Fikile T. Mthiyane1
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla2
Khanyisani Ziqubu1
Sinenhlanhla X. H. Mthembu1,2
Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa1Nokulunga Hlengwa3Bongani B. Nkambule4Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje1*- 1Department of Biochemistry, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
- 2Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa
- 4School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Moringa oleifera is one of the popular plants that have shown significant health benefits. Certainly, preclinical evidence (predominantly from animal models) summarized in the current review supports the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in combating the prominent characteristic features of diabetes mellitus. This includes effective control of blood glucose or insulin levels, enhancement of insulin tissue sensitivity, improvement of blood lipid profiles, and protecting against organ damage under sustained conditions of hyperglycemia. Interestingly, as major complications implicated in the progression of diabetes, including organ damage, Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts could efficiently block the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in these preclinical models. Notably, these extracts (especially leaf extracts) showed enhanced effects in strengthening intracellular antioxidant defences like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione to lower lipid peroxidation products and reduce prominent pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (1L)-β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and nitric oxide synthase. From animal models of diabetes, the common and effective dose of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera was 100–300 mg/kg, within the treatment duration of 2–8 weeks. Whereas supplementation with approximately 20 g leaf powder of Moringa oleifera for at least 2 weeks could improve postprandial blood glucose in subjects with prediabetes or diabetes. Although limited clinical studies have been conducted on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera, current findings provide an important platform for future research directed at developing this plant as a functional food to manage diabetic complications.
Introduction
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes mellitus is amongst the top ten leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the world (World Health Organization, 2022). Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by a state of hyperglycemia, that occurs alongside dysregulations in insulin levels and in some cases, it arises concurrently to overweight and obesity (International Diabetes Federation, 2021). Indeed, excessive body fat or obesity remains the major culprits in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is the predominant form of diabetes (International Diabetes Federation, 2021). The rapid increase in cases of diabetes mellitus, especially T2D, raises concerns, also highlighting an urgent need to investigate effective therapies to curb this disease (Ahmad et al., 2019). Accumulative research has focused on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in the development of diabetes-associated complications, which is essential to discover effective therapies that can improve metabolic function and prevent multiple organ failure in those affected by this condition (King and Brownlee, 1996; Fowler, 2007; Wei et al., 2020).
As a prime example, inflammation and oxidative stress, which normally emerge as a result of an abnormal pro-inflammatory response, or an exacerbated production of free radical species are increasingly recognized as the key abnormalities implicated in the development and acceleration of diabetes-linked complications (King and Brownlee, 1996). Notably, oxidative stress is linked with the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), which is normally consistent with impaired insulin signaling and tissue damage in experimental models of diabetes (King and Brownlee, 1996). Importantly, this content supports the hypothesis by Randle and others (Randle et al., 1963) which stated that alteration in the uptake and metabolism of glucose and free fatty acids may be an instrumental process in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, the major characteristic feature of T2D. Indeed, many diverse biochemical mechanisms, extending beyond inflammation and oxidative stress or activation of PKC, are implicated in the development of T2D (King and Brownlee, 1996).
Literature suggests that effective modulation of energy metabolism and insulin signaling through the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways appears to reverse some devastating outcomes of diabetes (Long and Zierath, 2006; Huang et al., 2018; Mazibuko-Mbeje et al., 2018). In fact, plants and their related bioactive compounds are increasingly screened for their antidiabetic properties. Some natural plants have shown anti diabetic properties through lowering blood glucose and modulation of AMPK/PI3K/AKT pathways (Francini et al., 2019; Mazibuko-Mbeje et al., 2019; Costa et al., 2020). Consistently, our group continues to review literature on the impact of plants like Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis, including prominent bioactive compounds from some of these plants such as gallic acid and isoorientin for their ameliorative effects against metabolic complications (Dludla et al., 2019; Ziqubu et al., 2020; Dludla et al., 2021).
Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has gained a lot of interest for its diverse biological properties. Reviewed evidence indicates the biological capabilities of this plant expand to protecting against complications linked with heart disease, cancer, fatty liver, and diabetes mellitus (Paikra et al., 2017; Vergara-Jimenez et al., 2017; Abd Rani et al., 2018). For example, a previously published review supported the beneficial effects of the leaves of the Moringa oleifera in improving blood glucose control in experimental models of diabetes (Ahmad et al., 2019). Notably, this review indicated draw backs such as the limited number of studies that have reported on the potential beneficial effects of this plant, including the fact that summarized literature was mainly conducted in animals, through in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. Nevertheless, while such information already affirms the hypoglycaemic potential of this medicinal plant, data regarding the prominent biochemical mechanisms implicated in the antidiabetic effects of Moringa oleifera have not been critically reviewed. Recently, Louisa and others supported the potential benefits of Moringa oleifera in cardiovascular or metabolic disorders, mainly by ameliorating the undesired pro-inflammatory response and inhibiting oxidative stress by mediating molecular mechanisms such as hindering nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation or enhancing the antioxidant response of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in different preclinical models (Louisa et al., 2022). Thus, there is a need to better understand such intracellular responses of Moringa oleifera within a setting of diabetes or in related metabolic complications. The current study provides a brief overview on Moringa oleifera as medicinal plant, followed by its therapeutic mechanisms in controlling diverse diabetic complications. Mostly focusing on understanding the modulatory effects of this medicinal plant in mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress in a diabetic state.
This current review includes evidence that was obtained from a search done (from inception until end of December 2021) on major search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The systematic search was conducted using the following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms “Moringa oleifera”, “diabetes mellitus”, “glucose metabolism”, “insulin resistance”, “oxidative stress”, and “inflammation” as well as relevant synonyms. EndNote20 desktop software (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) was used for references and identification of duplicated studies. Preclinical and clinical studies reporting on the mechanisms of Moringa oleifera in diabetes models and related metabolic syndrome was included in this review. However, review papers, and encyclopaedias were excluded but screened for primary findings. Notably, critical information related to the portion (part) of the plant that was assessed, as well as effective therapeutic dose and an experimental model used for the investigation is provided to better understand the potential benefits of Moringa oleifera.
An Overview of Moringa oleifera and Its Diverse Biological Properties
Moringa oleifera (shown in Figure 1) is a fast-growing tree that is classified as a vegetable that also serves as a medicinal plant (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016; Trigo et al., 2020). This miracle tree originates from the sub-Himalayan parts of India, and it can be grown in both tropical and subtropical regions and is able to withstand droughts and mild frosty weather, hence it can be cultivated anywhere in the world (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016). This plant has gained medical and socioeconomic popularity because it has shown great health benefit and it is easy to cultivate (Alegbeleye, 2018; Zhu et al., 2020). Traditionally, it is applied in diets to maintain healthy skin and it has also been used as a decoction to relieve stress and provide energy (Mishra et al., 2011; Kumar et al., 2018). All the parts of the plant can be utilized in a diet or as medicine since they are rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, alkaloids (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016; Trigo et al., 2020). For example, the leaves can be eaten raw, dried or taken as an infusion of an aqueous extract, while the bark is boiled in water or soaked in alcohol to make drinks and infusions that help with toothaches, stomach aches, the same is done to the roots (Leone et al., 2015). Furthermore, the leaves are utilized the most for medicinal purposes and they are a great source of prominent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoids, namely myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol (Vergara-Jimenez et al., 2017). Interesting, these bioactive compounds are known to contain potential anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypotensive and antidiabetic properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (Vergara-Jimenez et al., 2017). Other documented uses for this medicinal plant include its application as a diuretic, a testosterone stimulant, an antifungal and as an antibacterial (Mishra et al., 2011; Kumar et al., 2018). It can also be used to relieve a sore throat and symptoms of influenza, or as an anti-inflammatory agent (Mishra et al., 2011). Interestingly, evidence has grown that Moringa oleifera contains hypoglycemic effects in diabetic animal models, including its associated complications such as oxidative stress and inflammation (Balakrishnan et al., 2019; Chin et al., 2019; Bao et al., 2020).
FIGURE 1. The Moringa oleifera plant, including the chemical structures of some of its major flavonoids myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Prominent Mechanisms Involved in Diabetes-Induced Complications
Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been implicated in the aggravation of diabetes-related complications. For instance, individuals with T2D already present with the dyslipidemic feature which is normally characterised by the highly accumulation of lipids and these can easily be attached by free radicals to generate damaging oxidative products (Biswas et al., 2017:; Ito et al., 2019). This consequence is referred to as lipid peroxidation, and it remains as one of the vital parameters used to track the devastating outcomes of oxidative stress in conditions of diabetes or any related metabolic disease (Rahimi et al., 2005; Grotto et al., 2009; Augustine et al., 2021). Within the pathological state, free radicals can be generated through impaired mitochondrial function, or enhanced activities of some enzymes complexes such as NADPH oxidases, in a process like oxidative stress that is known to deplete intracellular antioxidant systems (Mittal et al., 2014; He et al., 2017). Generally, oxidative stress is generated as a disparity in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species, in comparison to counteractive activity of antioxidants in diabetes (Giacco and Brownlee, 2010). Some of the prominent free radical molecules include hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide anion (O2•-), peroxynitrite (ONOO−), and all these molecules are crucial for efficient metabolic process in a physiological state (Burgos-mor et al., 2019; Chandra et al., 2019). Also, individuals with T2D display classic signatures of oxidative stress by presenting significantly decreased levels of antioxidant mechanisms such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and heme oxygenawe-1 (HO-1) (Matough et al., 2012; Sharma et al., 2012; Dumanović et al., 2021). In diabetes or related metabolic complications, uncontrolled ROS can induce damage to the lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids which lead to impaired signaling mechanisms and activation of pro-inflammatory response (Burgos-mor et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2020). Figure 2 gives an overview of some of the pathophysiological mechanisms implicating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in conditions of diabetes or related metabolic complications.
FIGURE 2. An overview of pathological mechanisms implicated in the development of diabetes mellitus or related metabolic complications. Briefly, overnutrition (which may be characterized by increased adipocyte size) and consistent increased levels of glucose (a state of hyperglycemia) may induce detrimental effects in major organs of the body including the skeletal muscle, liver, and kidneys, and thus aggravate metabolic complications through enhanced oxidative stress and exacerbated inflammation. This consequence is predominantly characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis/insulin signaling, ectopic lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress insufficient or decreased antioxidant responses/increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and altered actions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and lipid peroxidation/DNA damage. This may occur along with raised pro-inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), like nuclear factor kappa β (NF-κβ), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Currently, both oxidative stress and inflammation have been subject to ongoing research to improve metabolic function in conditions of syndrome (Furman et al., 2019; Monserrat-Mesquida et al., 2020; Oria et al., 2020). Also, accumulative research has evaluated the use of dietary compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects such as salvianolic acid, aspalathin and resveratrol in combination with common drugs like metformin to lower glucose as well as attenuate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation (Frendo-Cumbo et al., 2016; Wu et al., 2016; Dludla et al., 2018). This has been especially important aspect uncover to improve the long-term protective effects of metformin. The latter is the first line drug for diabetes which works by lowering blood glucose, body weight and lipid levels in the body it also mediates the activation of the AMPK pathway. On the other hand, other antidiabetic drugs like the thiozonidediones have been used to manage T2D, and function by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and mediate adipogenesis and the uptake of fatty acids in the adipocytes (Greenfield and Chisholm, 2004). This class of drugs improve insulin sensitivity by reducing the circulating fatty acids in the peripheral tissues and can control the production of hormones such as adiponectin to improve metabolic function (Greenfield and Chisholm, 2004). However, like metformin, thiozonidediones are known to present with various side effects (DeFronzo et al., 2016), and their long-term protects effects against deteriorated metabolic function is not proven. This fact, has created opportunities to evaluate alternative regimes, including medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for their capacity to improve metabolic function in conditions of T2D or metabolic syndrome (Rena et al., 2013; Yendapally et al., 2020). This is especially important since most medicinal plants and bioactive compounds are known to play a major role in cellular detoxifying mechanisms, especially in part activating Nrf2, the major antioxidant response element involved in the attenuation of oxidative stress and an undesired pro-inflammatory response in a disease state (Ma, 2013; Minhaj et al., 2016; Dludla et al., 2017b).
The Potential in Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Moringa oleifera
Antioxidants are important substances that aid in eliminating oxidizing agents. Any imbalance of antioxidants caused by oxidative stress may lead to tissue damage (Kurutas, 2016). This may further prompt the disruption of lipids, membranes, nucleic acids and proteins which may further cause detrimental effect and metabolic complications (Phaniendra and Babu, 2015; Pizzino et al., 2017). For years, the first line of drugs for metabolic complications such as diabetes and related metabolic disorders have been metformin, thiazolidinediones and rosiglitazone but literature has proven that plant polyphenols and their bioactive compounds may potentially provide more efficacy in alleviating diabetes, especially through targeting oxidative stress and inflammation to promote human health (Marimoutou et al., 2015; Singh et al., 2016; Taïl et al., 2020; Do et al., 2021). For example, a study showed that Moringa oleifera has great scavenging activity, as measured through the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (Pakade and Chimuka, 1996). However, these results were purely relevant to its potential antioxidant potential, meaning that additional studies, making use of established preclinical and clinical models of diabetes, were still required to confirm the efficacy of this plant. Congruently, the below preclinical and clinical evidence discusses the therapeutic potential of this plant to reduce limit pathological features of oxidative stress and inflammation to alleviate complications linked with diabetes and related metabolic complications, without causing any adverse complications.
Moringa oleifera Extracts Improve Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Preclinical Models of T1D
Type 1 diabetes mellitus represents approximately 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus, with abnormally increased glucose levels “a state of hyperglycemia” being the major culprit implicated in the detrimental effects associated with this condition (Internationa Diabetes Federation, 2021). Generally accepted as an autoimmune disease that is categorized by immune-mediated damage to pancreatic β-cells, a persistent state of hyperglycemia is accredited for the damaging effects on major organs of the body in those with T1D (Roep et al., 2021). Accordingly, successful establishment of experimental models of T1D, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, have been predominantly accomplished by employing chemicals that destroy the activity of pancreatic β-cells, triggering impaired insulin secretion (Kottaisamy et al., 2021). Persistent/sustained hyperglycemia is perhaps the main consequence responsible for major organ damage, especially through destructive mechanisms involving activation of oxidative stress and promoting a pro-inflammatory response (Giacco and Brownlee, 2010). Thus far, different animals, mostly rodents have been administering different chemicals such as streptozotocin and alloxan to generate preclinical models of T1D (Kottaisamy et al., 2021). Despite their usefulness in understanding the pathogenesis of T1D, these experimental models have become relevant for screening novel drugs for their potential antidiabetic properties (King, 2012). In fact, besides their potential capacity to reduce the abnormally elevated levels of glucose, increasing research has actively screened novel therapies for their ameliorative effects against oxidative stress and inflammation to alleviate organ damage within a state of T1D (Mima, 2013; Mokgalaboni et al., 2021a; Perreault et al., 2021). This has especially been relevant for plant sources like Moringa oleifera, with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Xu et al., 2019).
Evidence summarized in Table 1 reports on the impact of Moringa oleifera extracts on modulating markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models of T1D. Importantly, most of these findings indicate that chemical exposure to STZ and alloxan, followed by a state of hyperglycemia, remains a principal method used to induce T1D in these animals. Consequently, most studies showed that Moringa oleifera extracts (at varied doses between 100 and 300 mg/kg) could effectively ameliorate hyperglycemia, when used for a period starting from 2 weeks (Tuorkey, 2016; Oboh et al., 2018), to an average time of 6-weeks (Omodanisi et al., 2017a; Omodanisi et al., 2017b), or even in treatments lasting 8-weeks (Yassa and Tohamy, 2014; Aju et al., 2020). Interestingly, treatment with Moringa oleifera leaf extracts proved effective in wound healing and tissue regeneration in animals exposed to sustained levels of hyperglycemia, when used for an estimated time of 3 weeks (Muhammad et al., 2016; Azevedo et al., 2018). In addition to wound healing properties, the extracts Moringa oleifera showed enhanced protective effects against damage to various organs, including the liver and kidneys, in these preclinical models of T1D (Abd Eldaim et al., 2017; Omodanisi et al., 2017a; Oguntibeju, 2019; Oldoni et al., 2021). The antidiabetic properties of these extracts extend to preventing cognitive or erectile dysfunction in rats, by mainly reducing the activities of enzymes like acetylcholinesterase, angiotensin-I converting enzyme and butyrylcholinesterase (Oboh et al., 2018; Oyeleye et al., 2021). Apparently, the ameliorative effects against oxidative stress or undesired pro-inflammatory response remain the predominant mechanisms by Moringa oleifera extracts protect against complications of T1D in preclinical (animal) models.
TABLE 1. Studies on the effect of Moringa oleifera extracts targeting markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models of type 1 diabetes.
For instance, through blockade of lipid peroxidation as well as by reinforcing intracellular antioxidant capacity, as demonstrated by reduced levels of peroxidation products like MDA/thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and elevated antioxidant defences such as SOD, GSH, GST and CAT, Moringa oleifera extracts showed enhanced effects in protecting against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in preclinical models of T1D (Jaiswal et al., 2013; Yassa and Tohamy, 2014; Al-Malki and El Rabey, 2015; Raafat and Hdaib, 2017). In support of this mechanistic insight, it has long been established that induction of diabetes in rats with STZ or alloxan favors uncontrolled availability of lipid peroxidation products, while consequently suppressing the intracellular antioxidant defences (Maritim et al., 2003; Davì et al., 2005). This process prompts excess free radical production, as also observed in patients with T1D (Domínguez et al., 1998), while the accompanied hyperglycemic state may directly contribute to oxidative stress-induced organ damage (Maritim et al., 2003). Besides the harmful effects associated with lipid peroxidation, evidence summarized in Table 1 indicates that treatment with Moringa oleifera extracts for 3 weeks remains effective in targeting other sources of oxidative stress like the mitochondria to ease complications linked with T1D. In actual fact, Alejandra Sánchez-Muñoz and others showed that a leaf extract of this plant improved mitochondrial respiration, while increasing levels of intracellular antioxidants like GSH, glutathione reductase and HO-1 activity, to reduce excess production of ROS liver cells of STZ-induced diabetic rats (Alejandra Sánchez-Muñoz et al., 2018). Generally, these results are of interest as many studies indicate that mitochondria remain one of the major therapeutic targets to ameliorate hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage (Giacco and Brownlee, 2010; Dludla et al., 2017a; Teodoro et al., 2018).
Consistent with attenuating the destructive effects of oxidative stress, presented evidence showed that Moringa oleifera extracts could effectively reduce the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and chemokine (MCP-1) to protect against exacerbated inflammation, under sustained conditions of hyperglycemia (Muhammad et al., 2016; Omodanisi et al., 2017a; Azevedo et al., 2018). Significantly, such positive effects were associated with reduced nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic damage (Oguntibeju, 2019), including upregulation of an angiogenic marker vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to protect against hyperglycemia-induced wound injury in a preclinical model of T1D (Muhammad et al., 2016). This is an essential result since tenacious hyperglycemia, seen in T1D, is already known to mediate iNOS induction, leading to the activation of protein kinase enzymes such as PKC/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to propagate the detrimental effects of inflammation (Giacco and Brownlee, 2010). Notably, activation of such pro-inflammatory mechanisms can directly cause excess generation of oxidation products that precede the onset of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction, which are major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (Rose et al., 2010; Mokgalaboni et al., 2020). Although there was limited information on its cardioprotective effects, much evidence suggests Moringa oleifera extracts can significantly decrease pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κβ, caspase 3, caspase 9, and tumor protein (p53) to alleviate the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia in preclinical models of T1D (Muhammad et al., 2016; Omodanisi et al., 2017a; Azevedo et al., 2018; Oguntibeju, 2019). Overall, summarized evidence supports the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera in lowering hyperglycemia in addition to ameliorating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical (animal) models of T1D. Some other takeaways from the current results indicate that most studies observed therapeutic effects when using doses between 100 and 300 mg/kg (Al-Malki and El Rabey, 2015; Tuorkey, 2016; Alejandra Sánchez-Muñoz et al., 2018; Azevedo et al., 2018), with an average dose of 250 mg/kg commonly exploited (Abd Eldaim et al., 2017; Omodanisi et al., 2017a; Omodanisi et al., 2017b; Raafat and Hdaib, 2017). Also, most studies reported on the use of leaf extracts over seed extracts of this plant (Table 1). This could be supported by available evidence already supporting the strong antioxidant properties of leaf extracts of over seed extracts (Ilyas et al., 2015; Saini et al., 2016).
Moringa oleifera Extracts Improve Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Preclinical Models of T2D
Type 2 diabetes, remains the major form of diabetes, contributing to approximately 90% to all global cases of this condition, as regularly reported by the world leading health surveillance organizations (International Diabetes Federation, 2021). Modifiable risk factors, mostly involving sedentary lifestyle, taking place together with overnutrition are to blame for increased cases of T2D, as these factors cause overweight and obesity (Grundy, 2016). In such conditions, increased nutrient availability may drive excessive fat accumulation in key body areas such as the liver, skeletal muscle, blood circulation and heart muscle, leading to the development of pathological complications like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, muscle wasting or sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases (Grundy, 2016; Chait and den Hartigh, 2020). Just like in T1D, hyperglycemia remains the major pathological feature of T2D. Besides hyperglycemia, patients with T2D are known to present with insulin resistance and a cluster of other irregularities such as abnormal blood lipid profiles, as observed through aberrant levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Stanford and Goodyear, 2014; Oguntibeju, 2019). However, defects in insulin signaling or a state of insulin resistance has been seen as an early sign of T2D manifestation, which is likely to occur simultaneous to other metabolic dysregulations, including enhanced inflammatory signaling, generation of oxidative products and initiation of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways (Muoio and Newgard, 2008). These are among the most explored pathological mechanisms in preclinical models of T2D. For example, rodents exposed to a high fat diet (HFD) or its combination with low dose STZ (Waterman et al., 2015; Jaja-Chimedza et al., 2018; Chin et al., 2019; Mohamed et al., 2019; El-Shehawi et al., 2021), as well as gene-defiant mice such as those considered leptin resistance (db/db) (Tang et al., 2017) are known to progressively develop T2D, including its complications involving oxidative stress and inflammation. This explains, the surge use of these preclinical models to test novel treatments against T2D.
Table 2 gives an overview of information on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera extracts, including its modulatory effects on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models of T2D. Most importantly, summarized evidence showed that these extracts were effective in reducing body weight, body fat mass and fasting plasma glucose levels, which are the major characteristic features of T2D (Tang et al., 2017; Jaja-Chimedza et al., 2018; El-Shehawi et al., 2021). Consistent with evidence summarized in Table 1, blocking hepatic lipid accumulation, in part through effective modulating the makers of oxidative stress and inflammation such as antioxidants like CAT, SOD, MDA content, uncoupling protein 2/3, TNF-α, 1L-β, IL-6, IL-2 and MCP-1 remains the major mechanism of action of these extracts (Joung et al., 2017; Mohamed et al., 2019). Some evidence showed these extracts could improve lipid profiles and reduce the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism or fat synthesis such as fatty-acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous-α (C/EBPα), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), within the skeletal muscle (Joung et al., 2017; Tang et al., 2017). Partially indicating that Moringa oleifera extracts may be a potent remedy to decrease excess body fat or ameliorate complications linked with obesity, as reviewed elsewhere (Redha et al., 2021). Of further interest, some evidence indicated that Moringa oleifera extracts could target early pathological signs of T2D, such as improving glucose tolerance and insulin levels, while enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in tissues of these preclinical models (Jaja-Chimedza et al., 2018; Mohamed et al., 2019). This hypothesis remains to be confirmed in other experimental models of T2D, however provides necessary information to guide future research.
TABLE 2. An overview of studies on the effects of Moringa oleifera extracts targeting markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models of type 2 diabetes.
Safety and the Toxicity Profile of Moringa oleifera
It is currently acknowledged that a large population of people depend on medicinal plants to treat different diseases, which mainly due to ancestral knowledge (Palhares et al., 2015; Muvhulawa et al., 2022). Thus, the general interest in the use of medicinal plants to cure various disease conditions has grown over the years (Rakotoarivelo et al., 2015; Michel et al., 2020). Therefore, it is important for plants to be evaluated for their toxicity to know how safe they are for human use. Accumulative research shows that Moringa oleifera exhibits a lot of important biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-hyperglycemic properties over the past years proving that it is a good plant to use as an alternative therapeutic for diabetes (Omodanisi et al., 2017b; Gothai et al., 2017; Paula et al., 2017; Abd et al., 2020; Xiong et al., 2021). In vitro and in vivo studies that have been conducted to show that this plant has no lethal dose and is safe to use. Indeed, work by Villarruel-Lòpez and others showed that the use of Moringa oleifera, at different doses ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg, is not toxic in rats (Villarruel-López et al., 2018). Albrahim and Binobead also used rats to show that Moringa oleifera alleviates vetsin-induced cytotoxicity, as measured by alterations in liver functions, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and liver injury (Albrahim and Binobead, 2018a). Reviewed evidence from Asare and co-workers revealed that Moringa oleifera is genotoxic at supra-supplementation levels of 3,000 mg/kg body weight, with intake mostly considered is safe at levels ≤1,000 mg/kg (body weight) (Asare et al., 2012). However, other studies have indicated that although available literature is very promising (Awodele et al., 2012; Ajibade et al., 2013; Stohs and Hartman, 2015; Patriota et al., 2020; Siddiqui et al., 2021; Teshome et al., 2021), additional clinical (human) to accomplish standardized extracts of this plant.
Clinical Translation
Preclinical studies are important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in disease development, and this aspect remains essential to explore the therapeutic potential of plant extracts and their derivative compounds (Bonjour et al., 1999; Steinmetz and Spack, 2009). Whereas screening plant extracts and their biological compounds using preclinical models has become a routine procedure to determine effective doses, pharmacokinetic profile and evaluate relevant toxicological aspects before commencement of clinical trials (Bonjour et al., 1999; Steinmetz and Spack, 2009). Although accumulative literature supports the beneficial effects of plant extracts and naturally derived compounds against diabetes (Hung et al., 2012; Jugran et al., 2021), persistent setbacks have been the limited number of studies entering clinical trial phase, which is a vital component in drug development. Likewise, there has been limited number of studies on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera extracts. At present, only a few randomized controlled trials have been published on the antidiabetic potential (Table 3) of Moringa oleifera. In 2016, Anthanont and co-workers showed that capsules of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (at a dose of 4 g), taken after an overnight fast and every 2 weeks, could significantly increase insulin secretion in healthy subjects (Anthanont et al., 2016). Leone and others demonstrated that randomly giving Saharawi people with diabetes a traditional meal supplemented with 20 g leaf powder of Moringa oleifera on two different days could improve postprandial blood glucose response when compared to nondiabetic controls (Leone et al., 2018). Dixit and co-workers (Dixit et al., 2018) reported that intake of extracts of Moringa oleifera (LI85008F) at 900 mg/day (combined with modest calorie restriction and physical activity) for 16 weeks could reduce waist and hip circumferences, and improved lipid profiles in overweight participants. Also, this was relevant to reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased, resulting in a significantly improved LDL/HDL ratio. While Gómez-Martínez and co-workers reported that giving subjects with prediabetes six daily capsules of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (2,400 mg/day) improved fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) when compared to the controls. Recently, Díaz-Prieto et al., demonstrated that consumption of 6 × 400 mg capsule/day of Moringa oleifera dry leaf powder for 12 weeks indicated that plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was a significant predictor of the subject’s glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) response in subjects with prediabetes (Díaz-Prieto et al., 2022). These results are consistent with some preclinical findings (Jaja-Chimedza et al., 2018; Mohamed et al., 2019), indicating that Moringa oleifera leaf extracts might be useful complications identified during the early development of T2D. Nonetheless, despite accumulative literature, as reviewed elsewhere (Ba et al., 2020; Watanabe et al., 2021), indicating that this plant might present with important antidiabetic properties, more needs to be done to confirm these in clinical settings. It remains crucial, to evaluate whether Moringa oleifera leaf extracts can prominent biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, to verify preclinical findings.
TABLE 3. An overview of clinical studies reporting on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera.
Summary and Future Perspective
The swift prevalence of diabetes warrants urgent investigation into novel therapies to protect and better manage this chronic medical condition (International Diabetes Federation, 2021). Metformin and insulin, which are commonly used antidiabetic therapies, have certainly prolonged the lives of patients with diabetes (Joya-Galeana et al., 2011; Foretz et al., 2014; Bailey, 2017). Correspondingly, other effective interventions like physical exercise and caloric striction can be used to manage diabetes (Nyawo et al., 2021; Shakoor et al., 2021; Mthembu et al., 2022), however only a few individuals can constantly adhere to such strenuous interventions. Besides lowering glucose or improving insulin sensitivity, it has become imperative to uncover therapies that can target the amelioration of both oxidative stress and inflammation, as the prime dysregulations implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes (Vikram et al., 2014; Mahlangu et al., 2020; Mokgalaboni et al., 2021b). This also explains the surge in research investigating the biological properties of nutritional plant sources like rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with abundant antioxidants properties in combating metabolic complications like oxidative stress and inflammation (Hwang and Lim, 2014; Dludla et al., 2017a; Orlando et al., 2022).
Plants have been studied for their therapeutic properties and they are also cheap, easily accessible and safer than synthetic conventional drugs (Ahmad et al., 2019). There is growing evidence that plants not only serve as a food source but as medicine, nutraceuticals and so forth (Alegbeleye, 2018). Also, they are a body of polyphenols, vitamins, flavonoids, alkaloids and other important phytochemicals. Moringa oleifera has been proven in a number of studies to alleviate insulin resistance by activating the insulin-independent pathway PI3K/AKT and also through AMPK pathway in the skeletal muscle and it can also improve skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism through the NAD-dependent deacetylase (SIRT1)-PPARα pathway and also through improving fatty acid peroxidation (Bao et al., 2020; Duranti et al., 2021).
In fact, overwhelming evidence summarized in this review supports the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera in improving blood glucose levels, lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity, in addition to protecting against hepatic or nephrotic damage in preclinical (animal) models of T1D/T2D (Table 1 and 2). Interestingly, these extracts show enhanced effects in strengthening intracellular antioxidants like CAT, SOD, GSH, and GST to lower lipid peroxidation products MDA/TBARS, and reduce prominent pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-α, 1L-β, IL-6, MCP-1, COX-2, and nitric oxide synthase in these animal models. Figure 3 summarizes some therapeutic effects in protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation associated with Moringa oleifera extracts in preclinical models of diabetes. Furthermore, the current literature review indicates the common use of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera, within a range 100–300 mg/kg, from initial treatment duration of 2 weeks up until 8 weeks (Tables 1, 2). This further sets a platform for future research (which is currently limited) directed at developing Moringa oleifera as a functional food to manage diabetes mellitus. Importantly, additional clinical trials are necessary to evaluate whether Moringa oleifera leaf extracts can prominent biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, to verify preclinical findings.
FIGURE 3. An overview of therapeutic mechanisms associated with the ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera extracts in preclinical (animal) models of diabetes. Briefly, overwhelming evidence supports the beneficial effects of this plant in enhancing intracellular antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to block the detrimental effects reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and organ damage. This is in part by also improving glucose control (hyperglycemia) and reducing prominent pro-inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (1L)-β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and COX-2-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Abbreviations: CD36-cluster of differentiation 36; FFA-free fatty acid; PKC-protein kinase C. Indicators: red lines-detrimental effects, bold lines/green lines-protective effects of Moringa oleifera extracts.
Author Contributions
FM, PD, and SM-M concept and original draft. All authors, including FM, PD, KZ, SM, NM, NH, BN, and SM-M wrote and approved the final manuscript.
Funding
This work was funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Programme grant 128296 to SM-M. Funding from North-West University and the University of Zululand is also acknowledged. The work reported herein was made possible through funding by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) through its Division of Research of Capacity Development under the Early Investigators Programme from the South African National Treasury (funding number: HDID8682/MB2022/EIP052). The content hereof is the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the SAMRC. Also, all the content expressed in this review is the official views of the authors and do not represent that of the North-West University or the University of Zululand. FM acknowledges funding by the NRF, Thuthuka grant UID 128296 linked to SM-M.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s Note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Acknowledgments
Grant holders acknowledge that opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in any publication generated by the SAMRC supported research are those of the authors, and that the SAMRC accepts no liability whatsoever in this regard. SM and KZ are funded by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) through its Division of Research Capacity Development under the internship scholarship program from funding received from the South African National Treasury.
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Glossary
AMPK-AMP activated protein kinase
AKT protein kinase B
ACOX1 peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1
BCL-2 B-cell lymphoma 2
CAT catalase
C/EBPα enhancer-binding protein
COX-2 cyclooxygenase-2
GPx glutathione reductase
GST glutathione-S-transferase
GLUT4 glucose transporter 4
GSH glutathione
HbA1C glycated hemoglobin
HDL high density lipoprotein
HO-1 heme oygenase-1
LDL low density lipoprotein
NJK-c-Jun N terminal kinases
MDA malonaldehyde
iNOS inducible nitric oxide synthase
INF-γ interferon gamma
IL interleukin
MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinase
MCP-1 monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
NF-κβ nuclear factor kappa β
T1D/T1D type 1/2 diabetes mellitus
TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alpha
TBARS thiobarbituric acid reactive species
PDE-5 phosphodiesterase type 5
PKC protein kinase C
PPARγ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
SIRT1 NAD-dependent deacetylase
SOD superoxide dismutase
SREBP1c sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c
WHO World Health Organization
VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor
Keywords: diabetes complications, oxidative stress, inflammation, moringa (Moringa oleifera), therapeutic targets
Citation: Mthiyane FT, Dludla PV, Ziqubu K, Mthembu SXH, Muvhulawa N, Hlengwa N, Nkambule BB and Mazibuko-Mbeje SE (2022) A Review on the Antidiabetic Properties of Moringa oleifera Extracts: Focusing on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Main Therapeutic Targets. Front. Pharmacol. 13:940572. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.940572
Received: 10 May 2022; Accepted: 21 June 2022;
Published: 11 July 2022.
Edited by:
Dongmei Li, Georgetown University, United StatesReviewed by:
Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo, Bowen University, NigeriaAlmir Gonçalves Wanderley, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
Copyright © 2022 Mthiyane, Dludla, Ziqubu, Mthembu, Muvhulawa, Hlengwa, Nkambule and Mazibuko-Mbeje. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje, 36588296@nwu.ac.za