Moringa oleifera ameliorates oxidative damage caused by sodium valproate in the small intestine

ÇÖREMEN M., Ertik O., Magaji U. F., SAÇAN Ö., BULAN N. Ö., YANARDAĞ R.

Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13813455.2025.2610475
  • Journal Name: Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Nrf2, oxidative stress, small intestine injury, Valproic acid
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) extract against valproic acid (VPA)-induced small intestine damage in rats. Forty-six adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control (saline), MO (300 mg/kg), VPA (500 mg/kg), and VPA + MO. All treatments were administered orally for 15 days. Biochemical oxidative stress analyses revealed that MO treatment mitigated oxidative stress in VPA-treated rats. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that bioactive compounds in MO leaves exhibited potential inhibitory activity against oxidative stress-related enzymes, with high binding affinities. Immunohistochemical results indicated that VPA did not alter antioxidant stress responses such as Nrf2. However, histological examinations showed that VPA caused structural damage to the small intestine, while MO treatment alleviated this effect. Overall, MO exhibited significant protective and antioxidant properties against VPA-induced intestinal injury.