A Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics of Moringa oleifera

Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera seed polysaccharide embedded silver nanoparticles in wound healing

Wound healing is a complicated process that influences patient's life quality. Plant-based polysaccharide has recently gained interest in its use in wound dressing materials because of its biological compatibility, natural abundance, and ideal physiochemical properties. The present study reveals the potential of polysaccharide isolated from Moringa oleifera seed (MOS-PS) and its nanocomposite with silver (MOS-PS-AgNPs) as alternative materials for wound dressing. First, MOS-PS was isolated and structurally characterized by TLC, HPLC, FTIR, NMR, and GPC analyses. A green and simple method was used to synthesize AgNPs using MOS-PS as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The size, morphology, and structure of the MOS-PS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The results showed that the MOS-PS-AgNPs were spherically shaped, having no cytotoxicity toward mouse fibroblasts cells and promoting their in-vitro migration. Moreover, the MOS-PS-AgNPs displayed strong anti-microbial activity against wound infectious pathogenic bacteria. Finally, the MOS-PS-AgNPs were used for dressing animal wounds and its preliminary mechanism was studied by RT-PCR and histological analysis. The results showed that the MOS-PS-AgNPs can promote wound contraction and internal tissue growth well. Overall, our results indicated that the MOS-PS-AgNPs might be an excellent candidate for use as an optimal wound dressing material.

Do Bioactive Food Compound with Avena sativa L., Linum usitatissimum L. and Glycine max L. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam. Have a Role against Nutritional Disorders? An Overview of the In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Functional clinical nutrition is an integrative science; it uses dietary strategies, functional foods and medicinal plants, as well as combinations thereof. Both functional foods and medicinal plants, whether associated or not, form nutraceuticals, which can bring benefits to health, in addition to being included in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some functional food effects from Avena sativa L. (oats), Linum usitatissimum L. (brown flaxseed), Glycine max L. (soya) and Moringa oleifera have been proposed for nutritional disorders through in vitro and in vivo tests. A formulation called a bioactive food compound (BFC) showed efficiency in the association of oats, flaxseed and soy for dyslipidemia and obesity. In this review, we discuss the effects of BFC in other nutritional disorders, as well as the beneficial effects of M. oleifera in obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, intestinal inflammatory diseases/colorectal carcinogenesis and malnutrition. In addition, we hypothesized that a BFC enriched with M. oleifera could present a synergistic effect and play a potential benefit in nutritional disorders. The traditional consumption of M. oleifera preparations can allow associations with other formulations, such as BFC. These nutraceutical formulations can be easily accepted and can be used in sweet preparations (fruit and/or vegetable juices, fruit and/or vegetable vitamins, porridges, yogurt, cream, mousses or fruit salads, cakes and cookies) or savory (vegetable purees, soups, broths and various sauces), cooked or not. These formulations can be low-cost and easy-to-use. The association of bioactive food substances in dietary formulations can facilitate adherence to consumption and, thus, contribute to the planning of future nutritional interventions for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of the clinical conditions presented in this study. This can be extended to the general population. However, an investigation through clinical studies is needed to prove applicability in humans.

The protective effect of Moringa oleifera plant extract against glutamate-induced DNA damage and reduced cell viability in a primary retinal ganglion cell line

Background

Glutamate excitotoxicity can cause DNA damage and is linked to many retinal and neurological disorders. In mammals, the visual signal from the eyes to the brain is conducted only by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which can be damaged by overstimulation of glutamate receptors.

Methodology

We examined the protective effects of Moringa oleifera seed extract against glutamate-induced DNA damage in RGCs. RGCs cells were treated with 5, 10, 50, or 100 µg/ml of M. oleifera seed extract and glutamate separately and then assessed for DNA damage using the comet assay. We also evaluated the viability of the RGCs after both treatments using the MTT test. Additionally, RGCs were pretreated with M. oleifera seed extract (50 or 100 µg/ml) for 2 h before glutamate treatment (100 µg/ml) to determine the potential protective effects of M. oleifera. We performed a phytochemical analysis of the M. oleifera seed extract using standard reactions.

Results

The M. oleifera seed extract was found to be rich in many phytochemicals. We observed a significant dose-dependent elevation in all comet assay variables in glutamate-treated RGCs, whereas M. oleifera seed extract treatments did not show any significant change in DNA integrity.

Conclusion

M. oleifera seed extract demonstrates neuroprotective effects, which suggests it may help to prevent the development of many neurodegenerative disorders.

Moringa oleifera leaves alleviated inflammation through downregulation of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in a colitis-associated colorectal cancer model

New chemopreventive alternatives are needed due to the rising worldwide incidence of colorectal cancer. The objective was to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of Moringa oleifera leaves (MO) in a colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis model. We hypothesized that MO contain bioactive compounds capable of modulating the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response and carcinogenesis. Forty-eight male mice (CD-1) were divided into six groups; 1: Healthy control; 2: Positive control induced with azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/Kg body weight, intraperitoneal injection) and three cycles of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 1.5% in drinking water); groups 3, 4, and 5 were induced with AOM/DSS and supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 20% of MO, respectively; group 6: had no disease induction and supplemented with 20% of MO. Mice were treated for 12 weeks and euthanized. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for the moringa-administered groups in morphological and histopathological parameters compared to the AOM/DSS control. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity (~50%) and lipid peroxidation (1.9-3.1 times) were found in groups with 10% and 20% of MO compared to the AOM/DSS control (p < 0.05). The group supplemented with 10% MO showed a significant increase (~3 times) in butyrate and propionate in fecal and cecal content. Groups supplemented with 10%, and 20% MO showed a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines in serum (MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α) compared to the AOM/DSS control. Treatment with 10% MO induced differential expression of 65 genes in colon tissue such as IL-2, IL-6, TNF, IL-1ß, and INF-γ. MO downregulated proinflammatory mediators showing chemopreventive properties against inflammatory response and colon carcinogenesis.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and its bioactive compound gallic acid on reducing toxicities of heavy metals and metalloid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Moringa oleifera leaf extract is rich in antioxidants and has high potential for use to alleviate metal toxicity. Previously, we have reported the roles of aqueous M. oleifera leaf extract in mitigating intracellular cadmium (Cd) accumulation and Cd-induced oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective role of aqueous and/or ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extracts (AMOLE and/or EMOLE) against other metal(loid)s in the eukaryotic model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our results show that only the AMOLE remarkably promoted the growth of yeast cells grown in the presence of arsenite (As(III)), Cd, nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Although the AMOLE contained lower amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and displayed lower DPPH scavenging capacity than the EMOLE, both AMOLE and EMOLE had the same capacity for reducing intracellular ROS levels in yeast cells exposed to As(III), Cd, Ni, and Pb. Moreover, the AMOLE was more effective than the EMOLE in inhibiting intracellular accumulation of these toxic metal(loid)s. In addition, we found that gallic acid, one of important phenolic constituents present in both extracts, could protect yeast cells against As(III) toxicity, likely through its role in decreasing As(III) accumulation and As(III)-induced ROS production. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of gallic acid appear to play a critical role in chelating As(III). The present study suggests the promising applications of the AMOLE (and also gallic acid) as protective agents against hazardous metal(loid)s.

Ethnomedicinal herbs in African traditional medicine with potential activity for the prevention, treatment, and management of coronavirus disease 2019

BACKGROUND

Ethnomedicine, a study of traditional medicine, is significant in drug discovery and development. African traditional medicine has been in existence for several thousands of years, and several drugs have been discovered and developed from it.

MAIN TEXT

The deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 has widely spread globally with high mortality and morbidity. Its prevention, treatment and management still pose a serious challenge. A drug for the cure of this disease is yet to be developed. The clinical management at present is based on symptomatic treatment as presented by individuals infected and this is by combination of more than two drugs such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-microbials. Literature search was performed through electronic searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and several research reports including WHO technical documents and monographs.

CONCLUSION

Drug discovery from herbs is essential and should be exploited for the discovery of drugs for the management of COVID-19. This review is aimed at identifying ethnomedicinal herbs available in Africa that could be used for the discovery and development of a drug for the prevention, treatment, and management of the novel coronavirus disease 2019.

Virucidal activity of Moringa A from Moringa oleifera seeds against Influenza A Viruses by regulating TFEB

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are highly contagious pathogens infecting human and numerous animals. The viruses cause millions of infection cases and thousands of deaths every year, making IAVs a continual threat to global health. Our study demonstrated the virucidal activity of Moringa A as a new compound from Moringa oleifera seeds against IAVs. It inhibits virus replication in host cells and protects infected cells from the cytopathic effect induced by IAVs. The EC50andEC90 values of Moringa A for IAVs were 1.27 and 5.30 μM, respectively, when RAW264.7 cells were infected at MOI of 1. The different treatment experiments revealed that Moringa A has a significant inhibitory effect on the IAVs both before and afterdrug addition. Moringa A was observed to decrease the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-β in H1N1 infected RAW264.7 cells. Finally, Moringa A was found to inhibit the expression and nuclear transfer of the cellular protein transcription factor EB (TFEB) and weaken the autophagy in infected cells, which could be an important antiviral mechanism. Our study demonstrates Moringa A has potent antiviral activity against IVAs, which could be due to the autophagy inhibition property.

Comparative Antioxidant Analysis of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts from South Western States in Nigeria

Background

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that ethnobotanical studies have shown its inclusion in treatment of many ailments such as diarrhea, diabetes, epilepsy, wound healing and arthritis. It is a plant that was believed to originate from India but could now be found in both the tropics and the sub-topics. Earlier reports have not addressed the association between the location of plant collection and its antioxidant contents. In this study, Moringa oleifera leaves were collected from 21 locations within the south western states of Nigeria. Leaves from each of the locations were dried and evaluated for total phenols, tannin, saponin and flavonoid. DPPH scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated.

Results

All the parameters analysed showed significant within- and between-group differences. Some locations had greater DPPH scavenging ability than the standard (quercetin).

Conclusion

Environmental parameters like annual precipitation, minimum temperature and maximum temperature, and soil type of the location of the plants showed influence on the level of antioxidant, while further analysis using metaboanalyst showed a notable effect of soil type on the antioxidant activity.

Plant microRNAs from Moringa oleifera Regulate Immune Response and HIV Infection

Traditional medicine is often chosen due to its affordability, its familiarity with patient’s cultural practices, and its wider access to the local community. Plants play an important role in providing indispensable nutrients, while specific small RNAs can regulate human gene expression in a cross-kingdom manner. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of plant-enriched purified extract microRNAs from Moringa oleifera seeds (MO) on the immune response and on HIV infection. Bioinformatic analysis shows that plant microRNAs (p-miRs) from MO belonging to 18 conserved families, including p-miR160h, p-miR166, p-miR482b, p-miR159c, p-miR395d, p-miR2118a, p-miR393a, p-miR167f-3p, and p-miR858b are predicted to target with high affinity BCL2, IL2RA, TNF, and VAV1, all these being involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, immune response and also in the regulation of HIV pathogenesis. The effects of MO p-miRs transfected into HIV+ PBMCs were analyzed and revealed a decrease in viability associated with an increase of apoptosis; an increase of T helper cells expressing Fas and a decrease of intracellular Bcl2 protein expression. Meanwhile no effects were detected in PBMCs from healthy donors. In CD4⁺ T cells, transfection significantly reduced cell activation and modified the T cell differentiation, thereby decreasing both central and effector memory cells while increasing terminal effector memory cells. Interestingly, the p-miRs transfection induces a reduction of intracellular HIV p24 protein and a reduction of viral DNA integration. Finally, we evaluated the effect of synthetic (mimic) p-miR858b whose sequence is present in the MO p-miR pool and predicted to target VAV1, a protein involved in HIV-Nef binding. This protein plays a pivotal role in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling, so triggering the activation of various pathways. The transfection of HIV+ PBMCs with the synthetic p-miR858b showed a reduced expression of VAV1 and HIV p24 proteins. Overall, our evidence defines putative mechanisms underlying a supplementary benefit of traditional medicine, alongside current antiretroviral therapy, in managing HIV infection in resource-limited settings where MO remains widely available.

Health Benefits of Uses and Applications of Moringa oleifera in Bakery Products

Moringa oleifera belongs to the Moringaceae family and is the best known of the native Moringa oleifera genus. For centuries, it has been used as a system of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and has a wide range of nutritional and bioactive compounds, including proteins, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, fibre, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and others. These characteristics allow it to have pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties. The entire Moringa oleifera plant is edible, including its flowers, however, it is not entirely safe, because of compounds that have been found mainly in the root and bark, so the leaf was identified as the safest. Moringa oleifera is recognised as an excellent source of phytochemicals, with potential applications in functional and medicinal food preparations due to its nutritional and medicinal properties; many authors have experimented with incorporating it mainly in biscuits, cakes, brownies, meats, juices and sandwiches. The results are fascinating, as the products increase their nutritional value; however, the concentrations cannot be high, as this affects the organoleptic characteristics of the supplemented products. The aim of this study is to review the application of Moringa oleifera in bakery products, which will allow the creation of new products that improve their nutritional and functional value.

Agnucastoside C, isolated from Moringa oleifera ameliorates thyrotoxicosis and liver abnormalities in female mice

Background

In the present investigation an attempt was made to evaluate the potential of agnucastoside C (ACC), isolated from the leaves of Moringa oleifera in ameliorating thyrotoxicosis, hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hyperglycemia in female mice.

Methods

L-thyroxine (L-T4) at 0.5 mg/kg/d was administered through intra-peritoneal route for 15 consecutive days to induce thyrotoxicosis and then the effects of three different doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight) of the isolated ACC for 21 days were investigated on the changes in serum thyroid hormones, insulin, glucose, different lipids; hepatic lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, advanced oxidation protein products, reduced glutathione and in lipid peroxides.

Results

Following the administration of L-T4, serum T3, T4, insulin, glucose levels and the tissue LPO were increased with a decrease in serum thyroid stimulating hormone and antioxidative enzymes. However, administration of the test compound to hyperthyroid animals significantly decreased the levels of thyroid hormones, glucose and lipid peroxidation and normalized the concentration of insulin and tissue antioxidants, suggesting its antithyroid, antihyperglycemic and antiperoxidative potential. The T4-induced adverse effects on liver histology were also abolished. These findings suggest the possible use of the test compound in ameliorating thyrotoxicosis.

Conclusion

ACC exhibited antithyroidic, antihypoglycemic, antioxidative and insulin normalizing activities.

Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera: Chemical and Biological Approaches

Alternative therapies, such as phytotherapy, are considered to improve the health status of people with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs). In this regard, Moringa oleifera is currently being studied for its nutritional value and its total phenolic content. Besides phenolic compounds, the phytochemical composition is also of great interest. This composition is characterized by the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates formed by the biotransformation of Moringa glucosinolates contain an additional sugar in their chemical structure, which provides stability to these bioactive compounds over other isothiocyanates found in other crops. Both glucosinolates and isothiocyanates have been described as beneficial for the prevention and improvement of some chronic diseases. The content of glucosinolates in Moringa tissues can be enhanced by certain harvesting methods which in turn alters their final yield after extraction. This review aims to highlight certain features of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates from M. oleifera, such as their chemical structure, functionality, and main extraction and harvesting methods. Some of their health-promoting effects will also be addressed.

Aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera reduced intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation and acrosome reaction in Human spermatozoa in vitro

The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on human sperm functions and integrity was studied in vitro. Semen was obtained by masturbation after 3-5 days' abstinence from 34 healthy donors in Western Cape, South Africa. Liquefied semen was washed in human tubular fluid supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA;1:5) with 10 min centrifugation at 300 g. Sperm suspensions were subsequently incubated with MO extract (0.625, 6.25, 62.5 and 625 µg/ml) for 1 hr, where HTF-BSA served as control. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Sperm motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential and capacitation remained unchanged (p > .05). A dose-dependent decrease in sperm reactive oxygen species production (p < .0001), DNA fragmentation (p < .0001) and acrosome reaction (p < .001) was observed. An increase in the percentage of non-capacitated sperm (p < .01) was noted at 625 µg/ml. The antioxidant properties of MO actively maintained basic sperm functions, inhibited excess sperm free superoxide production and preserved acrosome reaction and DNA integrity. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of aqueous MO leaf extract on fertility potential.

Phytoperspective of Moringa oleifera for oral health care: An innovative ethnomedicinal approach

The present era accentuate the use of alternative medicines as drugs extracted from several plant parts. These herbal medicines otherwise called ethnomedicines are now the source of many imperative drugs in this contemporary world. Furthermore with ever rising oral problems by luxurious lifestyle in this modern society, there is a soaring need for use of potent medicinal plants like horse radish (Moringa oleifera Lam.) against various oral ailments. Therefore, use of herbal medicines in reducing the adverse effects of various conventional allopathic medicines and harmful side effects of conventional antibiotics has emerged as an evolved technique in pharmaceutical science. The present review emphasizes the antipathogenic potentiality of M. oleifera along with their known therapeutic properties through biologically active compounds (phytoconstituents) and ethnomedicinal uses. Various ethno-pharmacological studies of the plant parts with their nutritional value and multifarious medicinal uses including oral health care are being quoted in present review. This review will foster future research on phytoconstituent analysis, bioefficacy assessment for oral micro flora and ethno-pharmaceutical importance of M. oleifera in the field of medical science with special reference to dentistry. Consequently, this innovative ethnomedicinal approach for oral health care may supplement the modern medicine through its potent phytoconstituents.

Alleviation of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity by Moringa oleifera extract in rats: highlighting the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxicant; its consumption can induce renal deficits. In this study, we explored the possible protective efficiency of Moringa oleifera extract (MOE) against lead acetate (PbAc)-mediated reprotoxicity. Four experimental groups of seven rats each were used: control, PbAc, MOE, and MOE+PbAc groups. All groups were given their respective treatment for 4 weeks. PbAc impaired the oxidative/antioxidative balance in the renal tissue, as shown by the decreased antioxidant proteins (glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) and increased oxidants (lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide). Additionally, PbAc enhanced the progression of kidney inflammation by increasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and nuclear factor kappa B associated with upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, a dysregulation in the apoptotic-regulating proteins (Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl2) were recorded upon PbAc exposure. Remarkably, MOE oral administration restored redox homeostasis, suppressed the inflammatory and apoptotic responses in the kidney tissue. Our findings point out that MOE could be used as an alternative remedy to overcome the adverse effects of Pb exposure, which may be due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Potential of Moringa oleifera to Improve Glucose Control for the Prevention of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Alterations: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant consumed as food and known for its medicinal uses, among others. Leaves, seeds and pods are the main parts used as food or food supplements. Nutritionally rich and with a high polyphenol content in the form of phenolic acids, flavonoids and glucosinolates, MO has been shown to exert numerous in vitro activities and in vivo effects, including hypoglycemic activity. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed database and reference lists on the effects of MO on glucose metabolism. Thirty-three animal studies and eight human studies were included. Water and organic solvent extracts of leaves and, secondly, seeds, have been extensively assayed in animal models, showing the hypoglycemic effect, both under acute conditions and in long-term administrations and also prevention of other metabolic changes and complications associated to the hyperglycemic status. In humans, clinical trials are scarce, with variable designs and testing mainly dry leaf powder alone or mixed with other foods or MO aqueous preparations. Although the reported results are encouraging, especially those from postprandial studies, more human studies are certainly needed with more stringent inclusion criteria and a sufficient number of diabetic or prediabetic subjects. Moreover, trying to quantify the bioactive substances administered with the experimental material tested would facilitate comparison between studies.

Effect of microvesicles from Moringa oleifera containing miRNA on proliferation and apoptosis in tumor cell lines

Human microvesicles are key mediators of cell-cell communication. Exosomes function as microRNA transporters, playing a crucial role in physiological and pathological processes. Plant microvesicles (MVs) display similar features to mammalian exosomes, and these MVs might enhance plant microRNA delivery in mammals. Considering that plant microRNAs have been newly identified as bioactive constituents in medicinal plants, and that their potential role as regulators in mammals has been underlined, in this study, we characterized MVs purified from Moringa oleifera seeds aqueous extract (MOES MVs) and used flow cytometry methods to quantify the ability to deliver their content to host cells. The microRNAs present in MOES MVs were characterized, and through a bioinformatic analysis, specific human apoptosis-related target genes of plant miRNAs were identified. In tumor cell lines, MOES MVs treatment reduced viability, increased apoptosis levels associated with a decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 protein expression and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Interestingly, the effects observed with MOES MVs treatment were comparable to those observed with MOES treatment and transfection with the pool of small RNAs isolated from MOES, used as a control. These results highlight the role of microRNAs transported by MOES MVs as natural bioactive plant compounds that counteract tumorigenesis.

Expanding the anti-inflammatory potential of Moringa oleifera: topical effect of seed oil on skin inflammation and hyperproliferation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Popularly used in India and sub-Hymalaian region, Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is associated with healing properties demonstrated in its use as treatment of acute and chronic skin diseases. Our study aimed at investigating the effects of M. oleifera seed oil (MOSO) in animal models for inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MOSO was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperproliferative effects of treatment with either MOSO or oleic acid (OA), its main constituent, was evaluated. Acute and chronic inflammation was induced by applying 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and acute inflammation with either Arachidonic Acid (AA) or Phenol onto the ear of Swiss mice. Systemic activity and the influence of glucocorticoid receptors (GC) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Topical application of MOSO and OA inhibited ear edema caused by TPA, and Phenol. Only MOSO inhibited ear edema induced by AA. Neutrophil migration was also inhibited by treatment with MOSO. Topical application of MOSO, but not OA, significantly reduced chronic skin inflammation and epidermal hypertrophy induced by multiple TPA applications. Pre-treatment with GC antagonist mifepristone reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of MOSO and OA on the TPA model. Repeated administration of MOSO show a similar effect to dexamethasone on thymus weight, though MOSO did not present any influence on skin thickness, as well as in the weight of the spleen, adrenal gland and lymph node.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that MOSO is effective as a treatment for skin diseases that rely on keratinocyte hyperproliferation. OA is also effective in acute inflammation. Both MOSO and OA depend on GC activation for anti-inflammatory effect but do not exhibit the same adverse effects seen in topical treatment with dexamethasone. We hereby evidence the use of MOSO as a topical anti-inflammatory agent in inflammatory skin diseases, thus, expanding its therapeutic potential.

Impact of Ultrasound Extraction Parameters on the Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera Leaves

Recently, much interest has been focused on Moringa oleifera L., a highly versatile and sustainable plant. In addition to its nutritional properties, numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in M. oleifera leaves, for which healthy properties have been reported. In the present research, the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the recovery of the bioactive compounds from leaves was investigated. Firstly, an experimental design approach has been used to highlight the influence of some extraction parameters (solvent, solvent/dry leaves ratio, temperature, time) on phenol compound recovery and antioxidant activity. Solvent composition was the most influential factor; in fact, the presence of water in the solvent (50:50, v/v) corresponded to an increase in the extraction performance. The liquid/solid ratio (L/S) also influenced the extraction process; in fact, the total phenol content reached 13.4 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry matter (DM) in the following UAE conditions: 50% water, 60:1 L/S ratio, 60 °C, 60 min. In order to quantify flavonols, hydroalcoholic extracts were analysed by HPLC-DAD (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector). In the flavonol class, the glycosidic forms of quercetin and kaempferol were mainly detected. Their content ranged from 216.4 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside to 293.9 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucoside. In summary, the leaves of M. oleifera are a potential natural source of bioactive compounds, proving to be very promising for the development of health-promoting food supplements.

Mo-CBP4, a purified chitin-binding protein from Moringa oleifera seeds, is a potent antidermatophytic protein: In vitro mechanisms of action, in vivo effect against infection, and clinical application as a hydrogel for skin infection

Dermatophytes belonging to Trichophyton ssp. are important anthropophilic and zoophilic pathogens, which developed resistance to griseofulvin, the common antifungal drug used to treat dermatophytosis. In this context, Moringa oleifera seed proteins have been described as antifungal agents with potential applications. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the antidermatophytic in vitro, focusing on mechanisms, and in vivo potential of Mo-CBP₄, purified from M. oleifera seeds. Mo-CBP₄was purified after protein extraction with 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, and chromatography on chitin and CM Sepharose™ columns and antidermatophytic potential of Mo-CBP₄ evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, Mo-CBP₄ reduced in 50% the germination of microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes at 45 μM; but did not show inhibition of mycelial growth. Mo-CBP₄ (45 μM) presents the inhibitory activity even when incubated with N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG). Analysis of the mechanisms of Mo-CBP₄ revealed an increase in membrane permeability, ROS overproduction and damage to cell wall leading to microconidia death. Furthermore, using in vivo models, Mo-CBP₄ (5, 10 and 20 mg g^-1) reduced the severity and time of dermatophytosis. Altogether, these findings indicate that Mo-CBP₄ has great potential for the development of novel antifungal drugs for the clinical treatment of dermatophytosis.

Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts against Cariogenic Biofilm

Moringa oleifera leaves are beneficial for human health. Dental caries is closely related with cariogenic biofilm, which is an oral biofilm containing a high proportion of Streptococcus mutans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of the M. oleifera leaf extracts on S. mutans and formation of cariogenic biofilm. Extract from M. oleifera leaves was derived using distilled water (DW) and ethyl alcohol (EtOH). S. mutans susceptibility assays were performed for each extract. Cariogenic biofilm was formed with or without DW and EtOH extract, and cariogenic biofilm was treated with both extracts. The biofilm was observed by confocal laser microscopy, and the bacteria in the biofilm were counted. Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and inhibited formation of cariogenic biofilm. The EtOH extracts exhibited anti-biofilm activity. M. oleifera leaves may be potential candidates to prevent dental caries.