Search Results (6)

Moringa oleifera, widely recognized as the horseradish tree or drumstick tree, is classified within the Moringaceae family, which comprises 13 species predominantly distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. The plant possesses a variety of therapeutic, nutritional, and beneficial health properties, including its potential to enhance the immune system. The present work provides extensive bibliographic research addressing the chemical composition of Moringa oleifera and its immunomodulatory properties with a focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of immune function, which is crucial in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis. The chemical composition of Moringa oleifera, including kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and niazimicin, varies between different biological parts of the plant (seeds, leaves, roots, and stems). The presence of these various chemical compounds contributes to the plant’s effect on the immune response via different pathways. Several studies indicate that Moringa oleifera mitigates inflammation by suppressing key pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), while simultaneously enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators through activation of PPAR-γ. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory properties and possible application in health promotion and disease prevention, especially in cancer therapy, are discussed. Studies indicate that Moringa oleifera can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) by reducing Treg polarization, enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity, and prompting the proliferation and clonal expansion of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. Together, Moringa oleifera could be considered for the treatment of conditions related to immune dysregulation, such as cancer. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam. (horseradish tree) leaves demonstrate high nutritional value, are rich in proteins, and are widely used in folk medicine and food. This study investigated the presence of secondary metabolites and antinutritional proteins in leaf extract (LE) and the protein-rich fraction (PRF) derived from M. oleifera leaves, as well as the cytotoxicity to human cells, hemolytic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity and genotoxicity in mice. The flavonoids rutin and vitexin as well as trypsin inhibitors and lectins were detected in LE and PRF. Neither sample demonstrated toxicity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and both showed low hemolytic action. In vivo, LE and PRF did not show antinutritional effects and caused no death. The hematological parameters of the animals in the treated group were similar to those of the control. A significant increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and a discrete leukocyte infiltration with cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes in the liver were detected in LE-treated animals. The preparations were not genotoxic or mutagenic. This study shows that LE and PRF are not antinutritional agents and presented low acute toxicity and no genotoxicity or mutagenicity. The present study contributes to the determination of the safety of using M. oleifera leaf proteins. Full article

While Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Full article

The seeds of Moringa oleifera (horseradish tree) contain about 40% of one of the most stable vegetable oils (Moringa seed oil). Therefore, the effects of Moringa seed oil on human SZ95 sebocytes were investigated and were compared with other vegetable oils. Immortalized human SZ95 sebocytes were treated with Moringa seed oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, linoleic acid and oleic acid. Lipid droplets were visualized by Nile Red fluorescence, cytokine secretion via cytokine antibody array, cell viability with calcein-AM fluorescence, cell proliferation by real-time cell analysis, and fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed by the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparison test. The vegetable oils tested stimulated sebaceous lipogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner. The pattern of lipogenesis induced by Moringa seed oil and olive oil was comparable to lipogenesis stimulated by oleic acid with also similar fatty acid secretion and cell proliferation patterns. Sunflower oil induced the strongest lipogenesis among the tested oils and fatty acids. There were also differences in cytokine secretion, induced by treatment with different oils. Moringa seed oil and olive oil, but not sunflower oil, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in comparison to untreated cells, and exhibited a low n-6/n-3 index. The anti-inflammatory oleic acid detected in Moringa seed oil probably contributed to its low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and induction of cell death. In conclusion, Moringa seed oil seems to concentrate several desired oil properties on sebocytes, such as high content level of the anti-inflammatory fatty acid oleic acid, induction of similar cell proliferation and lipogenesis patterns compared with oleic acid, lipogenesis with a low n-6/n-3 index and inhibition of secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These properties characterize Moringa seed oil as an interesting nutrient and a promising ingredient in skin care products. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the Moringaceae family. The tree is known with some common names: miracle, ben oil, drumstick, horseradish or simply moringa. The plant grows in a variety of environments including harsh conditions. The plant has a high content of phytonutrients, being used as natural integrators to cure malnutrition. Phytochemical studies of plant organs showed the plant as a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites belonging to different classes of organic compounds. Pharmacological studies confirmed the use of the plant to cure several diseases and to possess nutraceutical properties. This review is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of M. oleifera by providing its plant description, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Full article

The tropical tree Moringa oleifera produces high yields of protein-rich leaf biomass, is widely used as a food source, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, and thus has great potential for chronic disease prevention and perhaps, treatment. We have developed and characterized standardized ways of preparing aqueous “teas” from moringa leaves to deliver precisely calibrated levels of phytochemicals for use in clinical trials. These phytochemicals, especially the glucosinolate glucomoringin and the isothiocyanate moringin, produced from it following hydrolysis by the enzyme myrosinase, provide potent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective indirect antioxidant activity. The taste of both hot and cold teas is palatable without the need for flavor masking. These teas can be easily and reproducibly prepared in underserved tropical regions of the world where moringa is cultivated. Isothiocyanate yield from a cold extraction was rapid and essentially complete after 30 min and its anti-inflammatory potential is comparable to that of equimolar purified moringin. A preparation similar to this may be safe to consume with respect to its bacterial titer even after 48 h without refrigeration. Thus, facile delivery of moringa tea to both adults and children for clinical evaluation of their effects on such conditions as autism, diabetes, and hypertension, is now possible. Full article