/kg of ethanolic moringa seed extract simultaneously for 21 days. Group E received oral doses of 500mg/kg of nutmeg extract and 200mg/kg of Moringa oleifera n-hexane seed extract simultaneously for 21 days. Group F received oral doses of 500mg/kg of nutmeg extract and 400mg/kg of n-hexane moringa seed extract simultaneously for 21 days. Blood sample was collected by ocular puncture and kidney function was assessed through serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels. Data was analyzed using the statistical program SPSS version 27.1. The positive control group B showed significant decrease in the electrolyte levels when compared to the negative control group A. Also, there was a significant increase in the mean serum urea level in group B when compared with group A which was founded to be ameliorated in the treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the creatinine level across the groups. However, when the urea levels across the groups were compared with the positive control group (B), there were significant decrease in the mean urea levels (P<0.05) in treatment groups D, E and F. The findings from this study demonstrated that Moringa had an ameliorative effect on the serum urea imbalance but showed no ameliorative potency on the electrolyte imbalance. Keywords: Nutmeg toxicity, Renal dysfunction, Moringa oleifera, Kidney function, Ameliorative effect and Serum urea