Modulatory Effects of Moringa Oleifera and Musa Sapentium on P53 Expression Changes in Dmba and Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Chemical-induced hepatotoxicity remains a major concern due to environmental and experimental exposure to toxicants such as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and cadmium. Medicinal plants with antioxidant properties may offer protective benefits against liver injury. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera and Musa sapentium on DMBA and cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats, with emphasis on hepatic p53 modulation and histopathological changes. Male Wistar rats were exposed to DMBA and cadmium, either alone or in combination with Moringa oleifera or Musa sapentium extracts. Hepatic p53 levels were quantified using ELISA, while liver tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Administration of DMBA and cadmium resulted in significant alterations in hepatic p53 levels and severe histopathological damage to liver tissue. Co-treatment with Moringa oleifera or Musa sapentium extracts modulated toxicant-induced p53 changes and improved liver histoarchitecture compared with toxicant-only treated groups. The findings suggest that Moringa oleifera and Musa sapentium exert protective effects against DMBA- and cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity, potentially through modulation of p53-associated stress responses and preservation of liver tissue integrity.

p53, Moringa oleifera, Musa sapentium

1. Adefisan-Adeoye, A. O., Ayanbanjo, O. O., Adeoye, T. D., Jayesimi, T. E., Unuofin, J. O., Lebelo, S. L., & Adaramoye, O. A. (2025). Bisdemethoxycurcumin chemoprevents 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary toxicity via modulation of oxidative processes. Scientific Reports, 15, 9170. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94168-x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Adegbola, P. I., & Adetutu, A. (2024). Genetic and epigenetic modulations in toxicity: The two-sided roles of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the environment. Toxicology Reports, 12, 502–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.04.010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Adeoye, S. C., et al. (2023). p53 gene expression and nitric oxide levels after artemisinin-caffeine treatment in breast, lungs and liver of DMBA-induced tumorigenesis. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 24(2), 451–458. https://journal.waocp.org/article_90476.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Aremu, A. O., Luo, B., & Mussarat, S. (2024). Medical ethnobotany: Insights into indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, and pharmacological relevance. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24, Article 216. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04515-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Badawi, K., El Sharazly, B. M., Negm, O., Khan, R., & Carter, W. G. (2024). Is cadmium genotoxicity due to the induction of redox stress and inflammation? A systematic review. Antioxidants, 13(8), 932. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080932 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Chen, Y., Mei, Y.-Q., Hou, L., & Li, K.-J. (2025). Therapeutic potential of plant-derived natural products against drug-induced liver injury. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1652860. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1652860 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Etukudo, E. M., Usman, I. M., Oviosun, A., Ojiakor, V. O., Jama, I. A., Makena, W., Makeri, D., Owembabazi, E., Aja, P. M., & Anyanwu, E. (2025). Exploring the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Bidens pilosa: A systematic review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1569527. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1569527 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Farahat, Y. A., El-Sayed, N. M., Hazem, R. M., Mehanna, E. T., & Radwan, A. (2025). Sinapic acid ameliorates cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity: Modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Biomedicines, 13(5), 1065. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051065 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Fatima, G., Khan, S., Shukla, V., Awaida, W., & Li, D. (2025). Nutraceutical formulations and natural compounds for the management of chronic diseases. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, Article 1682590. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1682590 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Gervásio, S. V., & Batitucci, M. C. P. (2023). Biological, antioxidant and phytochemical activities of Musa spp. Ciência Rural, 53(12), e20220636. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103 8478cr20220636 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Martínez-Sena, T., Moro, E., Moreno-Torres, M., Quintás, G., Hengstler, J. G., & Castell, J. V. (2023). Metabolomics-based strategy to assess drug hepatotoxicity and uncover the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity involved. Archives of Toxicology, 97(6), 1723–1738. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-023-03474-8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Mugale, M., Dev, K., More, B. S., & Singh, I. (2024). A comprehensive review on preclinical safety and toxicity of medicinal plants. Clinical Complementary Medicine and Pharmacology, 4, 100129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccmp.2024.100129 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Su, X., Lu, G., Ye, L., Shi, R., Zhu, M., Yu, X., Li, Z., Jia, X., & Feng, L. (2023). Moringa oleifera Lam.: A comprehensive review on active components, health benefits and application. RSC Advances, 13(35), 24353–24384. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA03584K [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Wang, C., Kang, H., Yi, Y., et al. (2023). Rictor mediates p53 deactivation to facilitate the malignant transformation of hepatocytes and promote hepatocarcinogenesis. Journal of Translational Medicine, 21(919). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04799-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Wang, C., Wang, X., Deng, Y., & Hu, L. (2025). Network toxicology combined with molecular docking technology to explore the molecular mechanism of amatoxin causing liver injury. Scientific Reports, 15, 26068. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11720-5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Wang, L., Shao, Z., Wang, X., Lu, W., & Sun, H. (2025). Xenobiotic-induced liver injury: Molecular mechanisms and disease progression. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 303, 118854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118854 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Wittke, C. I., Cheung, E. C., Athineos, D., Clements, N., Butler, L., Hughes, M., Morrison, V., & Watt, D. M. (2025). p53 and TIGAR promote redox control to protect against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. JHEP Reports, 7(7), 101397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhepr.2025.101397 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Yadav, R., Kumar, P., Amit, et al. (2024). Synergistic effects of whole plant extracts: A comparative study with isolated bioactive compounds. African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(15), 7988–8011. https://doi.org/10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.7988-8011 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Zhao, Y., Liu, Y., & Zhang, S. (2024). Unraveling the guardian: p53’s multifaceted role in the DNA damage response and tumor suppression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(23), 12928. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312928 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Green Synthesis of Cobalt Oxide/Gold (Coo/Au) Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Sinapinic Acid: A Comprehensive Study
• Advances in Solar Cell Technologies: A Comprehensive Review of Material Synthesis, Structural Properties, Efficiency and Diverse Applications
• Thermal Decomposition of Co-Fe-Cr-Citrate Complex Via Structural and Spectral Study
• Surface Activity and Thermodynamic Assessment of Surfactants Derived from Oreochromis Niloticus Oil (Nile Tilapia Fish)
• Green Synthesis of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Sustainable Approach for Advanced Applications