Bullying not only affects psychological well-being but can also affect brain function. Repeated and prolonged exposure to social stress can trigger chronic stress, potentially affecting the hippocampus, a region of the brain that plays an important role in memory formation and storage.
This condition has prompted the Neuroleifera team from the Student Creativity Program (PKM) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to investigate the potential of moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) as a neuroprotective agent against the effects of chronic social stress.
The team consists of Nisrina Rahma Ardihapsari and Hanin Izdihar from Biology, Maryam Izzati Muthmainnah from Psychology, Lakshinta Hasna Hapsari from Pharmacy, and Syakira Fauzia Fatoni from Medicine. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from different fields.
“We hope this research will provide scientific evidence of the potential of moringa leaves to protect the brain from the effects of chronic social stress. If the results are positive, this research could serve as a basis for further studies on the use of natural ingredients as an alternative approach to supporting brain health,” said Maryam.
The study uses the Chronic Social Defeat Stress (CSDS) method, an experimental model designed to induce chronic social stress in mice through repeated exposure to aggressive social interactions. This model is used to examine the effects of social stress on behavior, particularly spatial memory, as well as the condition of nerve cells.
The moringa leaf extract is then administered orally at three stages: before, during, and after stress induction. Administering the extract at different stages is intended to evaluate its potential to prevent or reduce the effects of chronic social stress on brain function.
Moringa leaves were selected because they contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and antioxidants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When the brain experiences chronic stress, the body produces free radicals and excessive inflammatory responses, two factors that can accelerate nerve cell damage. The antioxidants in moringa are thought to neutralize these free radicals while reducing inflammation, potentially helping protect brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus, from damage caused by prolonged stress.
In addition to their neuroprotective potential, moringa plants are relatively easy to cultivate and have long been used as a food source. These characteristics make moringa a promising natural ingredient for further development as an affordable and accessible approach to supporting brain health.
Through this research, the Neuroleifera team hopes to generate scientific evidence regarding the potential of moringa leaves in addressing the effects of chronic social stress and to open opportunities for further research on the use of natural ingredients to support brain health.
Report: UGM PKM Neuroleifera Team
Editors: Sussanti & Erna