Effects of Moringa oleifera on oxidative stress, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animal model

Abstract Aim of the study Moringa oleifera is a highly nutrious medicinal plant with various potential applications in the treatment of diabetes, oxidative stress, bacterial infections and inflammation. This study assessed the effects of the leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on the expression of specific apoptotic and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. Materials and methods Rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were randomly divided into four groups: non-diabetic control (NC), non-diabetic Moringa treated (NC + MO), diabetic control (DM) and diabetic Moringa treated (DM + MO). Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) and treated with 250 mg/kg of MO extracts. Interleukin (IL-1α), interleukin (IL-12) and interleukin (IL-18) were assayed in the kidney and liver homogenates. Kidney and liver sections of rats were assessed for apoptotic cell death markers. Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical contents of methanol extract of MO were estimated. Results MO extract shows the presence of polyphenols, flavonols and alkaloids. Diabetic rats treated with MO was compared with untreated diabetic rats. A significant decrease in serum NFkβ levels was observed. There was upregulation of BCL-2 in both the kidney and liver in diabetic treated rats. A reduction in interleukin levels in the kidney (IL-18) and liver (IL-1α, IL-18) interleukin levels were observed in diabetic treated rats. Conclusion This study demonstrates that MO exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic rats due to its capacity to reduce nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic damage induced by STZ and to regulate the expression and suppression of specific apoptotic cell death markers. The high phytochemical and antioxidant content of MO leaves may be responsible for its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.