Influence of Different Rates of Plant-Based Compost on Clay Soil Metal Behavior and Human Health Risk Assessment in Moringa oleifera Leaf Biomass.

An investigation of the impact of adding plant-based organic compost to clay soil from a Moringa oleifera farm focusing on the metal content, bioavailability, and accumulation of nutrients in M. oleifera leaves was conducted. Clay soil was mixed with 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% plant-based organic compost (by volume) in 20 cm wide, 2 L pots. Moringa oleifera plants were planted in four replicates of each treatment and control group. Results revealed that the addition of compost significantly (P < 0.05) altered the concentration of metals in the soil. Correspondingly, accumulation of nutrients in M. oleifera leaves increased with the addition of compost to the soil, except for cobalt and chromium. Trace elements had minimal bioavailability in the amended soils, and their presence in the leaves was lower than the permissible trace metal levels in food. The 30% combination had the highest concentration of calcium (45 042.5 mg/kg), magnesium (17430.0 mg/kg) and phosphorous (8802. 5 mg/kg) in M. oleifera leaves. The study concluded the addition of compost improved bioavailability of nutrients in the soil and their concentration in M. oleifera leaves. The target hazard quotients for heavy metals was less than one, indicating that M. oleifera leaf biomass harvested from soil amended with plant-based compost is safe for human consumption. These results serve as guidelines for recommended organic certification requiremets where plant-based compost is often used in the fast-growing herbal industry.

Optimization of Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) Parameters for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Bioactivity Assessment.

Moringa oleifera leaves are rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) stands out as a promising technique for effectively extracting valuable compounds from natural sources. In this study, we aimed to optimize PLE parameters, such as temperature, extraction duration, and pressure, to maximize bioactive compound (polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid) yield from M. oleifera leaves and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. According to the outcomes of this research, the maximum achieved total polyphenol content was 24.10 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of dry weight (dw), and the total flavonoid content was increased up to 19.89 mg rutin equivalents (RtE)/g dw. Moreover, after HPLC-DAD analysis, neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, catechin and epicatechin, rutin, and narirutin were identified and quantified. As far as the optimum ascorbic acid content is concerned, it was found to be 4.77 mg/g dw. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the DPPH method, and the anti-hydrogen peroxide activity (AHPA) method, resulting in 124.29 µmol ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g dw, 131.28 µmol AAE/g dw, and 229.38 µmol AAE/g dw values, respectively. Lastly, the albumin denaturation inhibition was found to be 37.54%. These findings underscore the potential of PLE as an efficient extraction method for preparing extracts from M. oleifera leaves with the maximum content of bioactive compounds.

Preparation and characterization of low-cost activated carbon from Moringa oleifera chemically activated using ZnCl2 for the adsorption of bisphenol A.

The use of agricultural by-products such as Moringa oleifera plants is one effort to support the reduction of environmental pollution. Activated carbon produces from agricultural wastes is relatively less expensive and can replace traditional methods such as renewable as well as nonrenewable materials such as petroleum residue and coal. In this study, the removal of bisphenol A from aqueous media was studied using activated carbon produced from M. oleifera pods and peels. A batch adsorption study was carried out by varying the parameters of the adsorption process. A maximum removal percentage of 95.46% was achieved at optimum conditions of 2.5 g L-1 adsorbent dose, pH 7, 60 min contact time and 20 mg L-1 initial concentration of BPA. The BET surface areas of MOP, MOP-AC and MOP-ACZ were found to be 12.60, 4.10 and 45.96 m2/g, respectively. The experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherm models. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 20.14 mg g-1. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the pseudo-second-order kinetics with a good correlation. The results indicate that the M. oleifera activated carbon could be employed as a low-cost alternative to commercial activated carbon in the removal of BPA from water.

The novelty of this study is the selection of Moringa oleifera plants as suitable plant species for activated carbon synthesis by adopting appropriate procedures for bisphenol A removal. Although the biowaste-derived activated carbons prepared by different activation methods have been studied before, M. oleifera plants activated carbon prepared via ZnCl₂ activation for bisphenol A adsorption was not reported. This study will be a significant endeavor in promoting alternative techniques for BPA removal. Using activated carbon derived from agricultural waste will replace commercial activated carbon which is more economic and environmentally friendly. This study will bring tremendous environmental and economic benefits as well as limit the harmful effect.

Combined extracts of Moringa oleifera, Murraya koeingii leaves, and Curcuma longa rhizome increases energy expenditure and controls obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats.

BACKGROUND: LI85008F is a proprietary combination of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera, Murraya koeingii, and extract of Curcuma longa rhizome. This herbal extract combination is an effective weight loss supplement for overweight and obese subjects. The present study aimed to investigate the thermogenic potential of the LI85008F in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS: Seven rats received a regular diet (RD), and twenty-one rats received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 56 days. On day 28, the HFD-fed rats were randomized into three groups (n = 7). Starting from day 29 through day 56, one HFD-fed group received daily oral gavage of 0.5% Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC) alone (HFD), and the remaining two groups received 100 and 250 mg/kg LI85008F (LI85008F-100 and LI85008F-250, respectively). Body weight, fat mass, fat cell size, liver weight, liver triglyceride were measured. The energy metabolism parameters were measured using indirect calorimetry. In serum, the metabolic and endocrine markers were analyzed. The adipogenic and thermoregulatory proteins expression in the white adipose tissue (WAT) were analyzed using an immunoblot assay. RESULTS: Supplementation with both doses of LI85008F significantly increased resting energy expenditure (REE) in the obese rats. The LI85008F-250 rats showed significant up-regulation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) expression, as compared with the HFD rats. LI85008F significantly reduced body weight gain, fat mass, fat cell size, liver weight, and hepatic triglycerides. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, leptin, and fat cell markers were significantly reduced in LI85008F-supplemented rats compared to the HFD rats. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that LI85008F reduces body fat mass and controls body weight gain via increasing energy metabolism in combination with reduced lipogenesis in diet-fed obese rats.

Green Synthesis of Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities.

: The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the antimicrobial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert considerable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their reported antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.

Development of a new low-cost adsorbent functionalized with iron nanoparticles for removal of metformin from contaminated water.

An adsorbent was developed from the residues of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed husks functionalized with iron nanoparticles for subsequent application to the removal of metformin from contaminated water. The material, MOM-Fe3O4, was characterized using TEM, SEM imaging, and EDX analysis, which revealed that iron nanoparticles were retained in the pores. The application of MOM-Fe3O4 to waste water resulted in a 93.9% reduction in the metformin content, demonstrating the efficacy of the material. Kinetic and equilibrium data were fitted to the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicated an exothermic and reversible process. A high adsorption capacity, 65.01 mg g-1 at 298 K, demonstrated the potential of using the new material as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of pharmaceuticals such as metformin.

Assessment of AgNPs exposure on physiological and biochemical changes and antioxidative defence system in wheat (Triticum aestivum L) under heat stress.

The present study was designed to check the role of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on physiological, biochemical parameters and antioxidants of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under heat stress. Plant extract of Moringa oleifera was used for AgNPs synthesis followed by characterization through UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD and Zeta analyser. Heat stress was applied in range of 35-40°C for 3 hrs/ day for 3 days to wheat plants at trifoliate stage. Heat stress decreased the RWC (13.2%), MSI (16.3%), chl a (5.2%), chl b (4.1%) and TCCs (9.9%). Wheat plants treated with AgNPs showed significant increase in RWC (12.2%), MSI (26.5%), chl a (10%), chl b (16.4%), TCCs (19%), TPC (2.4%), TFC (2.5%), TASC (2.5%), SOD (1.3%), POX (1.5%), CAT (1.8%), APX (1.2%) and GPX (1.4%), under heat stress. Lower concentration of AgNPs (50 mg/l) decreased the sugar (5.8%) and proline contents (4%), while increase was observed in higher AgNPs concentrations. Overall, AgNPs treatment enhanced thermo-tolerance in wheat plants, but the mechanism of AgNPs action needs further investigation at genome and proteome level in wheat plants under heat stress.

Assessment of the Anti-Hyperglycaemic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanol Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Diabetes-Induced Nephrotoxic Male Wistar Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease of multiple aetiologies in insulin secretion. A deficiency in insulin results in hyperglycemia with metabolic disturbances of biomolecules. Moringa oleifera (MO) is endemic in the tropics with a variety of ethnomedicinal importance. The leaf of this plant has been reported to possess antioxidant and medicinal properties that may be helpful in the treatment and management of diabetes and its associated complications. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally in rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) and treated with methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (250 mg/kg b.wt) for six weeks. Forty-eight (48) adult male Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), Moringa oleifera treated control rats (NC + MO), diabetic rats (DM) and Moringa oleifera treated diabetic rats (DM + MO). Estimation of antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols content of Moringa oleifera extract was performed and serum biochemical markers were evaluated. Antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, glutathione (GSH) and inflammatory biomarkers were determined in the kidney. Results showed high antioxidant capacities of MO extract and improved serum biochemical markers, whilst lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were reduced in non-diabetic and diabetic rats after MO treatment when compared to normal control. Subsequent administration of MO led to an increased concentration of serum albumin, globulin and total protein with a decrease in the level of MDA, and improvements in CAT, SOD, GSH, GPx, (tumour necrosis factor-alpha)TNF-α and (interleukin-6)IL-6. MO contains potent phytochemical constituents that offer protective action against diabetic-induced renal damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation and could therefore play a role in reducing diabetic complications, particularly in developing countries such as in Africa where the majority cannot afford orthodox medicine.

Toxicity assessment and modelling of Moringa oleifera seeds in water purification by whole cell bioreporter.

Moringa oleifera has been used as a coagulation reagent for drinking water purification, especially in developing countries such as Malawi. This research revealed the cytoxicity and genotoxicity of M. oleifera by Acinetobacter bioreporter. The results indicated that significant cytoxicity effects were observed when the powdered M. oleifera seeds concentration is from 1 to 50 mg/L. Through direct contact, ethanolic-water extraction and hexane extraction, the toxic effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components in M. oleifera seeds were distinguished. It suggested that the hydrophobic lipids contributed to the dominant cytoxicity, consequently resulting in the dominant genotoxicity in the water-soluble fraction due to limited dissolution when the M. oleifera seeds granule concentration was from 10 to 1000 mg/L. Based on cytoxicity and genotoxicity model, the LC50 and LC90 of M. oleifera seeds were 8.5 mg/L and 300 mg/L respectively and their genotoxicity was equivalent to 8.3 mg mitomycin C per 1.0 g dry M. oleifera seed. The toxicity of M. oleifera has also remarkable synergistic effects, suggesting whole cell bioreporter as an appropriate and complementary tool to chemical analysis for environmental toxicity assessment.

Assessment of the antiulcer potential of Moringa oleifera root-bark extract in rats.

In the present study, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) was examined for its antiulcer potential in albino Wistar rats using two experimental models: ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulceration. The extract was orally administered at three different doses (150, 350, and 500 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. The antiulcer effects in rats treated with different doses of the extract and omeprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.) were determined and compared statistically with the antiulcer effects in the control rats treated with saline (NaCl, 0.9%). The MO at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg decreased the ulcer index significantly as compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The percentage protections against gastric ulcers were 82.58%, 85.13%, and 86.15% for MO doses of 150, 350, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, in the pylorus-ligated ulcer model and 55.75%, 59.33%, and 78.51%, respectively, in the ethanol-induced ulcer model. The MO significantly reduced the free acidity, total acidity, and ulcer index (p < 0.01) and increased the pH of gastric content compared with the control group. This study suggests that MO possesses valuable antiulcer, antisecretory, and cytoprotective activity. Thus, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera can be used as source for an antiulcer drug.

Valoración cuantitativa de hierro en tres especies vegetales Moringa oleífera, Smilax domingesis y Smilax reguelli durante el periodo enero -octubre 2011 / Valoración cuantitativa de hierro en tres especies vegetales Moringa oleífera, Smilax domingesis y Smilax reguelli durante el periodo enero -octubre 2011

El presente estudio trata sobre la valoración cuantitativa de hierro en tres especies vegetales Moringa oleífera, Smilax reguelli y Smilax domingesis, así como, la valoración del contenido de hierro por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica en las tres especies vegetales mencionadas y su respectiva evaluación de las características de desempeño del método para la determinación de hierro en matrices vegetales.