Neuroprotective Effects of Moringa Peregrina Leaf Alcoholic Extract on Compression Model of Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. These factors contribute significantly to the secondary injury phase, exacerbating tissue degeneration and impairing recovery. While many therapeutic approaches focus on reducing these detrimental processes, the use of natural products like Moringa peregrina (M.P), a plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, remains underexplored. This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of Moringa peregrina leaves on SCI, evaluating its impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and both structural and functional recovery.

Materials and methods: In this study, fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: laminectomy (sham), SCI (injection of saline intraperitoneally for 21 days), and SCI + Moringa peregrina (150 mg/kg of M.P extract injected intraperitoneally for 21 days). Motor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale throughout the study period. At 21 days post-injury, we measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18), alongside nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Histological analyses were performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and cresyl violet staining to evaluate neuronal damage and tissue density.

Results: Intraperitoneal administration of Moringa peregrina extract significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) and the oxidative stress marker MDA, while enhancing the activity of SOD, GPx, CAT, and TAC. These changes were associated with a marked reduction in NF-κB expression. Histological analysis revealed less cellular damage and increased tissue density in the SCI + Moringa peregrina group compared to the SCI group, indicating preserved neuronal structure. Furthermore, motor function recovery was significantly improved in the SCI + Moringa peregrina group, as evidenced by higher BBB scores compared to the untreated SCI group.

Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that the alcoholic extract of Moringa peregrina leaves exerts neuroprotective effects through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and structural preservation. The improvement in both motor function and spinal cord tissue integrity highlights the potential therapeutic value of Moringa peregrina in the treatment of SCI.