Potential therapeutic uses of Moringa stenopetala: a scoping review

Abstract

Anecdotal claims about the therapeutic “miracles” of the plant Moringa stenopetala to various human diseases are widespread in Ethiopia. However, there are no existing published systematic reviews to support or refute these assertions. This scoping review aimed to systematically examine and summarize the range and nature of the literature on potential and actual therapeutic uses of M. stenopetala in order to identify research gaps and inform researchers and policymakers. The scoping review used the methodological framework of Arksey & O'Malley for scoping reviews and recommendations by Levac and colleagues. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, WorldCat, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar. To ensure the search was as comprehensive as possible, we also searched grey literature sources such as OpenGrey. We included studies that attempted to evaluate the therapeutic value of M. stenopetala on any health outcome in any context. We excluded reports about the effects of M. stenopetala on non-human health and non-research reports. We screened 2,946 records and included 56 studies. We found antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antioxidants, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antidyslipedemia, safety (toxicity, and teratogenic effects), anticancer and fertility studies. All except 4 studies reported the potential therapeutic effects of M. stenopetala on either one or more infections or ailments. Two studies reported the absence of antibacterial and antiparasitic activities and 2 studies reported safety concerns; 1 reported cytotoxic effect while the other reported the teratogentic effect of the plant at higher doses. No clinical trials were found. The review found that many claims accorded to M. stenopetala have scientific bases and that the plant has potential as a possible source of herbal medicinal products. Further studies on the toxicity of the plant, randomized trials, and pre-requisites for randomized trials such as good manufacturing practices should be addressed in the future to tap into the therapeutic potential of the plant.