ABSTRACT
Moringa oleifera (MO), has been studied extensively, and has numerous medicinal and socioeconomic benefits. Emerging research has investigated the efficacy of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against ischemic stroke in-vivo. To date, no studies comprehensively reviewing the effects of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against ischemic stroke have been published. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against focal ischemic stroke, modeled in-vivo. Compared with control groups, significant reduction in infarct volume and malondialdehyde levels, and signficant increase in antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. The primary mechanism of action of MO extract and its phytochemical derivatives which confers neuroprotection is reduction in oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes. On the whole, the present systematic review critically assessed evidence which demonstrated that MO extract may confer protective effect on experimental ischemic stroke. Although effect size may have been overestimated due to the limited number of included studies, small sample sizes and possible publication bias, results generated in this meta-analysis dmeonstrate that MO extract may be a promising neuroprotective agent against human ischemic stroke.
