Phytochemical-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles from Moringa Oleifera: Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Perspectives

Background: This review examines the integration of nanotechnology and ethnopharmacology through the green synthesis of Moringa oleifera-mediated selenium nanoparticles (Moringa-SeNPs), highlighting their potential in mitigating oxidative stress-related metabolic disorders. Methods: A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar identified peer-reviewed English-language studies (2010-2025) focused on Moringa-SeNP synthesis, characterization, and biomedical activity. Studies lacking primary data or unrelated to green synthesis were excluded. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a qualitative narrative synthesis was used. Results: Evidence indicates that Moringa phytochemicals flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins serve as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, yielding biocompatible, stable nanoparticles. Moringa-SeNPs demonstrate strong antioxidant effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species, enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and modulating redox-responsive signaling pathways. Antidiabetic mechanisms include a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition, improved insulin sensitivity via glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) translocation, and protection of pancreatic b-cells from oxidative injury. Collectively, these actions support their promise as adjunct therapeutics for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Moringa-SeNPs represent an eco-friendly nanoplatform with dual antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. However, progress is limited by inconsistent synthesis protocols, variable characterization practices, insufficient toxicity assessment, and minimal translational validation. Future efforts should prioritize standardized synthesis frameworks, robust safety evaluation, and well-designed preclinical and clinical investigations to facilitate biomedical advancement and support sustainable therapeutic innovation. Such advancements will strengthen reproducibility, enhance regulatory readiness, and clarify dose-response relationships essential for clinical translation. Ultimately, integrating phytochemistry with nanotechnology may yield safer, effective, and accessible interventions for global metabolic health challenges. This review therefore provides a foundation for future multidisciplinary research directions.