MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT IN MUSCLE WASTING AND SKELETAL MUSCLE DISORDERS: MECHANISMS, EVIDENCE, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL—A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Skeletal muscle wasting accompanies ageing, malnutrition, glucocorticoid exposure, chronic disease, denervation, systemic inflammation, and prolonged inactivity. Interest in accessible plant-derived nutritional interventions has therefore expanded. Moringa oleifera leaves contain polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, and nutrients that may influence oxidative metabolism, redox balance, inflammation, and protein turnover. Objective: To synthesize evidence on M. oleifera leaf-derived preparations in muscle mass loss, impaired muscle function, fatigue, and skeletal muscle disorders, while defining the translational limitations of the literature. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed publications from January 2016 through July 22, 2026. Cell studies, animal experiments, human studies, and reviews were considered. Claims were extracted from full texts when available; studies available only as abstracts or publisher previews were interpreted strictly within those limits. Results: Mechanistic studies in C2C12 cells consistently indicate modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling, glutathione homeostasis, SIRT1–PPARα-associated oxidative metabolism, and protection from hydrogen-peroxide stress. Animal studies report improved endurance or functional recovery and changes in inflammatory, fibrotic, apoptotic, mitochondrial, and protein-degradation markers; a 2026 study in mdx mice reported a partial functional and biochemical signal without uniform morphological benefit. Four small human performance studies were heterogeneous and did not evaluate patients with muscle wasting. Conclusions: M. oleifera leaf-derived preparations are biologically plausible candidates for further muscle research, but current evidence is predominantly preclinical, heterogeneous, and insufficient to support treatment recommendations for sarcopenia, cachexia, or other muscle-wasting disorders. Standardized products and adequately powered clinical trials are required.