Investigating the Effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Tea on Sleep Quality in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background: Sleep is a vital physiological process that supports numerous bodily functions, including muscle repair, cognitive processing, and overall health. Within the realm of herbal remedies, Moringa oleifera has garnered attention for its purported sleep-enhancing properties, alongside the well-known sleep regulator melatonin. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Moringa leaf tea on sleep patterns in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), a recognized model organism for sleep research. Objectives: The primary objective was to investigate the effects of Moringa leaf tea on sleep metrics in adult zebrafish. Methods: Various concentrations of Moringa leaf tea, melatonin and diazepam were prepared and administered to zebrafish in pairs. Following treatment, zebrafish were continuously monitored for a duration of ten hours to record their activity patterns, serving as proxies for sleep behavior. The resulting data was analyzed to compare the impact of each treatment on sleep-related metrics, focusing on nocturnal activity levels and sleep episodes. Results: Results indicated that treatment with Moringa leaf tea significantly reduced nocturnal activity in adult zebrafish when compared to established positive controls, including diazepam (0.1 mg/L) and melatonin (1 mg/L). Notably, at specific concentrations, Moringa's sleep-promoting effects were statistically comparable to those of the positive controls (p > 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that Moringa leaf tea is effective in promoting sleep by reducing nighttime activity in adult zebrafish, implying its potential utility as a natural sleep aid. Further investigations are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects of Moringa on sleep quality.