Multidimensional pharmacological activities of Moringa stenopetala: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro experimental studies

Background Moringa stenopetala is a nutritionally rich medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for managing metabolic, infectious, inflammatory, and chronic diseases. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal use, its pharmacological effects and safety profile are reported variably across experimental and regulatory studies. Objective To summarize the pharmacological activities, safety profile, and experimental evidence of Moringa stenopetala based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods A narrative synthesis of published experimental studies, including in vitro assays, in vivo animal models, toxicity studies, and chemical analyses, was performed. Studies evaluating metabolic, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, neurological, anticancer, reproductive, and toxicological outcomes were included. The findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results This review demonstrated that Moringa stenopetala possesses broad pharmacological activities in both in vitro and in vivo models. Leaf extracts at 250–500 mg/kg for 14–28 days significantly reduced blood glucose, improved lipid profiles, and restored pancreatic β-cells in diabetic animals. Antioxidant studies showed strong radical-scavenging activity and increased levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Antimicrobial investigations demonstrated potent antibacterial and antifungal effects, with MIC values as low as 0.31 mg/mL. Antiparasitic studies using 400 mg/kg for 7 days reduced parasitemia and improved survival in infected mice. Cardiovascular studies using 10–1000 mg/kg extracts showed antihypertensive, vasorelaxant, diuretic, and natriuretic effects. Additional studies reported analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, antidiarrheal, and anticancer activities. Toxicological evaluations showed favorable safety profiles, with LD50 values >5000 mg/kg and minimal organ toxicity. Conclusion Moringa stenopetala possesses broad pharmacological potential supported mainly by preclinical evidence. However, toxicity studies indicate possible dose-dependent safety concerns, particularly at high exposure levels. The absence of human clinical confirmation highlights the need for further translational and clinical research.