Anticancer Potential of Moringa Oleifera in Lung Cancer: A Mini Review of In vitro and In vivo Evidence

Moringa Oleifera (MO) is a potential plant-derived cancer treatment. Its anticancer effects are multi-targeted and include immunological stimulation, regulation of oxidative stress, and induction of apoptosis. To fully evaluate the implications of MO on lung cancer in in vitro and in vivo models, this mini-review focuses on linking these observations with cytotoxic, molecular, and immunological effects.

Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, comparative studies on MO extracts, phytochemicals, and nanoparticle-delivered anticancer activities against lung cancer were identified. Fourteen studies were included: twelve in vitro (primarily on A549 NSCLC adenocarcinoma cells) and two in vivo. Measures including immune responses, ROS modulation, apoptosis markers, and cell viability were used to evaluate the results.

In vitro models, MO consistently reduced the viability of lung cancer cells, induced apoptosis by the mitochondrial pathway (Bax/Bcl-2 switch, cytochrome c release, caspase activation), and blocked oncogenic signaling pathways (NF-kB, EGFR, STAT3, VEGF). Nanoparticle formulations (AuNPs, AgNPs, CuO NPs, PdNPs) demonstrated greater cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity than crude preparations. In vivo, MO leaf extracts suppressed tumor growth in urethane-treated rats in a manner comparable to cisplatin, and MO polysaccharides repolarized tumor-associated macrophages from an M2 to an M1 phenotype and enhanced CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration in Lewis lung carcinoma mice.

This mini-review highlights the potent anticancer activity of Moringa oleifera against lung cancer through apoptosis induction, oxidative stress modulation, and inhibition of oncogenic signaling and angiogenesis. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo results, further standardized and clinical studies are required to validate its therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Through a variety of mechanisms, including apoptosis, redox balance, angiogenesis, and immune modulation, this review demonstrated Moringa oleifera's potent anticancer activity in both in vivo and in vitro models of lung cancer. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera represents a promising preclinical candidate for further investigation as a supportive strategy in non-small cell lung cancer, pending validation through standardized in vivo and clinical studies.