Original Articles Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Bioscience Insights Published 2026-10-17

NANOENCAPSULATED MORINGA ALKALOIDS FOR REDUCING CHEMOTHERAPY-ASSOCIATED COGNITIVE FATIGUE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Authors

  • Hafizullah Department of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Main Campus, Karachi, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Amna Zulfiqar Department of Biological Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Park Road, Islamabad. Pakistan Author
  • Ahmar Iftikhar Chief Pharmacist, Pirzada Hospital, Mardan Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Danial Shabbir Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan Author
  • Usama Waleed Research Scholar, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan Author
  • Waqas Haider Khan Mian Meer College of Pharmacy, Jhang. Pakistan Author
  • Maqsood Ur Rehman Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand. Pakistan Author
  • Akif Saeed Ch Director Medical Services & Research, Hope Family Clinic & Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faisalabad. Pakistan Author
41 views 23 downloads

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment, or cognitive fatigue, is a persistent and disabling condition frequently reported by breast cancer survivors. Traditional interventions are largely limited, and raw botanical treatments are often hindered by poor bioavailability and an inability to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of nanoencapsulated Moringa oleifera alkaloids in reducing cognitive fatigue and improving neurocognitive function among breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy compared to a placebo control.

Methods: This double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan region over an eight-month period. Eighty-four breast cancer survivors with documented cognitive fatigue (FACT-Cog score < 60) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 500 mg of nanoencapsulated Moringa alkaloids or an identical placebo twice daily for six weeks. Primary outcomes were measured using the FACT-Cog scale, and secondary outcomes included computerized neurocognitive tests for attention and memory. Analysis was performed on the final sample of 79 participants (intervention: n=40; control: n=39) who completed the protocol.

Results: Post-intervention analysis demonstrated significant improvements in the active group compared to the placebo cohort. The mean post-intervention FACT-Cog score was significantly higher in the intervention group (68.4 ± 5.8) than in the control group (48.2 ± 6.1), yielding a mean between-group difference of 20.2 (95% CI: 17.5 to 22.9, p < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA confirmed a highly significant time × group interaction effect (F = 98.7, p < 0.001). Computerized secondary metrics for sustained attention and working memory accuracy also significantly favored the active intervention arm (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Nanoencapsulated Moringa oleifera alkaloids safely and effectively mitigate chemotherapy-associated cognitive fatigue and improve objective neurocognitive performance, presenting a scalable and targeted drug-delivery strategy for post-cancer survivorship care.

Keywords

  • Alkaloids; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Cognitive Dysfunction; Drug Delivery Systems; Fatigue; Moringa oleifera

Views & Downloads Statistics (Last 12 Months)

Monthly performance and trends of article views and downloads

Views (12 months)41
Downloads (12 months)23
Article Views PDF Downloads