Moringa oleifera's Effect on Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera, which is a rich plant with diverse active components, shows promising potential in cancer research, especially concerning colorectal cancer which is a major global cause of mortality. Its phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a compelling subject of investigation in various fields, including its potential role in combating colorectal cancer. Methods: This narrative review was conducted by starting with determining the targeted topics for our research. This was then used as keywords which focused on Moringa oleifera's effect on colorectal cancer. The keywords used were: cancer, colorectal cancer, angiogenesis, natural products in cancer and angiogenesis, MO plant, MO as a medicinal plant, MO active component, MO therapeutic potential, and MO effectiveness against colorectal cancer including its leaves, seeds, fruit, and root. After that data was collected from more than 99 articles to identify, summarize, and reflect the target of the research to approve the multiple unique and promising effectiveness of MO against colorectal cancer. Results: Research indicates that extracts from different parts of the Moringa plant, such as seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots, exhibit anticancer effects on various colorectal cancer cell lines through diverse mechanisms. The ability of Moringa oleifera as anticancer relies on its phytochemicals, especially antioxidant phenols such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, apigenin, astragalin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Conclusion: This review thoroughly explores the impact of different parts of Moringa oleifera (leaves, fruits, seeds, roots) on various colorectal cancer cell lines. It confirms the effects of Moringa in regulating cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, generating reactive oxygen species, and/or modulating the cell cycle. However, the review has not yet definitively confirmed the specific anti-angiogenesis mechanism of Moringa in combatting colorectal cancer. Further research is required to fully elucidate this aspect of its potential in cancer treatment.