Evaluation of cytotoxic and antiviral activities of aqueous leaves extracts of different plants against foot and mouth disease virus infection in farming animals

Cytotoxic and antiviral activity of aqueous leaves extracts of three plants: Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera and Morus alba against Foot and Mouth disease virus (FMDV) were determined using MTT assay (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Eight different concentrations of each plant were evaluated. Cytotoxic and antiviral activity of each extract was evaluated as cell survival percentage and results were expressed as Means ± S.D. From the tested plant extracts, Azadirachta indica & Moringa oleifera exhibited cytotoxicity at 200 & 100 μ/ml respectively. In case of antiviral assay, Moringa oleifera showed potent antiviral activity (p<0.05) while Azadirachta indica showed significant antiviral activity in the range of 12.5-50 μ/ml & 50-100 μ/ml respectively. In contrast no anti-FMDV activity in the present study was observed with Morus alba, although all the tested concentrations were found to be safe.

Ecotoxicity of water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds to zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae

The evaluation of ecotoxicity of mosquito larvicidal agents (such as the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds, WSMoL) is an essential step to establish the guidelines for their use. In this sense, this work evaluated the toxicity of WSMoL to Danio rerio embryos and larvae. Embryos were exposed to waterborne WSMoL (0.0125-0.2 mg mL^-1) for 96 h and lethal and sub-lethal effects were observed every 24 h. In the bioassays with larvae, the individuals were exposed to the WSMoL (0.025-0.2 mg mL^-1), mortality was recorded daily, and larval swimming velocities were analyzed after 72 h and 168 h of exposure. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of larvae was determined after 168 h of exposure. WSMoL LC₅₀ values to embryos were 0.190, 0.133 and 0.049 mg mL^-1 after 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. No toxic endpoint was observed after exposure for 24 h. In addition, hatching was delayed and larval length at 96 h was reduced compared to the control. WSMoL LC₅₀ to larvae were 0.21 and 0.135 mg mL^-1, after 24 h and 96 h, respectively. Larvae exposed to 0.1 and 0.2 mg mL^-1 showed a decrease in swimming speed and a significant reduction in AChE activity. In conclusion, WSMoL at waterborne concentrations needed for its use as a larvicide to A. aegypti causes lethal and sublethal effects to zebrafish embryos and larvae. Therefore, its use in waterbodies where there are non-target organisms is not recommended.

Neuroprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on aluminium-induced temporal cortical degeneration

Aluminium (Al), one of the metals implicated in neurodegeneration easily gain access to the nervous system through its presence in many manufactured foods, medicines and drinking water, and causes neurotoxicity utilizing the reactive oxygen specie pathway. The need to curtail these effects on the nervous system motivated the use of the plant Moringa oleifera (MO). This study thus, investigated the neuroprotective effects of MO leaf extract on aluminium-induced temporal cortical degeneration in rats. 24 male albino Wistar rats were grouped (n = 6) into control (1 ml/kg distilled water), l00 mg/kg aluminium chloride (AlCl₃), 300 mg/kg MO, and 100 mg/kg AlCl₃ and 300 mg/kg MO groups. The administration lasted for 28 days and the rats were sacrificed on day 29 by perfusion-fixation after blood was obtained for serum Al estimation. The brain tissues were then routinely processed for some histological and immunnolabelling studies. There was no significant difference in serum Al in the test groups. Histological results showed atrophied and karyorrhetic cells with loss of Nissl substance in the temporal cortex of the AlCl₃ group, while no adverse effect was observed in the cytoarchitecture of the temporal cortex and Nissl substance of the MO group. However, groups which were administered AlCl₃ simultaneously with MO extract showed less degenerative features in the cyto-architecture of the temporal cortex with normal Nissl substance staining. There was increased neuron specific enolase (NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expressions in the AlCl₃ group, while the MO group also showed increased NSE but decreased GFAP expression. However, the group which were administered AlCl₃ simultaneously with MO extract showed less expression of NSE and GFAP. In conclusion, MO protects against Al-induced neurotoxicity of the temporal cortex of rats.

A Review on the Possible Neuroprotective Effects of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract

Moringa oleifera is an edible plant that has been reputed to be a miracle plant by numerous authors, with effects on practically every body system. Phytochemical analyses have demonstrated that the leaves are rich in various minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Its use in some continents dates back to Antiquity. Neurodegeneration are chronic diseases of the nervous system. There is currently an increase in the use of natural products to combat these debilitating diseases. So far, no suitable cure has been found, and conditions are managed and the symptoms treated. This article reviews the literature on the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on the nervous system in vivo and in vitro.