The Effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSEIL) on TGF-β Expression in Mice (Mus musculus) Model of Liver Fibrosis

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Semarang St. 5, Malang 65145, Indonesia
² Departement of Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Iman St., 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Liver fibrosis represents a progressive pathological stage leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, primarily mediated by the TGF- β/SMAD signaling pathway. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSEIL) on TGF-β expression in Mus musculus (Balb/c) with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Experimental groups consisted of a normal control (K0), olive oil control (K–), positive control (K+), and three treatment groups (P1–P3) receiving different ratios of CCl₄: MOSEIL, namely P1 (1:8), P2 (1:16), and P3 (1:32).Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked increase in TGF-β expression in the positive control group, while MOSEIL administration resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in expression intensity, with the most prominent effect observed in P2. Histological observations supported these findings, showing decreased necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in P1 and P2. In contrast, the P3 group demonstrated a re-elevation of inflammatory activity and fibrotic features, suggesting that excessive dosing may attenuate the protective effects of MOSEIL. The reduced expression of TGF-β in MOSEIL-treated groups indicates that MOSEIL exerts its antifibrotic activity partly through inhibition of this profibrotic cytokine. Therefore, MOSEIL exhibits potential as a natural hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic agent against chronic liver injury, with an optimal effect observed at a moderate dose.