Anti‐fatigue properties of the ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice

BACKGROUND Moringa oleifera ( M. oleifera ) leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive ingredients. This study was aimed at evaluating the anti‐fatigue effect of the ethanol extract of M. oleifera leaves (MLEE) on mice and its primary mechanism of action using a weight‐loaded forced swimming test. In the present study, MLEE was prepared by ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and its anti‐fatigue effect and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in mice. Mice were administrated MLEE (320 mg kg −1 body weight) for 15 days. RESULTS MLEE supplementation significantly increased levels of glucose and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), while decreasing levels of lactate and blood urea nitrogen in serum ( P < 0.05); the levels of glycogen in the liver and muscle were also increased, as was the activity of glycogen synthase and the level of NEFA in muscle ( P < 0.05). According to a Western blot analysis, MLEE increased the expression of AMPKα1, JNK, AKT and STAT3 in the muscle of mice. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that MLEE has an anti‐fatigue effect via the AMPK‐linked route, which enables it to control energy metabolism and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity.