year 24, Issue 93 (5-2025)
J. Med. Plants 2025, 24(93): 79-101 |
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Chukwu O O, Iyare C O, Okorocha A E, Konyefom N G, Emelike C U, Onyeji G N, et al . Moringa oleifera Lam. is a potential mitigator of neurodevelopmental defects caused by prenatal stress in Wistar rats. J. Med. Plants 2025; 24 (93) :79-101
URL: http://jmp.ir/article-1-3709-en.html
URL: http://jmp.ir/article-1-3709-en.html
Odochi O. Chukwu *1 
, Cordilia O. Iyare2 , Albert E. Okorocha2 , Nwaeze G. Konyefom3 , Chinedum U. Emelike3 , Gertrude N. Onyeji4 , Nancy P. Igwe5 , Anthony C. U. Ezimah3
, Cordilia O. Iyare2 , Albert E. Okorocha2 , Nwaeze G. Konyefom3 , Chinedum U. Emelike3 , Gertrude N. Onyeji4 , Nancy P. Igwe5 , Anthony C. U. Ezimah3
1- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria , odochi.ogbu@evangeluniversity.edu.ng
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria
4- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
5- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria
4- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
5- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State, Nigeria
Abstract: (28 Views)
Background: Gestational stress is a key factor in neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring, affecting learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract (MoLE) with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may offer neuroprotective benefits. Objective: This study evaluated impact of MoLE on the neurodevelopment of Wistar rat pups subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS). Methods: Twenty-five healthy virgin female Albino-Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats each, which underwent a two-week CUS protocol. Groups were as follows: Group I (received ad libitum water and standard rat chow), Group II (received MoLE at 5 mg/kg body weight/day), Group III (received MoLE at 10 mg/kg body weight/day), Group IV (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight/day), and Group V (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight/day). Offspring were evaluated for histological changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, while serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and behavioral tests were carried out to assess anxiety-like behaviors and spatial memory. Results: Histological analysis revealed MoLE supplementation mitigated cellular damage. MDA levels were elevated among pups exposed to MoLE-supplemented and CUS, but not in MoLE-supplemented groups. Behavioral results for anxiety-like behavior were inconclusive. Spatial memory results showed a non-significant decrease in all groups, requiring further investigation. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for M. oleifera's potential neuroprotective effects against gestational stress-induced damage. Further research with more specific behavioral tests is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory.
Keywords: Anxiety, Amygdala, Stress, Moringa oleifera, Neurodevelopment, Hippocampus, Prefrontal cortex, Spatial memory
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Medicinal Plants
Received: 2024/07/29 | Accepted: 2025/03/17 | Published: 2025/05/14
Received: 2024/07/29 | Accepted: 2025/03/17 | Published: 2025/05/14
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