Molecular effects of Moringa leaf extract on insulin resistance and reproductive function in hyperinsulinemic male rats

Background Many studies have reported that insulin resistance impairs the antioxidant defense system and causes male infertility. Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has been employed for the medicament of many disorders. It controls the levels of glucose and manages male sexual disorders. However, its extracts can reverse insulin resistance-linked metabolic alterations remains unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the potential of the aqueous leaves extract from Moringa oleifera to reverse insulin resistance and testicular disorders in rats. Methods Rats were fed either a chow (as a control group) or a high fructose diet (HFD, to persuade a state of insulin resistance), in addition to a group of rats fed HFD and treated with Moringa (300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Results Moringa reversed hepatic insulin insensitivity and this was linked to up-regulation of genes involved in insulin receptors and glucose uptake in the liver. These results were associated with amended the insulin level in serum and standardization of insulin sensitivity. In addition, it improved the serum testosterone level and the gene expression of the testicular steridogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD). Conclusion Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Moringa reversed HFD diet-induced insulin resistance and improved the testicular function.