Cardioprotective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cytotoxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells

Abstract

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity remains a major limitation associated with anthracycline chemotherapy due to excessive oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. The present study investigated the cardioprotective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera against doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The extract demonstrated high total phenolic and flavonoid content. H9c2 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of Moringa oleifera extract followed by exposure to doxorubicin. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, while intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and antioxidant biomarkers were evaluated using standard biochemical and fluorescence-based techniques. Doxorubicin treatment significantly reduced cell viability and induced oxidative stress-mediated cellular injury. Pretreatment with Moringa oleifera extract markedly restored cell viability, suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced caspase-3 activation, and improved endogenous antioxidant enzyme levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The findings demonstrated that Moringa oleifera exerts significant cardioprotective activity through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. The study suggested the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera as a natural cardioprotective agent against chemotherapy-associated cardiac toxicity preserved.