Article Details

S. Edson Nirmal Christopher^*

Dept. of Catering Science and Hotel Management, Bishop Appasamy College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 018), India

Judita Tomaskinova

Deputy Director of Research and Innovation, Applied Research and Innovation Centre, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, Trip Kordin, Paola, PLA 9032, Malta

S. Arul Diana Christie

Dept. of Microbiology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 044), India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54083/BRT/7.3.2025/68-77

Keywords: Anticancer activity, Apoptosis, Cancer prevention, Moringa oleifera, Molecular docking, Nanoparticle

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, often referred as the “miracle tree,” has received attracted significant  attention in recent decades due to its multiple therapeutic properties and unique phytochemical profile. Recent studies indicate that various extracts and bioactive compounds isolated from M. oleifera have potential anticancer activity in vitro, in vivo and in silico toward diverse types of cancer. This review summarizes recent evidence on the anticancer effects of M. oleifera, with emphasis on its underlying molecular mechanisms, such as modulation of critical signaling pathways like JAK2/STAT3, downregulation of oncogenes (e.g., c-myc and p53) and apoptosis. There are several preclinical studies on the antitumor efficacy of curcumin in lung, colon, breast, liver and oral cancers, which, on the other hand, have been innovative approaches like nanoparticle formulations and molecular docking studies, that have made it possible to depict its bioactivity. This review demonstrates how M. oleifera contains nutritional value while discussing its capability to function with conventional anticancer treatments as an additional prevention and therapeutic approach. Our preclinical study holds promise but multiple hurdles related to extract availability and standardization of preparation and strong clinical evidence remain to be solved. The growing evidence demonstrates M. oleifera could serve as a new therapeutic candidate against different cancers but oncological testing of these findings needs more population-based clinical research.

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