Potential Role of Moringa oleifera in Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Sepsis-Related Reperfusion Injury

Maulitia Neny Yusuprihastuti, Juniarti Juniarti, Linda Weni, Diniwati Muchtar, Hari Hendriarto Satoto

Abstract

Introduction: Sepsis-associated ischemia–reperfusion injury amplifies oxidative stress and inflammation, driving organ dysfunction. Moringa oleifera contains flavonoids, isothiocyanates (e.g., MIC-1) and other phytochemicals with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that may mitigate these processes

Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative literature review. Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using keywords related to sepsis, reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and Moringa oleifera. Articles published between 2016 and 2026, available as open-access full texts in English or Indonesian, were included. Selected studies were screened by title, abstract, and full text, and the findings were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Moringa oleifera contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and isothiocyanates, which are widely recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress primarily by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase

Conclusion: moringa oleifera shows reproducible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models of sepsis-related reperfusion injury, supporting its potential as an adjunctive therapy to reduce reperfusion-mediated organ damage. Well-designed clinical trials and standardized extract/dose protocols are required to establish efficacy and safety in humans.

Keywords

Antioxidant activity; Cytokines; Inflammation; Moringa oleifera; Oxidative stress

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/smj.v9i1.116642

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