Search Results (123)

In this study, using 70% anhydrous ethanol as the extraction solvent, Moringa oleifera Lam. seed powder was extracted with the microwave-assisted extraction method, followed by purification using macroporous adsorbent resin NKA-9. The purified glucosinolate was subsequently hydrolyzed with myrosinase. The glucosinolate and its enzymatic product were identified as 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate (4-RBMG) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) by UV–Vis, FT-IR, NMR, and MS. The bioactivities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor activities of 4-RBMG and BITC, were systematically evaluated and compared. The results show that at 5–20 mg/mL, the anti-oxidation effects of 4-RBMG on DPPH and ABTS free radicals are superior to those of BITC. However, at the same concentrations, BITC has stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities compared to 4-RBMG. Notably, at a concentration of 6.25 μmol/L, BITC significantly inhibited NO production with an inhibitory rate of 96.67% without cytotoxicity. Additionally, at a concentration of 40 μmol/L, BITC exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on five tumor cell lines, with the cell inhibitory rates of leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A549, and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 exceeding 90%. This study provides some evidence that the enzymatic product, BITC, shows promise as a therapeutic agent for tumor suppression and inflammation reduction. Full article

The holistic use of Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds is not as popular amongst rural South Africans. This study screened for the phytochemicals, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potentials as well identifying the compounds in the oils of South African Moringa seed oils using cost-effective thin layer chromatography bioautography and dot blot assays, because fewer studies have been conducted using seed samples from this country. The results obtained indicated that the best oil extract yield (24.04%) was obtained for hexane from 60.10 g of powdered seeds. The yield of the other extracts ranged from 6.2 to 9.5%. Positive test results were obtained for terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, with potentially good antioxidant properties for scavenging free radicals from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and good antimicrobial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (BAA 747), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 27853), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), with the best zone of inhibition of 314.2 mm² obtained for oil extracted with hexane, followed by dichloromethane, methanol, and acetone oil extracts, respectively. The best minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.032 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa was recorded for the hexane oil, compared with ciprofloxacin, which had an MIC of 0.0039 mg/mL against the same pathogen. The identification of the in-oil compounds proposed to mitigate inhibitory activity against the test microbes was carried out through GC-MS analysis matching our results with the GC-MS library. These compounds included ursane-3,16-diol, azetidin-2-one, 1-benzyl-4à-methyl, dibutyl phthalate, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene, 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, 3-ethyl-4-methyl, octopamine rhodoxanthin, 29,30-dinorgammacerane-3,22-diol, 21,21-dimethy, cholan-24-oic acid, 3,7-dioxo, and benzyl alcohol. These are in addition to the stability-indicating marker compounds like oleic acid (54.9%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (z)-, methyl ester (23.3%), n-hexadecanoic acid (9.68%), among others observed over a five year period. Full article

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is widely recognised as a multipurpose crop suitable for human and animal consumption, medicinal, and industrial purposes, making it attractive for introduction into new ranges. Its extracts have been found to have beneficial impacts on various crop species and biological activity against multiple weeds, making their use in agriculture promising. However, concerns have also been raised about moringa’s potential to negatively impact the growth and development of other cultivated and non-cultivated plant species, especially in areas where it has been introduced outside its native range. To understand the positive and negative interactions between moringa and other plants, it is essential to investigate its allelopathic potential. Allelopathy is a biological activity by which one plant species produces and releases chemical compounds that influence the reproduction, growth, survival, or behaviour of other plants with either beneficial or detrimental effects on the receiver. Plants produce and release allelochemicals by leaching, volatilisation, or through root exudation. These biochemical compounds can affect critical biological processes such as seed germination, root and shoot elongation, photosynthesis, enzymatic activities, and hormonal balance in neighboring plants. Therefore, allelopathy is an important driver of plant composition and ecological interactions in an ecosystem. This review explores the positive and negative allelopathic effects of moringa extracts on other plant species, which may help to inform decisions regarding its introduction into new biogeographical regions and incorporation into existing farming systems, as well as the use of moringa plant extracts in agriculture. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and functional properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves from plants cultivated in Sicily, with the objective of exploring their potential use in functional food production. Precision agriculture techniques, including unmanned aerial vehicle-based multispectral remote sensing, were used to determine the optimal harvesting time for M. oleifera. After harvesting, leaves were dried using a smart solar dryer system based on a wireless sensor network and milled with a laboratory centrifugal mill to produce powdered M. oleifera leaves (PMOLs). Plate counts showed no colonies of undesired microorganisms in PMOLs. The MiSeq Illumina analysis revealed that the class Alphaproteobacteria was dominant (83.20% of Relative Abundance) among bacterial groups found in PMOLs. The hydroalcoholic extract from PMOLs exhibited strong redox-active properties in solution assays and provided antioxidant protection in a cell-based lipid peroxidation model (CAA₅₀: 5.42 μg/mL). Additionally, it showed antiproliferative activity against three human tumour epithelial cell lines (HepG2, Caco-2, and MCF-7), with GI₅₀ values ranging from 121.03 to 237.75 μg/mL. The aromatic profile of PMOLs includes seven phytochemical groups: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, terpenes, and hydrocarbons. The most representative compounds were terpenes (27.5%), ketones (25.3%), and alcohols (14.5%). Results suggest that PMOLs can serve as a natural additive for functional foods. Full article

The increasing global demand for resilient, sustainable agricultural systems has intensified the need for advanced monitoring strategies, particularly for climate-adaptive crops such as Moringa oleifera Lam. This study presents an integrated approach using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras to monitor the vegetative performance and determine the optimal harvest period of four M. oleifera genotypes in a Mediterranean environment. High-resolution data were collected and processed to generate the NDVI, canopy temperature, and height maps, enabling the assessment of plant vigor, stress conditions, and spatial canopy structure. NDVI analysis revealed robust vegetative growth (0.7–0.9), with optimal harvest timing identified on 30 October 2024, when the mean NDVI exceeded 0.85. Thermal imaging effectively discriminated plant crowns from surrounding weeds by capturing cooler canopy zones due to active transpiration. A clear inverse correlation between NDVI and Land Surface Temperature (LST) was observed, reinforcing its relevance for stress diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The results underscore the value of UAV-based multi-sensor systems for precision agriculture, offering scalable tools for phenotyping, harvest optimization, and sustainable management of medicinal and aromatic crops in semiarid regions. Moreover, in this study, to produce M. oleifera leaf powder intended for use as a food ingredient, the leaves of four M. oleifera genotypes were dried, milled, and evaluated for their hygiene and safety characteristics. Plate count analyses confirmed the absence of pathogenic bacterial colonies in the M. oleifera leaf powders, highlighting their potential application as natural and functional additives in food production. Full article

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree”, has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional profile and broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the plant’s botanical characteristics, taxonomy, cultivation practices, and biochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates-which underlie its diverse therapeutic effects. The paper compiles and analyzes evidence from over 200 peer-reviewed studies, documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects, among others. For instance, leaf extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in both animal models and clinical trials, while seed-derived isothiocyanates have shown significant antibacterial and anticancer activity. In addition, clinical and in vivo data support M. oleifera’s role in fertility regulation, cardiovascular protection, and neurodegenerative disease mitigation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review highlights its growing use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmeceutical products, reflecting its commercial and industrial relevance. By consolidating findings across disciplines, this review underscores the multifaceted value of M. oleifera as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource. Full article

A comparative evaluation of Moringa oleifera Lam. ethanolic leaf extracts was performed using different extraction methods (maceration or ultrasound-assisted) and the qualitative and quantitative profile of the bioactive compounds contained were further assessed. The antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, as well as the antiangiogenic effects through in ovo studies. Six ethanolic extracts were tested in this study. Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70% extracts displayed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and also showed a significant AOA at the highest tested dose. Regarding the antimicrobial effect, the extracts obtained with 70% ethanol (maceration or ultrasound-assisted) had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. coli, followed by Candida parapsilosis. On the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, the extracts showed no effect. The HET-CAM assay showed that the extracts did not cause any irritation compared to the used positive control. Furthermore, the extracts Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70% did not affect the normal process of blood vessel formation. The data obtained highlights that, from the six tested extracts, the ones obtained with 70% ethanol using maceration and ultrasound-assisted methods (Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70%) showed the highest phenolic content and exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The same two extracts did not show signs of irritation in the HET-CAM model. Full article

The cultivation of Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) has steadily increased over the past few decades, and interest in the crop continues to rise due to its unique multi-purpose properties. However, knowledge pertaining to its water use to guide decision-making in relation to the growth and management of this crop remains fairly limited. Since acquiring such information can be challenging using traditional in situ or remote sensing-based methods, particularly in resource-poor regions, this study aims to explore the potential of using the cloud-based Earth Engine Evapotranspiration Flux (EEFlux) model to quantify the water use of M. oleifera in a semi-arid region of South Africa. For this purpose, EEFlux estimates were acquired and compared with eddy covariance measurements between November 2022 and May 2023. The results of these comparisons demonstrated that EEFlux unsatisfactorily estimated ET, producing root mean square error, mean absolute error, and R² values of 2.03 mm d⁻¹, 1.63 mm d⁻¹, and 0.24, respectively. The poor performance of this model can be attributed to several factors such as the quantity and quality of the in situ data as well as inherent model limitations. While these results are less than satisfactory, EEFlux affords users a quick and convenient approach to extracting crucial ET and ancillary data. Subsequently, with further refinement and testing, EEFlux can potentially serve to provide a wide variety of users with an invaluable tool to guide and inform decision-making with regards to agricultural water use management, particularly those in resource-constrained environments. Full article

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is a major global public health concern. Human health is in danger from microorganisms that have developed resistance to currently used drugs. Honey is well known for its significant activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, the antibacterial properties of honey from various botanical sources in Saudi Arabia against seven significant nosocomial and foodborne pathogens were investigated. The physicochemical properties of four Saudi honey samples—aloe honey (HO1) (Aloe vera L.), anise honey (HO2) (Pimpinella anisum L.), moringa honey (HO4) (Moringa oleifera Lam.), and acacia honey (HO5) (Acacia sp.)—were examined. In addition, they were screened for antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterobacter faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter sp.) and anti-biofilm activity against four pathogenic bacteria strains: S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, and E. coli. ¹H NMR profiling and multivariate analysis (PCA and PLS-DA) were performed. Aloe honey (HO1) was the most distinct sample based on MVDA and its antibacterial activity, and it exhibited anti-biofilm activity against most biofilm-forming microorganisms. Its metabolic profile was deduced using LC-MS, and the resulting annotated compounds were docked against several β-lactamase enzyme classes. The results reveal the potential of honey-derived compounds to inhibit β-lactamases due to the presence of gallic acid hexoside and rosmarinic acid, suggesting their potential as competitive inhibitors. Our findings suggest that further honey antibacterial compounds could offer a novel approach to overcoming antibiotic resistance by targeting and inhibiting β-lactamase enzymes. Full article

Moringa oleifera (LAM) is a multipurpose tree species with extensive pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties. Production of important medicinal plants is facing decline under changing climatic conditions, which brings along exacerbated abiotic stresses like salinity and intraspecific competition, particularly high planting densities. Increasing plant density is seen as a strategy to increase production; however, the intraspecific competition and a lack of arable land limit productivity. Salinity has been estimated to harm approximately six percent of the Earth’s landmass. This leads to a loss of over 20% of agricultural output annually. These stressors can significantly curtail moringa’s growth and yield potential. Literature designates that Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), ubiquitous soil microorganisms forming symbiotic associations with plant roots, offer a promising avenue for mitigating these stresses. This narrative review aims to investigate the utilization of AMF to alleviate the detrimental effects of salinity and high planting density on Moringa oleifera. The different adaptive strategies M. oleifera undergoes to mitigate both stressors are explored. The review found that AMF inoculation enhances plant tolerance to these stressors by improving nutrient acquisition, water relations, and activating stress response mechanisms. By facilitating improved nutrient and water absorption, AMF enhance root architecture, modulate ROS scavenging mechanisms, and promote optimal biomass allocation, ensuring better survival in high-density plantings. Furthermore, AMF-mediated stress alleviation is linked to enhanced physiological efficiency, including increased chlorophyll content, root–shoot biomass balance, and ion homeostasis. This review is important because it could provide insights into a sustainable, natural solution for improving the resilience of Moringa oleifera under adverse environmental conditions, with potential applications in global agriculture and food security. Future research should prioritize identifying and characterizing moringa-specific AMF species and evaluate the long-term efficacy, feasibility, and economic viability of AMF application in real-world moringa cultivation systems to fully harness the potential of AMF in moringa cultivation. Full article

Clean water scarcity in developing countries like South Africa poses significant health risks. This study investigated the effectiveness of a simple water purification device using Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds as active beads, offering a novel, low-cost, and sustainable solution for water treatment in resource-limited settings. The device combined M. oleifera seed powder with activated charcoal and cotton wool, providing a locally adaptable and environmentally friendly solution. Water samples were collected from three sites along the Pienaars River during winter and summer, and M. oleifera seeds were ground into three particle sizes (710 µm, 1000 µm, and 2000 µm) for testing. Results showed that the device significantly reduced microbial loads, with the total coliforms decreasing by 60–85%, E. coli by 50–75%, Salmonella spp. by 40–70%, and Shigella spp. by 30–65% across sampling points. However, filtered samples still exceeded the WHO and SANS guidelines, with microbial counts remaining above 0 CFU/100 mL. Physicochemical properties, including pH (6.02–7.73), electrical conductivity (17.8–109.5 mS/m), and ion concentrations (e.g., nitrate: 0.21–39.55 mg/L; chloride: 8.57–73.55 mg/L), complied with the SANS 241:2015 and WHO drinking water standards. The finest particle size (710 µm) demonstrated the highest microbial reduction and increased magnesium concentrations by up to 30%. Seasonal variations influenced the performance, with summer samples showing a better microbial removal efficiency (70–85%) compared to winter (50–70%). This study highlights the potential of M. oleifera-based filtration as a low-cost, sustainable solution for reducing microbial contamination, though further refinement is needed to meet drinking water standards. This research introduces a novel approach to water purification by combining M. oleifera seed powder with activated charcoal and cotton wool, providing a locally adaptable and environmentally friendly solution. The findings contribute to the development of scalable, natural water treatment systems for resource-limited communities. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a prominent plant in traditional medicine, widely recognized for its phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties. Liver fibrosis characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition may benefit from the therapeutic properties of MO. This report focuses on the potential of oleamide (OLA), a bioactive compound identified from MO, in mitigating liver fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic effects of OLA were evaluated by assessing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, gelatinase activity and the expression of genes and proteins associated with the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway. The LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell line, in conjunction with TGF-β1, was employed to model fibrotic conditions. OLA treatment significantly reduced the production of pro-fibrotic effectors in the activated LX-2 cells. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated a high binding affinity of OLA to key proteins in the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway, while qRT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that OLA suppressed the expression of COL1A1, COL4A1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, MMP2, MMP9, ACTA2 and TIMP1. These findings indicate that OLA effectively attenuates the pro-inflammatory responses induced by TGF-β1 and inhibits the activation of LX-2 cells. Collectively, OLA holds significant potential as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis via the modulation of the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Full article

Oligonychus punicae Hirst and Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) are two species of feeding spider mites that cause damage to the leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae). This research aimed to compare the biological and demographic parameters between T. merganser and O. punicae on M. oleifera leaflets. We calculated the demographic parameters for both spider mite species based on individual females’ daily age-specific survival rate (lx) and age-specific fecundity (mx). The mean immature period of O. punicae females (10.30 days) and males (10.05 days) was more extended than the T. merganser (8.62 and 8.61 days), respectively. The oviposition of T. merganser (58.02 eggs/female) was more significant than O. punicae (21.84 eggs/female), which caused its intrinsic natural growth rate to be higher for T. merganser (0.2771 d⁻¹) than for O. punicae (0.1948 d⁻¹). The generation time of T. merganser was shorter (13.01 days) than that of O. punicae (15.77 days), indicating that T. merganser has more life cycles per year than O. punicae. The Weibull model determined that the survival curves of T. merganser and O. punicae are Type I, and the O. punicae population decreases more slowly than the T. merganser population. The results of this study can be used to develop management and control strategies for both mite species in the M. oleifera crop. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) is a member of the Moringaceae family and has been widely used as a traditional form of treatment for various diseases due to its high nutrient content. The plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, organic acids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. However, the concentrations of these components in each part of the plant differ, leading to specific beneficial uses. In this study, we aimed to analyze the contents of Moringa oleifera leaf (ML) and Moringa oleifera root (MR) extracts and characterize the effects of these extracts on cell behavior. HPLC analysis data showed a higher level of flavonoids and apigenin in the ML extract compared to the MR extract. Furthermore, CG/MS analysis revealed 54 components in the ML extract, with only 3 (ethyl palmitate, ethyl linolenate, and palmitic acid, 2-(octadecyloxy)ethyl ester) of them being at high levels. In this study, Dictyostelium discoideum was used as a cellular model and D. discoideum’s cell growth, chemotaxis, and development life cycle were investigated. The data presented herein demonstrate a significant decrease in cell growth and that the completion of the development life cycle was delayed in the ML extract-treated sample. This effect was not found in the untreated cells and MR extract-treated samples. In addition, the ability of cells to stream during chemotaxis was not inhibited following treatments. These findings suggested that ML extract has an impact on cell proliferation and cell directed migration processes, where the high level of flavonoids and apigenin in this extract can be a strong factor that led to these results. Full article