Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. in metabolic disorders: A molecular overview

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) Lam. (family Moringaceae) possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties. The present review aimed to explore the protective effects of M. oleifera Lam. against metabolic disorders and to serve as a guide for future research on this medicinal plant. Research data on the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of M. oleifera Lam. were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, etc. M. oleifera has a protective effect against metabolic disorders through the modulation of various signaling pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. Specifically, M. oleifera enhances insulin sensitivity by activating insulin receptor phosphorylation and the PI3K/Akt pathway, which promotes glucose uptake by facilitating GLUT-4 translocation to the cell membrane. In addition, it improves energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism by modulating the AMPK pathway. Inhibition of inflammatory biomarkers (nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde, F2-isoprostanes), along with enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), contributes to its anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. This review suggests that M. oleifera Lam. modulates key signaling pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for managing metabolic diseases.

Keywords

Moringa oleifera / Metabolic disease / Anti-diabetic / Antioxidant / Anti-inflammatory / Anti-obesity