Therapeutic Promise of Moringa oleifera Root and Leaf for Mitigating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

This research explored how Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves and roots might protect the liver and improve nutrition in adult albino rats affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) brought on by a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two rats were first acclimated on a regular diet, then divided into six groups. These groups were given either a standard diet, an HFD alone, or an HFD enriched with 1.5% or 3% MO leaf or root powder for a period of four weeks. Following overnight fasting, the rats were euthanized for biochemical and histological evaluations. Blood samples were analyzed for liver and kidney function markers, total cholesterol, and lipid fractions, while nutritional indices including body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency ratio were recorded throughout the study. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was carried out to assess the extent of fatty liver changes. Results showed that the HFD group exhibited marked hepatic steatosis, elevated lipid levels, and impaired liver and kidney function, confirming successful induction of NAFLD. In contrast, diets enriched with MO, especially at 3% concentration, significantly reduced total cholesterol and other lipid parameters, improved biochemical markers of liver and kidney function, and enhanced growth-related nutritional outcomes compared with the positive control group. These findings demonstrate that Moringa oleifera leaves and roots possess substantial hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, suggesting their potential efficacy as dietary supplements for managing NAFLD.