Review Article Published on 29 Jul, 2026

Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Potential of the Moringa Species for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review

Safety & Therapeutic Potential of Moringa in MSD
Vol. 21 No. 2 : 2026 (652-683)

Siti Bazlina Mohd Rawi Siti Bazlina Mohd Rawi
Nur Fadhilah Zubair Nur Fadhilah Zubair
Nurnabihah Md Hafidz Nurnabihah Md Hafidz
Siti Najiha Md Asari Siti Najiha Md Asari
Shahrul Azhar Md Hanif Shahrul Azhar Md Hanif
Muhammad Ridzwan Rafi’i Muhammad Ridzwan Rafi’i
Azmawati Mohammed Nawi Azmawati Mohammed Nawi
Habsah Aziz Habsah Aziz

Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major public health concern, impairing mobility, productivity and quality of life. With a growing interest in functional foods and nutraceuticals, the Moringa species, widely consumed and rich in bioactive compounds, is being explored for its potential role in musculoskeletal health. However, its efficacy in MSD management remains unclear. This systematic review evaluates the safety and therapeutic potential of Moringa species in MSD management. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome framework, comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science were conducted. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, and quasi-experimental studies involving human or animal models of MSDs treated with Moringa species. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tools. Altogether, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria (5 human trials and 11 animal studies). Moringa significantly reduced pain in humans [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of fatigue decreased by 32.7, while VAS score of joint pain was reduced by 12] and inflammation markers such as serum amyloid A, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Animal studies demonstrated strong analgesic effects, including 83.66% writhing inhibition and 97.33% oedema reduction at 500 mg/kg and lower oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde. No major toxicity was observed at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. The Moringa species exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties, supporting their potential as safe functional foods or nutraceuticals for musculoskeletal health. However, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy, optimised dosage and safety.
Keywords : Alternative medicine; inflammation; Moringa; oxidative stress; pain relief,
Abstrak
Gangguan muskuloskeletal (MSD) merupakan masalah kesihatan awam yang utama kerana menjejaskan pergerakan, produktiviti dan kualiti hidup. Minat terhadap makanan berfungsi dan nutraseutikal semakin meningkat dan spesies Moringa, yang digunakan secara meluas sebagai makanan dan kaya dengan sebatian bioaktif, kini diterokai bagi peranannya dalam kesihatan muskuloskeletal. Walau bagaimanapun, keberkesanannya dalam pengurusan MSD masih belum jelas. Ulasan sistematik ini menilai keselamatan dan potensi terapeutik Moringa dalam pengurusan MSD berdasarkan garis panduan "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" dan kerangka "Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome". Carian menyeluruh dilakukan di PubMed, Scopus dan Web of Science. Kajian yang layak merangkumi ujian terkawal rawak, ujian terkawal serta kajian kuasi-eksperimen melibatkan manusia atau haiwan dengan MSD yang dirawat menggunakan Moringa. Risiko bias dinilai menggunakan alat "Joanna Briggs Institute" dan "Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation". Sebanyak 16 kajian memenuhi kriteria inklusi (5 kajian manusia, 11 kajian haiwan). Moringa menunjukkan pengurangan kesakitan yang signifikan dalam kalangan manusia. [Skor "Visual Analogue Scale" (VAS) keletihan berkurang sebanyak 32.7, manakala skor VAS sakit sendi berkurang sebanyak 12] serta penanda keradangan seperti serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha dan interleukin-6. Kajian ke atas haiwan pula menunjukkan kesan analgesik yang kuat, termasuk pengurangan kejang sebanyak 83.66% dan pengurangan edema sebanyak 97.33% pada dos 500 mg/kg serta pengurangan tekanan oksidatif seperti malondialdehyde. Tiada toksisiti utama diperhatikan pada dos sehingga 2000 mg/kg. Kesimpulannya, Moringa berpotensi sebagai agen anti-radang, analgesik, dan antioksidan yang selamat untuk menyokong kesihatan muskuloskeletal. Namun, lebih banyak ujian klinikal yang berkualiti tinggi diperlukan untuk mengesahkan keberkesanan, menentukan dos optimum, dan menjamin keselamatan penggunaan.
Kata Kunci : Kelegaan kesakitan; keradangan; Moringa; perubatan alternatif; tekanan oksidatif,



FIGURE 1: Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram

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