MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA: REGULATION OF COX-2 AND APOPTOTIC SIGNALING

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its exceptional nutritional value and diverse pharmacological activities, largely attributed to its rich repertoire of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, isothiocyanates, phenolic acids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids. Increasing evidence suggests that these phytoconstituents exert significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects by modulating multiple molecular signaling pathways. This review comprehensively summarizes the molecular mechanisms through which Moringa oleifera regulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is placed on the suppression of COX-2 expression and activity through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and related inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced production of prostaglandins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The review further discusses the role of Moringa oleifera phytochemicals in inducing apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways through modulation of Bax/Bcl-2 balance, cytochrome c release, caspase activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell cycle arrest. Experimental findings from in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the plant's ability to inhibit inflammation, suppress tumor growth, and selectively induce apoptosis in malignant cells while exhibiting minimal toxicity toward normal tissues. Despite promising preclinical evidence, challenges related to phytochemical standardization, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation remain significant barriers to therapeutic translation. Future research integrating molecular pharmacology, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, and well-designed clinical studies is essential to establish the clinical efficacy and safety of Moringa oleifera-derived phytopharmaceuticals. Overall, Moringa oleifera represents a promising multitarget natural therapeutic agent for the prevention and management of inflammation-associated diseases and cancer.