Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaves Formulated as a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus: “An Experimental Study in Albino Rats"

Abstract

The rising global prevalence of diabetes mellitus continues to pose major health and economic challenges, particularly in developing nations. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera leaves formulated as a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaves were prepared by cold maceration and optimized into SEDDS formulations using oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants based on factorial design. Physicochemical characterization, including particle size (500–5500 nm), zeta potential (4.46 mV), and optical clarity, confirmed the stability of the optimized formulation. HPTLC fingerprinting identified six major phytoconstituents, with the highest concentration (39%) corresponding to Rf = 0.04. In vivo pharmacological evaluation was conducted in STZ-induced diabetic rats divided into control, diabetic, standard (Glibenclamide), and SEDDS-treated groups (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg). Treatment with M. oleifera-SEDDS significantly improved body weight, blood glucose, and lipid profile parameters compared to diabetic control rats. Marked reductions were observed in serum TC, TG, LDL, AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea levels, while HDL, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels increased, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense. Proinflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-6 were also markedly reduced. Histopathological examination revealed partial restoration of pancreatic β-cells and hepatic tissue architecture in treated groups.Moringa oleifera leaf extract formulated as SEDDS demonstrated potent antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and organ-protective effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest that M. oleifera-SEDDS may serve as a promising therapeutic and preventive approach for diabetes management.