Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract attenuates neuroinflammation and behavioral alterations in a fibromyalgia mice model: Modulation of serotonin and cytokine pathways

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances, and it is considered the second most prevalent rheumatic condition. Current pharmacological therapies are often associated with undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safer, natural therapeutic alternatives. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive antioxidants and have demonstrated therapeutic potential in inflammatory and immune-related disorders. Methods This study investigated the therapeutic effects of M. oleifera leaf extract in a reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model using multiple treatment groups of male mice. Behavioral, histological, and neurochemical assessments were conducted. Results Mice with reserpine-induced FM exhibited reduced body weight, decreased paw withdrawal threshold and thermal latency, diminished locomotor activity and grooming behavior, impaired spontaneous alternation, and prolonged immobility time. Histopathological examination revealed marked structural disruption of hippocampal tissue, accompanied by reduced serotonin levels and elevated concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO compared with control animals. Treatment with M. oleifera significantly attenuated these alterations by improving behavioral performance, restoring hippocampal architecture, and normalizing serotonin levels and pro-inflammatory markers. Conclusions These findings indicate that M. oleifera exerts a protective effect against reserpine-induced fibromyalgia, likely through modulation of serotonergic activity and suppression of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways.