<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. is a potential mitigator of neurodevelopmental defects caused by prenatal stress in Wistar rats

Background: Gestational stress is a key factor in neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring, affecting learning, memory, and emotional regulation.Moringa oleifera Lam.leaf extract (MoLE) with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may offer neuroprotective benefits.Objective: This study evaluated impact of MoLE on the neurodevelopment of Wistar rat pups subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS).Methods: Twenty-five healthy virgin female Albino-Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats each, which underwent a two-week CUS protocol.Groups were as follows: Group I (received ad libitum water and standard rat chow), Group II (received MoLE at 5 mg/kg body weight/day), Group III (received MoLE at 10 mg/kg body weight/day), Group IV (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight/day), and Group V (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight/day).Offspring were evaluated for histological changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, while serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and behavioral tests were carried out to assess anxietylike behaviors and spatial memory.Results: Histological analysis revealed MoLE supplementation mitigated cellular damage.MDA levels were elevated among pups exposed to MoLE-supplemented and CUS, but not in MoLE-supplemented groups.Behavioral results for anxiety-like behavior were inconclusive.Spatial memory results showed a non-significant decrease in all groups, requiring further investigation. Conclusion:This study provides preliminary evidence for M. oleifera's potential neuroprotective effects against gestational stress-induced damage.Further research with more specific behavioral tests is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory.