Formulation and pharmacological studies of leaves of moringa (Moringa oleifera), a novel hepatoprotection in oral drug formulations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae, is a tree that is native to South East Asia. Various parts of this tree are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, hepatitis, gastric ulcer, and other ailments. AIM: M. oleifera leaves extract was formulated into stable suspensions, characterized, and then evaluated for hepatoprotection activity against isoniazid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves were extracted using cold maceration, and suspensions of extract were prepared using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) as suspension agent at various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0%). The formulations were analyzed by their appearance, color, odor, and taste. Density, pH, viscosity, re-dispersibility test, and sedimentation volume were observed. The stability of oral suspensions was analyzed in accelerated studies (5°C ± 2°C and 35°C ± 2°C for 12 h for 7 cycles) to find stable formulation, while the hepatoprotection activity was analyzed using an in vivo isoniazid-induced model. RESULTS: The appearance, color, odor, and taste of the suspensions were shown to be characteristic of the extract. Na-CMC at concentration 0.5% showed good physical properties. Stable suspension at dose 400 mg/kg BW per oral for 28 days exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase. CONCLUSION: Suspension containing M. oleifera leaves extract at 50 mg/5 mL was successfully obtained and showed physical properties that were appropriate and characteristic of this dosage form, suitable for hepatoprotection (400 mg/kg BW), making this an alternative to tablets.