Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Improves Cognitive Function in Rat Offspring Born to Protein-Deficient Mothers

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of life can impair brain function and hippocampus development. Research has shown that protein deficiency (PD) in pregnant and lactating mothers can lead to neurocognitive issues from early life into adulthood. Moringa oleifera has been used as a dietary supplement for malnutrition; however, its neuroprotective effects on offspring with PD are unclear. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (EEMO) on rat offspring born to mothers who experienced protein deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats were given low (9% protein) or normal protein diets (18% protein) during pregnancy and lactation. Afterward, EEMO was administered to the offspring starting from the end of lactation for 5 weeks. Results: Offspring from mothers with protein deficiency showed low birth weight, slow weight gain, low BMI, low albumin levels, and anemia compared to those born with mothers fed with a standard protein diet. However, pups treated with EEMO showed higher cognitive improvement and a decrease in the ratio of abnormal to normal cells in the cornu ammoni (CA) CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 regions of the hippocampus. Conclusions: The present study suggests that EEMO supplementation could improve conditions of protein deficiency and cognitive function, making it a cost-effective dietary supplement for addressing these issues.