Medicinal Uses and Pharmacology of Moringa Oleifera: A Review

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a nutritionally supplemented tropical plant whose leaves, seeds, bark and roots has been traditionally used in traditional medicine. The research of the modern period (2015-2025) has reported its various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anticancer and others. These properties are due to the great concentration of vitamins (A, C, E), minerals (Ca, K, Fe), flavonoids, glucosinolates/isothiocyanates and other phytochemicals. Preclinical models (in vitro, animal) establish that M. oleifera extracts induce antioxidant defenses (through Nrf2/ HO-1) and inhibit pro-inflammatory processes (NF-kB, TGF-b/ Smad) in tissues. The in vitro/in vivo mechanism has shown a positive response in glucose metabolism (a-glucosidase inhibition, enhanced b-cell function), lipid profile and blood pressure (endothelium-dependent vasodilation, ACE inhibition), bone remodelling and neuro protection. There is still limited human clinical evidence: a meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (N ≈ 650) found no effects on glycemic or lipid outcomes (except a small but significant diastolic BP reduction, SMD -0.41) with Moringa supplementation, but a recent 3-month RCT in women with type 2 diabetes in Saharawi showed a significant reduction in HbA1c (-0.59%) in the group receiving Moringa supplementation. According to the mechanistic studies, M. oleifera supports its action through various pathways: the inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and SGLT1 (reduction in glucose absorption), the stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide and endothelium EDHF release (vasorelaxation), the blockage of vascular Ca2+ channels, and the production of ACE-inhibitory peptides. The available evidence, in general, points to a promising pharmacological role of M. oleifera in metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative as well as in infectious and inflammatory disorders, yet, well-designed clinical trials and preparation standardization are required to prove effectiveness and safety.