Moringa oleifera 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 anxiety-like 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.