A systematic review of Moringa oleifera seed toxicity and safety: Comparative analysis of toxicology methodologies and results
- 1School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- 2School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
Abstract
This systematic review aims to assess the reliability of contemporary toxicological research on Moringa oleifera seeds. Academic databases were browsed on a yearly basis (2014–2024); identification and screening were conducted between July 17th 2023 and January 13th 2025. Primary research reports on M. oleifera seed toxicology were included for data collection. Fifty-three fields were used to collect data. Data was synthesised by comparing methodological data points to contemporary toxicity testing guidelines; results were presented as a narrative synthesis. Conflict of interest, research quality and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane tools modified for non-human laboratory studies. Thirty-seven non-duplicate publications were identified, of which 14 were included for data collection. In total, 395 data points were collected and synthesised. Financial conflicts of interest were declared in one report. Nine reports received “lower quality” or “lowest quality” research quality judgements. Six reports received “high risk of bias” judgements. Bias risk was commonly associated with selective reporting of data. M. oleifera seed toxicity was commonly tested via rodent study. Seven rodent studies included an acute toxicity test and nine included a sub-acute toxicity test. Two acute oral toxicity tests returned LD50 values of 14,000–15,000 mg/kg bw. Three sub-acute oral toxicity tests returned NOAEL values of 100–257 mg/kg bw/d. Oral LD50 and NOAEL data could only be derived from reports with “lowest quality” research and/or “high risk of bias” judgements, so these safety limits are unreliable. Inadequate dosing schemes were the primary cause of limited LD50 and NOAEL data. Dose range non-compliance also caused unnecessary animal suffering. To facilitate standardisation in future research, several guideline-based methodological recommendations are made. Determining reliable safety limits for M. oleifera seed consumption may reduce incidence of acute kidney injury, thereby supporting Targets 3.4 and 3.d of the United Nations sustainable development goals.
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BibTeX
@article{russell2026systematic,
title = {{A systematic review of Moringa oleifera seed toxicity and safety: Comparative analysis of toxicology methodologies and results}},
author = {Joseph James Russell and Martin Pritchard and Andrew W. J. Paterson},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0360006},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360006},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A systematic review of Moringa oleifera seed toxicity and safety: Comparative analysis of toxicology methodologies and results
AU - Joseph James Russell
AU - Martin Pritchard
AU - Andrew W. J. Paterson
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0360006
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360006
AB - This systematic review aims to assess the reliability of contemporary toxicological research on Moringa oleifera seeds. Academic databases were browsed on a yearly basis (2014–2024); identification and screening were conducted between July 17th 2023 and January 13th 2025. Primary research reports on M. oleifera seed toxicology were included for data collection. Fifty-three fields were used to collect data. Data was synthesised by comparing methodological data points to contemporary toxicity testing guidelines; results were presented as a narrative synthesis. Conflict of interest, research quality and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane tools modified for non-human laboratory studies. Thirty-seven non-duplicate publications were identified, of which 14 were included for data collection. In total, 395 data points were collected and synthesised. Financial conflicts of interest were declared in one report. Nine reports received “lower quality” or “lowest quality” research quality judgements. Six reports received “high risk of bias” judgements. Bias risk was commonly associated with selective reporting of data. M. oleifera seed toxicity was commonly tested via rodent study. Seven rodent studies included an acute toxicity test and nine included a sub-acute toxicity test. Two acute oral toxicity tests returned LD50 values of 14,000–15,000 mg/kg bw. Three sub-acute oral toxicity tests returned NOAEL values of 100–257 mg/kg bw/d. Oral LD50 and NOAEL data could only be derived from reports with “lowest quality” research and/or “high risk of bias” judgements, so these safety limits are unreliable. Inadequate dosing schemes were the primary cause of limited LD50 and NOAEL data. Dose range non-compliance also caused unnecessary animal suffering. To facilitate standardisation in future research, several guideline-based methodological recommendations are made. Determining reliable safety limits for M. oleifera seed consumption may reduce incidence of acute kidney injury, thereby supporting Targets 3.4 and 3.d of the United Nations sustainable development goals.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -