Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Moringa oleifera: A Comprehensive Review

Joshua Dwomoh *

Department of Biological Science, Akenten Appiah - Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana.

Samuel A. Ofori

Department of Biological Science, Akenten Appiah - Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana.

Martin L. Aggrey

Department of Biological Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Dennis Kwabena Frimpong

Department of Biological Science, Akenten Appiah - Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana.

Peter Atakora

Department of Biological Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Enoch Owusu Yeboah

Department of Public Health, Akenten Appiah - Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

In recent years, the price of westernized medication for the treatment of diabetes in developing countries has increased, which has led to an increase in the search for indigenous medicinal plants that have the potential to be utilized for the treatment and management of diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated that Moringa oleifera Lam., belonging to the Moringaceae family, possesses promising anti-diabetes potency. These properties include its ability to reduce hyperglycemia, the regeneration of β-cells, and a rise in blood insulin levels. On the other hand, there is a striking lack of evidence concerning its anthological discoveries. In the course of this review, we attempted to compile and analyze research that investigated the efficacy of MO in the treatment of diabetes. A thorough literature search was conducted using the terms "Diabetes," "Diabetes Mellitus," and "MO Lam" in conjunction with the Boolean operator "AND." The search was conducted on various scientific electronic libraries and databases, including Google Scholar, Research Gate, Elsevier, Science Direct, Springer, PubMed, and WHO, among others. The inclusion criteria required that the research be conducted on the effectiveness of MO in treating diabetes, and the abstracts had to be written in English at the very least. Mo extract was found to increase insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and restore insulin levels, in addition to lowering lipid abnormalities and promoting weight normalization, according to an analysis of the data that was extracted. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to defend against oxidative stress, which demonstrates its effectiveness in treating the oxidative stress that is associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the intake of MO extract promoted the regeneration of the pancreatic tissues. There are a variety of phytochemical components found in MO, which have been associated to the plant's ability to inhibit the development of diabetes. The qualities of the plant have the potential to impact metabolic parameters that are linked to diabetes mellitus, hence preventing the development of complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disorders. In the future, research should be conducted with the purpose of determining the optimal dosage of MO that is capable of exerting hypoglycemic effects.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera (MO), diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin, islet cells, insulin resistance


How to Cite

Dwomoh, Joshua, Samuel A. Ofori, Martin L. Aggrey, Dennis Kwabena Frimpong, Peter Atakora, and Enoch Owusu Yeboah. 2024. “Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Moringa Oleifera: A Comprehensive Review”. European Journal of Medicinal Plants 35 (6):21-31. https://doi.org/10.9734/ejmp/2024/v35i61205.