the effects of moringa oleifera leaves extract and physical activity on the levels of transforming growth factor-β, caspase 3, and cognitive function in geriatric mice model

Background and objectives: as the global geriatric population continues to grow, degenerative-related disorders such as impaired cognitive function, keep increasing. this is partly due to the aging process, which triggers an inflammaging phenomenon, characterized by elevated levels of transforming growth factor-β (tgf-β) and caspase 3 cytokines. moringa oleifera stands out as a solution, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. this study aimed to assess the effects of m. oleifera leaves extract and physical activity on the levels of tgf-β, caspase 3, and cognitive function in geriatric mice model. methods: thirty mice were divided into five groups. the c1 group served as the negative control (given standardized food and water), while c2 was the positive control (treated with d-galactose 150 mg/kg bw/day intraperitoneally for eight weeks, followed by swimming for 30 minutes 2x/week, four weeks). the t1, t2, and t3 treatment groups received d-galactose 150 mg/kg bw/day for eight weeks and m. oleifera leaves extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively, along with a similar swimming session. at the end of the study, the mice were assessed for cognitive function using the y-maze test, and then tgf-β and caspase 3 levels were measured. results: the differences in tgf-β and caspase 3 levels between groups were statistically significant (p<0.05); however, no significant differences were observed in the cognitive function in any group (p>0.05). conclusion: moringa oleifera leaves extract significantly influenced tgf-β and caspase 3 levels but did not affect the cognitive function of the geriatric mice model.