Acute toxicity evaluation of mixture of neem (Azadirachta indica) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed oils in rats

Abstract

The toxicity of the mixture of neem and moringa seed oils in the ratio of 1:3 was evaluated based on some biomarkers of liver and kidney functions of Wistar Albino rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group A served as control. Groups B, C, D, E and F received doses of 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of ratio 1:3 neem-moringa seed oil, respectively. The albino rats were observed for any changes for seven days; during this period, they were allowed free access to food and water ad-libitum. The rats were weighed and made to fast overnight. The serum obtained was used to determine the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Similarly, liver and kidney tissues were removed and homogenized separately in a normal saline in ratio of 1:10 w/v. The homogenate of liver was centrifuged and the supernatant was used to determine total protein and billirubine while that of kidney was used for determining creatinine and urea. The results of all the biochemical parameters tested did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) from the control up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight and did not produce any visible toxic effect. The dosage of 1:3 mixtures of neem-moringa seed oils appeared to be safe for humans.