Aging and obesity are conditions linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, known as “inflammaging,” which contributes to various degenerative diseases including insulin resistance, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity, marked by excessive fat accumulation, affects all age groups globally. In Indonesia, adult obesity and central obesity rates reached 23.1% and 28%, respectively, in 2018, posing significant public health challenges.
Obesity mimics aging by impairing organ function and accelerating inflammatory responses. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, are biomarkers of this process. These molecules contribute to systemic inflammation and the development of metabolic syndrome. Natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as Moringa oleifera leaves, may mitigate these effects.
Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts, particularly at doses of 300 mg/kg BW. The plant contains flavonoids and isothiocyanates, known for modulating inflammatory pathways, especially when extracted with ethanol. Despite its accessibility in Indonesia, Moringa oleifera has not been extensively studied for obesity-related inflammation.
This research aims to evaluate the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in obese Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods
This experimental study adopted a randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Fifteen male Wistar rats (3.5–4.5 months; 170–190 g) were assigned to three groups: normal control (P0), obese control (P1), and treatment (P2). Rats were acclimatized for one week.
Induction of obesity was achieved using a high-fat diet for P1 and P2 groups over four weeks; P0 received standard feed. Pretest serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured via venous blood sampling from the orbital sinus after anesthesia (ketamine 50 mg/kg BW, xylazine 20 mg/kg BW).
For the next four weeks:
- P0 received standard feed and water;
- P1 continued on a high-fat diet with 1 mL/day distilled water via orogastric tube;
- P2 received a high-fat diet and 300 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera ethanol extract orally.
Posttest blood samples were collected under similar anesthetic conditions, and animals were euthanized via cervical dislocation. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were analyzed. Data were processed using SPSS v22 with paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA.
Results
The administration of 300 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera extract significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-α in P2. IL-6 decreased from 11.31±3.58 to 8.74±2.98 (p = 0.02), and TNF-α from 141.84±7.50 to 122.07±2.37 (p = 0.00). No significant reductions were seen in P1.
Delta values for IL-6 were: P0 (2.20), P1 (6.87), and P2 (-2.57). For TNF-α: P0 (0.51), P1 (5.86), and P2 (-19.77). The P2 group showed significantly greater reductions.
Normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk) confirmed data distribution; Levene’s test showed heterogeneity for IL-6 and homogeneity for TNF-α. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in IL-6 and TNF-α delta values across groups.
Discussion
A high-fat diet elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels, confirming obesity-induced inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in obesity activate transcription factors like NF-κB, which upregulate pro-inflammatory genes.
Moringa oleifera leaf extract mitigated this inflammation, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents (e.g., flavonoids, isothiocyanates). These compounds inhibit ROS, preventing NF-κB activation, thus reducing cytokine production.
Previous studies have shown similar results, with Moringa oleifera extract lowering IL-6 and TNF-α levels and suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression. Flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin also modulate transcription factors like NF-κB and AP-1, further supporting the current findings.
The extract’s potential in anti-aging interventions is also noteworthy, as it activates the Nrf2-Keap1 complex, which downregulates NF-κB signaling. Thus, Moringa oleifera could play a role in managing age- and obesity-related inflammation.
Conclusion
Oral administration of ethanol extract from Moringa oleifera leaves effectively reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels in obese Wistar rats, suggesting its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its use in humans and explore its broader therapeutic applications.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
Not applicable.
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