Histological and Histomorphometric studies of ethanol-injured pylorus and duodenum of Wistar rats pre-treated with Moringa oliefera extract

Background: This study investigated the effects of pre-treatment with Moringa oleifera extract on the histomorphology and histomorphometry of the pylorus and duodenum of rats following ethanol-induced gastrointestinal injury. Methods: Following extract and ethanol treatment, pylorus and duodenum of the rats were processed for histological procedures, and tissue quantification of total antioxidant capacity, to access the protective abilities of the extract. Results: We showed that Moringa oleifera extract significantly reduces (p<0.05) total lesion area of the secretory portion of stomach following ethanol induced damage. Also the extract, to a great extent preserved the histological integrity of the pylorus and duodenum, and also significantly improved (p<0.05) the % of glandular mucosa of the pylorus that was intact and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth following ethanol damage. There was significant difference in pyloric and duodenal concentration of total antioxidant capacity between ethanol injured rats compared to control and extract treated groups. Conclusion: The present study confirms the antiulcer properties of Moringa oleifera extract, and demonstrates that the extract preserves the histological integrity and dimensions of the various layers of pylorus and duodenum of Wistar rats, thereby preventing a decrease gastrointestinal surface area following ethanol induced injury.