Search Results (633)

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a major threat to global maize production. Reliance on synthetic pesticides has contributed to pest resistance and environmental degradation, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives. In this study, ethanolic extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and moringa (Moringa oleifera), together with maize-associated bacterial isolates, were evaluated for their biocontrol potential against fall armyworm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for bioextract identification revealed tissue-specific chemical diversity, identifying eight key phytochemicals, including octadecanoic acid, trimethyl fluorosilane, and hexadecanoic acid in neem, and trimethyl fluorosilane, ethyl oleate, ethyl (9Z,12Z), octadecanoic acid, and benzenedicarboxylic acid in moringa extracts. Eighty-nine bacterial isolates were screened for extracellular enzyme activities (cellulase, chitinase, glucanase, and protease) and siderophore production, among which four strains, DR-55 (Bacillus subtilis), HL-7 (Bacillus cereus), HL-37 (Bacillus cereus), and DR-63 (Enterobacter sp.), exhibited >50% biocontrol efficacy under greenhouse conditions. A strong correlation (r = 0.88) was observed between in vitro antagonistic activity and greenhouse performance, validating the screening approach. Fall armyworm mortality was the highest in larvae (up to 80%), moderate in pupae (15–17%), and the lowest in adults (6–7%), respectively. Overall, plant bio-extracts and maize-associated microbial isolates represent a promising, non-hazardous strategy for sustainable fall armyworm management while preserving maize plant health. Full article

Biogenic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising bacterial growth inhibitors, requiring low concentrations and not producing harmful byproducts. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding how different extraction techniques affect nanoparticle synthesis, thereby influencing their replicability and scalability across various applications. To address these knowledge gaps, this study compared six extracts derived from Moringa oleifera biomass for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. Multivariate statistical analyses correlated extraction methods with biomolecule content (polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins), iron percentage, and E. coli growth inhibition. All extracts showed varying concentrations of biomolecules, and different extraction methods were preferable for specific components. Flavonoids were best extracted by salting-out, while infusion methods were better for obtaining carbohydrates. Higher percentages of iron (22.77%) were linked to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids. Nanoparticles prepared using salting-out and infusion extraction from leaf biomass displayed the highest efficiency in inhibiting E. coli growth, up to a dilution factor of 4. The outcomes of this research study provide an in-depth understanding of the role of specific biomolecules in biogenic nanoparticle synthesis, confirming that both synthesis yield and application effectiveness depend on the extract preparation method. Full article

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

Nowadays, dried Moringa leaves (M. oleifera) are increasingly in demand due to their health benefits. High-quality ones have shown remarkable positive effects as antioxidants, antidiabetics, and anti-inflammatory agents. However, in the industry, the quality classification process into six categories is performed manually by farmers, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Particularly, the two highest categories of Class A and Class B are hard to distinguish, since they are visually similar. In this paper, to automate the classification process, we introduce a new high-resolution dataset, extract color and texture features using the Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) method, and present a two-stage classification method using the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) algorithm with them. The experimental results show that the proposal improved classification accuracy from 82% by the baseline algorithm to 90% while maintaining high processing efficiency, demonstrating its potential for real-time and scalable industrial applications in dried Moringa leaves quality grading. Full article

Due to growing environmental challenges, many studies are focusing on vegetable-based lubricants. Industrial lubricants pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. The tribological performances of calophyllum calaba (galba) and avocado when used as a base oil and as a liquid additive were compared to those of moringa oil. The different lubricant formulations were investigated under an ambient atmosphere, using a reciprocating ball-on-plane tribometer in a boundary lubrication regime. Graphite particles were used as solid lubricant additives due to their excellent friction performances in these formulations. Dodecane was the mineral oil used as a reference and base oil in some lubricant formulations. It was found that the percentage used and the fatty acid molecule composition of vegetable oils have an important influence on the tribological performances of the different formulations. The presence of oleic acid molecules shows a positive effect but is not sufficient to explain the friction reduction obtained with moringa oil. The triglyceride shape of an oleic acid molecule is the key to an important friction reduction, despite the small amount (2 wt% as liquid additive) in lubricant formulations. Full article

Packaging can help prolong the shelf life of perishable agrifoods. In the present investigation, edible coatings were tested to reduce food waste caused by filamentous fungi and increase the shelf-life of high-value products such as strawberries, tomatoes, and blueberries. Different combinations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride, and various immersion times were tested on tomato as a model. The ability to activate edible coatings with food-grade compounds/extracts, such as sodium bicarbonate or Moringa oleifera extract (MLE), was explored. The extract was also tested in vitro against some of the main postharvest pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Penicillium expansum. The most suitable composition for the edible coating proved to be 2% sodium alginate and 2% calcium chloride. MLE proved not to reduce fungal growth, except for A. alternata and C. acutatum. Concerning active coatings, particularly those containing MLE, there was a reduction in the incidence of rots on strawberries (−45%) and tomatoes (−59%) as compared to the uncoated control. Furthermore, a reduction in the severity of rots was recorded in all tested fruits (−73% in tomato, −88% in strawberries, −47% in blueberries) as compared to the uncoated control. The active edible coatings could play a role in reducing rots, contributing to the extension of the shelf-life of the selected products. Full article

Moringa oleifera has been recognized for its adaptability, nutritional richness, and multipurpose potential, particularly in resource-limited regions. While most research has focused on its leaves, moringa seeds remain underutilized despite their broad applicability in the environmental, agricultural, and food sectors. This review systematically and critically examines recent scientific literature on the use of M. oleifera seeds across these fields, emphasizing their functional value, applications, and challenges for sustainable use. The review follows the SALSA methodology (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis), a structured and iterative framework designed to identify, evaluate, and integrate scientific evidence from diverse sources. The analysis encompasses three main areas: (i) water treatment, where moringa seed extracts have achieved turbidity removal efficiencies above 90% and effective adsorption of dyes and potentially toxic elements; (ii) agriculture, where seed-derived fertilizers improve soil fertility, nutrient availability, and crop yield compared to conventional inputs; and (iii) the food industry, where moringa seed derivatives enhance the nutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of bakery, beverage, and oil-based products. Overall, M. oleifera seeds emerge as a versatile and sustainable resource with proven potential as a natural coagulant, biofertilizer, and nutraceutical ingredient. By integrating findings from both English and Spanish language studies, this work highlights their contribution to sustainable water management, agricultural productivity, and food innovation, while emphasizing the need for further safety evaluation and process optimization to support large-scale application. Full article

The sustainable cultivation of Moringa oleifera is constrained by limited availability of high-quality planting materials. This study established an integrated propagation framework combining seed, cutting, and air-layering methods for the rapid and reliable multiplication of superior genotypes with good morphological traits and elevated astragalin content. Seed pretreatment trials showed that simple soaking for 12 h significantly reduced mean germination time without affecting final germination percentage, while a topsoil–cocopeat–compost mixture enhanced early seedling survival and growth. HPLC profiling identified four genotypes with significantly higher astragalin concentrations (187–281 ppm), linking phytochemical quality with propagation performance. Vegetative propagation experiments revealed that cutting position and girth strongly influenced regeneration success. Cutting position experiments showed clear positional differences, with basal cuttings achieving the highest rooting response. Bottom cuttings produced the highest number of shoots (4.22), nodes (5.00), and thickest shoots (24.65 mm), as well as the highest rooting percentage. Middle cuttings developed the longest shoots (40.21 cm) and the greatest number of roots (32.83), with a rooting percentage of 66.70%. Top cuttings showed the lowest performance across all shoot and root traits. Larger-diameter cuttings produced more shoots but fewer roots while smaller-diameter cuttings produced more roots but fewer shoots. Air-layering with Jiffy-7 pellets achieved the highest root number (43.83) and length (7.23 cm), with 100% survival. Overall, the study provides a robust, mechanism-supported propagation strategy that enables large-scale, uniform production of superior Moringa genotypes, strengthening future programs in clonal improvement, genetic conservation, and sustainable agroforestry development. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a versatile non-traditional feed supplement rich in bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of MO leaf (MOL) polysaccharide (MOLP) intake as a natural product on broiler chicken production and antioxidant indices. A polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 182.989 kDa was isolated from MOL in a previous study. Broiler chickens were allocated at random into four groups receiving varying doses of MOLP (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg feed) for three weeks. Feed intake (FI), average daily feed ingestion (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body weight gain (BWG) were monitored. Serological markers, including total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), albumin-to-globulin ratio (ALB/GLO), creatinine (CREA), as well as the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Results from days 21 to 28 demonstrated that the high dose of MOLP significantly enhanced BWG, ADFI, liver and bursa indices compared to the control group. Additionally, TP and GLO, T-SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC and MDA levels were elevated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MOLP supplementation, particularly at 0.4 g/kg feed, positively impacted broiler chicken growth performance and antioxidant indices, suggesting its potential as a valuable feed additive. Full article

Alginate nanocapsules loaded with Moringa oleifera extract, a plant traditionally used for its hypoglycemic properties, were developed as a therapeutic alternative for type II diabetes mellitus. The nanocapsules were obtained by manually spraying a WO emulsion with an airbrush and were stabilized in 2% calcium chloride. Characterization by atomic force microscopy revealed spherical particles with an average diameter of 10.087 nm, an area of 298.441 nm², and a density of 0.207556/nm², confirming efficient encapsulation and uniform morphology. This low-cost method is promising for the creation of controlled release systems in resource-limited settings. Full article

Celtis africana, a rare plant native to southwestern Saudi Arabia, was explored for the first time as a source for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Catechol-bearing phenolic amides in the aqueous leaf extract acted as both reducing and capping agents, enabling eco-friendly AgNP fabrication. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and FTIR, revealing predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 9.28 ± 0.11 nm, a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, and a pronounced surface plasmon resonance at 424 nm. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of caffeoyltryamine in the extract, while UV-Vis and FTIR indicated its attachment to the AgNP surface. The AgNPs exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, MRSA and E. faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa), as well as pathogenic fungi such as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei with performance comparable to or exceeding that of AgNPs from Artemisia vulgaris, Moringa oleifera, and Nigella sativa. The MIC and MBC values for S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and S. typhimurium were consistently 6.25 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively, reflecting strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects at low concentrations. MTT assays demonstrated selective cytotoxicity, showing higher viability in normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF) than in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The AgNPs also displayed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 5.41 µg/mL, DPPH assay) and efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB), with rate constants of 0.0165 s⁻¹ and 0.0047 s⁻¹, respectively, exceeding most reported values. These findings identify Celtis africana as a promising source for eco-friendly AgNPs with strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic properties for broad biological and environmental applications. Full article

Cassava fiber (CF) is a novel dietary fiber extracted from cassava by-products. To investigate its anti-obesity mechanism, obesity was induced in mice through a high-fat diet (HFD). Dietary supplementation with 10% CF significantly reduced body weight, body fat, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose in mice. CF effectively ameliorated hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy, increased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, enhanced mucus secretion by intestinal goblet cells, down-regulated the expression of ileal lipid absorption-related genes (NPC1L1, CD36, and FABP2), and up-regulated the short-chain fatty acid receptor GPR43, collectively improving intestinal health. Compared to HFD mice, CF altered the gut microbiota: it increased beneficial Actinobacteria (including Bifidobacterium and Blautia) and decreased Proteobacteria (including Desulfovibrio) (p < 0.05). Functional analysis showed that the HFD mice microbiota was enriched in genes linked to disease (e.g., lipid metabolism disorders, cancer, antibiotic resistance), whereas CF-enriched microbiota had genes for energy, carbohydrate, and pyruvate metabolism. Compared to microcrystalline cellulose, CF and MCC both alleviated HFD-induced obesity. In summary, cassava fiber helped prevent obesity in mice by modulating gut microbes, strengthening the gut barrier, and improving host metabolic balance. Full article

Oral diseases pose a major public health challenge, especially in low-income countries where dental care is limited due to high costs. In this context, phytotherapy has gained attention as a complementary approach due to its bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and analgesic properties. These therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to plant-derived bioactive metabolites, which interact with cellular structures, especially the plasma membrane, to modulate inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and support antimicrobial defense. This review systematically examined the scientific literature to identify Latin American medicinal plants with therapeutic potential in dentistry. Based on their clinical and ethnobotanical applications, the analysis focused on species with anti-inflammatory, healing, analgesic, and relaxing effects, particularly in conditions such as dental pain, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Given the close relationship between pain, inflammation, and periodontal disease, these conditions cannot be studied in isolation. Gingivitis and periodontitis often present with painful symptoms and inflammatory responses that overlap with mechanisms of tissue damage and repair. Therefore, broadening the scope of this review allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how Latin American medicinal plants can contribute not only to pain relief but also to periodontal health, inflammation control, and wound healing. Fifty plant species were identified. Among these, 35 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, 28 had healing properties, 20 showed analgesic effects, and 12 were associated with relaxing properties. Mexico accounted for the highest proportion of species (60%), followed by Colombia and Peru (54%) and then Brazil (32%). These percentages represent the proportion of plant species reported in studies originating from each country, relative to the total number of species identified in the review. The most studied species were Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (Lamiaceae), Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae), and Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). Latin American medicinal plants demonstrate strong potential not only in dental therapy but also in the management of periodontal inflammation and oral diseases. However, further research and clinical validation are needed to ensure their safe integration into conventional treatments. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (AEMO) as a natural ruminal modulator to improve the lactation performance of ewes. The AEMO was prepared by chopping Moringa oleifera leaves and diluting them in distilled water (163.3 g DM/L). Twelve ewes were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square, with periods of 14 days (assessments on the last five days of each period). Treatments were as follows: 20 mL of water as Control, 20 mL of AEMO (20-AEMO), and 40 mL of AEMO (40-AEMO). Ewes were milked twice a day (7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.). Diet corresponds to grain mix (at 3% of BW) and hay ad libitum. We determined the intake, digestibility, fermentative measurements, metabolic measurements, and milk production and composition. Intake and digestibility were not affected by AEMO. Milk yield and the concentrations of fat, protein, and lactose were numerically lower in ewes supplemented with 20-AEMO. A linear decrease in milk protein yield was observed when the highest extract level (40-AEMO) was used. Ruminal pH did not differ among treatments; however, there was a tendency for reduced acetate and increased propionate concentrations, which corresponded with a non-significant numerical decrease in methane estimates in 40-AEMO group. Blood and urinary parameters were not affected by AEMO supplementation. Inclusion of Moringa extracts as an additive in lactating ewes diet does not affect intake and nutrient digestibility, but tends to affect ruminal fermentation and microbial synthesis, with possible changes in methane emission estimation, and impair milk protein production. Therefore, we recommend studies with different extract concentrations to investigate possible effects on rumen fermentation and the synthesis of milk compounds. Full article

Moringa oleifera is a plant species well known for its high nutritional and functional value, whose seeds are a source of oil rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids (UFAs), especially oleic acid. The quality of this oil can be influenced by agroecological conditions and the production system. Currently, there is little information about the nutritional profile of this species of seeds harvested in Paraguay, and therefore, its use among the regional population is limited. The objective of this present study was to compare the fatty acid profile and nutritional indices of Moringa oleifera seed oil from an organic crop and backyard agriculture. Analysis was performed using gas chromatography, and indicators such as the UFA/SFA (Saturated Fatty Acid) ratio, oxidisability index (OI), oxidative stability (OS), atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and unsaturation index (DBI) were calculated. Differences between groups were analysed using Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). The results revealed statistically significant differences between the evaluated samples. The oil from backyard agriculture seeds presented a lower proportion of SFA (20.62% vs. 22.64%), with marked differences in palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), and arachidic (C20:0) acid contents. In contrast, it showed a higher content of UFA (77.21%), including a significantly higher content of oleic acid (74.77%) and eicosanoic (C20:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2). Higher values of the UFA/SFA ratio (3.74), OS (119.25) and DBI (78.17) were also observed in these samples. Furthermore, the AI was lower in the oil from backyard agriculture seeds (0.13), reinforcing its heart-healthy profile. In conclusion, the seeds used in backyard agriculture produced an oil with a healthier and more stable lipid composition. These characteristics mean that Moringa oleifera seed oil from backyard agriculture can contribute to food and nutritional security in family farming, with a focus on preventing cardiovascular disease. Full article