Potential of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extract as a Host Modulation Therapy in Periodontal Disease: A Limited Scoping Review

Abstract Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition of the supporting tissues of the teeth, comprising the gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The inflammatory and immune responses occurring in periodontal tissues serve a protective function; however, when dysregulated, they can significantly contribute to tissue destruction. If untreated, the disease may lead to tooth loss and diminished quality of life. Host response modulation therapy is an adjunctive treatment designed to address host–bacterial interactions. This study aims to explore the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a host modulation therapy (HMT), particularly in its role as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent in periodontal disease. This study followed the scoping review methodology based on Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) reporting framework. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink, with additional manual searches. Inclusion criteria were determined using the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework recommended by JBI. Eleven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, comprising nine in vivo investigations involving animal models and two clinical studies involving humans. All included articles reported significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities of M. oleifera leaf extracts. The bioactive compounds in M. oleifera, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, support these actions and promote wound healing. This study demonstrated that M. oleifera leaf extract has potential as an HMT due to its ability to reduce proinflammatory cytokines and increase regenerative factors that support the wound healing process. The high antioxidant activity, particularly of polyphenolic compounds, also underlies both functions.