Harnessing Moringa oleifera for Immune Modulation in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, widely recognized as the horseradish tree or drumstick tree, is classified within the Moringaceae family, which comprises 13 species predominantly distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. The plant possesses a variety of therapeutic, nutritional, and beneficial health properties, including its potential to enhance the immune system. The present work provides extensive bibliographic research addressing the chemical composition of Moringa oleifera and its immunomodulatory properties with a focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of immune function, which is crucial in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis. The chemical composition of Moringa oleifera, including kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and niazimicin, varies between different biological parts of the plant (seeds, leaves, roots, and stems). The presence of these various chemical compounds contributes to the plant’s effect on the immune response via different pathways. Several studies indicate that Moringa oleifera mitigates inflammation by suppressing key pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), while simultaneously enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators through activation of PPAR-γ. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory properties and possible application in health promotion and disease prevention, especially in cancer therapy, are discussed. Studies indicate that Moringa oleifera can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) by reducing Treg polarization, enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity, and prompting the proliferation and clonal expansion of CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes. Together, Moringa oleifera could be considered for the treatment of conditions related to immune dysregulation, such as cancer.