Histopathological Evaluation of Spleen, Liver and Kidneys from Pigs Fed on Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

Abstract

Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds have for a long time been used as food and medicine. Despite increased usage, little information is available on its application as a nutraceutical agent as well as toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the histopathological consequences of prolonged inclusion at varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) diets on the spleen, liver and kidneys of growing pigs. Twenty four growing pigs were selected and assigned to four treatment diets (T) containing; 0% (T1), 3% (T2), 6% (T3) and 12% (T4) MOLM concentrations. Each treatment had two replicates of 3 pigs and the experimental period lasted 7 weeks after which four pigs from each treatment were selected, sacrificed and the spleen, liver and kidney samples collected for histopathological analysis. The results revealed that increased MOLM in the diet (>3%) led to the enlargement of splenic follicles (white pulp) as well as capsular and parenchymal fibroses. In the liver, increased MOLM in the diet led to loss of lobular architecture with damaged cellular outlines, dilation of sinusoidal spaces, vascular congestion and occasional nuclear changes in hepatocytes leading to hepatocytic necrosis and distortion of the portal triad. In the kidneys, higher levels of MOLM led to glomerulonephritis essentially presenting as glomerular oedema leading to reduced Bowman’s space. In the renal tubules, there appeared to be protein casts in the tubular lumen. In conclusion, prolonged inclusion of MOLM (>3%) in the diet negatively affected the histoarchitecture of the spleen, liver and the kidneys and may, in extreme circumstances, result in reduced animal performance.