Leaf Extracts of Moringa oleifera Cultivated in Baghdad: Characterization and Antimicrobial Potential against Endodontic Pathogens.

The use of medicinal plant preparations to clean and disinfect root canal infection is gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive composition of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera plants cultivated in Iraq (specifically Baghdad) and their antimicrobial activity against selected root canal pathogens for potential application in endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods. Moringa leaf extracts were prepared either through cold maceration or warm digestion techniques to perform an ethanolic or aqueous extraction, respectively. Phytochemical detection was performed before thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure flavonoids and phenolic compounds within both extracts. Then, their antimicrobial activities were investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans through minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and agar well diffusion assay in comparison to NaOCl and Ca(OH)2. Results. Phytochemical screening showed several active ingredients but with higher expression of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Also, different types of these compounds were detected through TLC and quantified by HPLC. MIC values for ethanolic extract against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans were 60, 65, and 55, respectively, while for aqueous extract, MIC values were 70, 80, and 50, respectively. Aqueous extract showed a higher inhibition zone than ethanolic extract for both Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis with a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) for all tested materials except with NaOCl and Ca(OH)2 in Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. The ethanolic extract showed a higher inhibition zone against Candida albicans, with a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) for all tested materials. Conclusion. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in Baghdad contain considerable quantities of phytochemicals, especially flavonoid and phenolic compounds, and demonstrated antimicrobial activities against selected endodontic pathogens. Therefore, Moringa leaf extracts could be suggested as an alternative antimicrobial material in endodontic treatment.

Enamel remineralisation prospect of Moringa Oleifera hydrogel, eggshell hydrogel versus sodium fluoride varnish on artificially demineralised primary teeth: in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present in vitro study is to investigate and compare the remineralising potential of Moringa Oleifera extract, eggshell, and sodium fluoride varnish on microhardness of artificially demineralised enamel of primary teeth with biomimetic minimally invasive approach following the world paradigm shift towards natural products in paediatric dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sample size included 44 primary molars. The mineral content and surface microhardness of all specimens were initially assessed using energy dispersive x-ray examination (EDX) and Vickers microhardness. The specimens were artificially demineralised for 96 h at a temperature of 37°C and then reassessed directly after demineralisation. The demineralised enamel specimens were randomly divided into four groups according to the remineralisation regimen utilised. Group 1: Artificial saliva (control); Group 2: Sodium fluoride varnish; Group 3: Eggshell hydrogel; and Group 4: Moringa Oleifera hydrogel. The specimens were stored for 8 days and then subsequently evaluated using EDX and microhardness assessment by Vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscope (SEM).  Results: Regarding the microhardness test, there was a significant difference between the Moringa Oleifera group and Eggshell group compared to fluoride varnish (p < 0.05). Regarding EDX analysis, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between Moringa Oleifera group and Eggshell group compared to fluoride varnish as the highest values were for Moringa Oleifera and Eggshell. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between Moringa Oleifera and Eggshell in both the measurements. CONCLUSION: Moringa Oleifera and Eggshell might be considered as a biomimetic natural material capable of guiding enamel tissue remineralisation in early carious lesion of primary teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research demonstrated the capability for early enamel caries to be remineralised using novel materials with a naturally counterpart implicated in biomineralisation as proved to be more effective than traditionally used fluoride varnish in primary teeth.

Moringa oleifera Use in Maintaining Oral Health and Its Potential Use in Regenerative Dentistry.

Phytomedicine refers to the use of naturally derived products to cure and mitigate human conditions. Natural products have the advantages of causing minimum side effects, being biocompatible, available, and economical, with a wide array of biological activities. Reports have described the use of natural products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to treat oral conditions and promote wound healing. Moringa oleifera, known as the "drumstick" or "horseradish" tree, is believed to have medicinal properties regarding a range of medical conditions, though there is limited information on its use in oral medicine. This narrative review focuses on the use of Moringa extracts in the management of oral conditions, including oral infections, inflammatory conditions, the remineralization of hard tissues, oral wound healing, and tissue regeneration, drawing from both in vitro and in vivo studies which indicate that the potential of Moringa extracts in supporting dentin-pulp regeneration after caries or trauma is worthy of more careful consideration.

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile-Moringa Olifera based nanofibrous bio-sorbent for remediation of Congo red dye.

The integration of polymers with biomaterials offers promising and effective nanomaterials with intrinsic and extrinsic properties that are utilized in several applications. The present work reported the development of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) supported biosorbent (Moringa oleifera, (MO)) which was utilized for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. MO loaded polyacrylonitrile (PAN/MO) nanofibrous biosorbent was prepared by solvent homogenization method followed by electrospinning for the deposition of nanofibers. The developed nanofibrous biosorbent was investigated by several analytical techniques such as FESEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS to study the material properties along with their control counterparts. The adsorption experiments such as the effect of contact time, effect of concentration, effect of pH, and reusability studies were performed. The adsorption capacity of the nanofibrous biosorbent is ∼52 mg g-1, which is significant as bulk sorbent when compared with other activated carbon in powder form. The adsorption capacities vary with an increase in the dye concentration and obtained ∼88% of dye removal. The adsorption data are validated using the empirical pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic models, and the mechanism involved in the adsorption phenomena was investigated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. The biosorbent follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm, which involves in multilayer adsorption phenomena. In a nutshell, the present work corroborated the importance of bio-based natural sorbent available in nature which can be effectively engineered with polymeric materials for obtaining novel hybrid materials to explore their inherent properties for various applications.

The eco-friendly treatment of rubber industry effluent by using adsorbent derived from Moringa oleifera bark and Pseudomonas sp, cultured from effluent.

Rubber processing generates a large volume of wastewater containing rubber latex residues and chemicals. Remediation of the wastewater needs a cost-effective and environment-friendly treatment method. For this study, Moringa oleifera stem bark and Pseudomonas sp. bacteria were used for adsorption and microbial treatment of the effluent. The adsorbent surface was mostly amorphous with crystallinity index 37.9% and the BET surface area was 6.622 m2/g. FTIR analysis indicated involvement of O-H stretching, ketone α, ß-unsaturated, C-H stretching, carboxylic acid and derivatives O-C stretching functional groups in the adsorption process. The assessment of the above two agents was based on their reduction capabilities of the toxic parameters, such as total suspended and dissolved solids, total solids, biological and chemical oxygen demand, sulphate, ammonium, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and oxidation reduction potential from the wastewater. A comparative study of the present work revealed that both the agents were effective in reduction of most of the above parameters below the safe discharge limits. However, the adsorption using Moringa oleifera stem bark was better compared to the biodegradation by Pseudomonas sp. bacteria. The main challenges that typically accompany biodegradation include microbe handling and a lower removal percentage than adsorption.

Assessing the In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Moringa oleifera Crude Extract.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play a vital role in the pathogenesis of various diseases of the oral cavity including periodontal disease. Phytochemicals present in plants with antioxidant (AO) and anti-inflammatory properties could aid as a therapeutic adjunct in the management of these diseases. AIM: To assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. (MOL) in an in vitro environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera Lam. were prepared by maceration. Antioxidant activity was assessed by FRAP, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by Albumin Denaturation Assay. Experiments were repeated thrice, and mean and standard deviation were calculated. RESULTS: Both the test substances exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and aqueous extracts exhibited higher activity than ethanolic extract. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera Lam. could be further explored for the management of periodontal disease as a local drug delivery system with the extract could be developed.

Phytoperspective of Moringa oleifera for oral health care: An innovative ethnomedicinal approach.

The present era accentuate the use of alternative medicines as drugs extracted from several plant parts. These herbal medicines otherwise called ethnomedicines are now the source of many imperative drugs in this contemporary world. Furthermore with ever rising oral problems by luxurious lifestyle in this modern society, there is a soaring need for use of potent medicinal plants like horse radish (Moringa oleifera Lam.) against various oral ailments. Therefore, use of herbal medicines in reducing the adverse effects of various conventional allopathic medicines and harmful side effects of conventional antibiotics has emerged as an evolved technique in pharmaceutical science. The present review emphasizes the antipathogenic potentiality of M. oleifera along with their known therapeutic properties through biologically active compounds (phytoconstituents) and ethnomedicinal uses. Various ethno-pharmacological studies of the plant parts with their nutritional value and multifarious medicinal uses including oral health care are being quoted in present review. This review will foster future research on phytoconstituent analysis, bioefficacy assessment for oral micro flora and ethno-pharmaceutical importance of M. oleifera in the field of medical science with special reference to dentistry. Consequently, this innovative ethnomedicinal approach for oral health care may supplement the modern medicine through its potent phytoconstituents.

Antimicrobial activity of polypyrrole nanoparticles and aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera against Staphylococcus spp. carriers of multi-drug efflux system genes isolated from dairy farms.

Our objectives were to identify genes of the multi-drug efflux system and to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy-NPs) and aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dairy farms in Northeast Brazil. Initially, 162 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity tests. Of these, 35 presented antimicrobial multi-drug resistance phenotypes. These 35 isolates were then referred for the detection of norA, norB, norC, msrA, mgrA, tet-38, and lmrS genes, all of which feature in multi-drug efflux systems. In the isolates carrying the genes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of PPy-NPs and Moringa oleifera aqueous extract were determined. In the molecular analysis of the 35 isolates norA, norC, tet-38, and msrA genes were detected and for the other genes norB, lmrS and mgrA there was no amplification. Antimicrobial activity was verified of PPy-NPs and aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in Staphylococcus spp. carrying multi-drug efflux system genes. We concluded that there are multi-drug efflux system genes present in the Staphylococcus spp. from the agricultural environment in Northeast Brazil, and that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and PPy-NPs show bactericidal activity against these isolates.

Moringa straw as cellulase production inducer and cellulolytic fungi source.

Currently, the valorization of agroindustrial waste is of great interest. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree whose softwood residues could be used as raw material for low-cost cellulase production. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize microorganisms with cellulolytic activity in different carbon sources. We isolated and purified 42 microorganisms from M. oleifera biomass. Fungi presenting the largest hydrolytic halos in carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate were molecularly identified as Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). The ability of these fungal strains to break down cellulose was assessed in a submerged fermentation using either amorphous CMC or crystalline form (Avicel). P. funiculosum and C. cladosporioides displayed similar endoglucanase (606U/l) and exoglucanase (205U/l) activities in the Avicel-containing medium, whereas F. verticillioides showed the highest level of ß-glucosidase activity (664U/l) in the carboxymethylcellulose medium. In addition, the effect of three culture media (A, B, and C) on cellulase production was evaluated in P. funiculosum using moringa straw as a carbon source. The results showed a volumetric productivity improvement of cellulases that was 2.77-, 8.26-, and 2.30-fold higher for endoglucanase, exoglucanase and ß-glucosidase, respectively when medium C containing moringa straw was used as a carbon source. The enzymatic extracts produced by these fungi have biotechnological potential especially for second-generation bioethanol production (2G) from moringa straw. This is the first report on the use of M. oleifera biomass to induce the production of various cellulases in P. funiculosum.

Bioethanol production with different dosages of the commercial Acrylamide polymer compared to a Bioextract in clarifying sugarcane juice.

One of the most important steps is to clarify the juice, which are added synthetic polymer acrylamide base, aiming the fast settling of impurities present in the juice. However, this input is expensive and may have carcinogenic and neurotoxic actions to humans. The search for new natural flocculants that have similarity with the commercial product is of great value. A bioextract that may be promising and has coagulant action is the Moringa oleifera Lam. In this context, the objective of the research was to evaluate the consequences of the use of moringa seed extracts and various concentrations of commercial polymer, such as sedimentation aids in clarifying sugarcane juice in the ethanol production, comparing the efficiency of the bioextract moringa. In the treatment of the juice, excessive addition of flocculants can result in reduction of sugars. The bioflocculant moringa was similar in technological features and the fermentative viability compared to usual dose of commercial polymer in Brazil. The fermentation efficiency was also higher for this flocculant, followed by moringa extract. The results obtained in this research indicate potential to the moringa bioextract, particularly in countries where the doses of flocculants are higher than 5 mg.L-1.

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.

Evaluation of antiviral activity of plant extracts against foot and mouth disease virus in vitro.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antiviral activity of chloroformic leaves extracts of three plants: Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera and Morus alba against Foot and Mouth disease virus using MTT assay (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Antiviral and cytotoxic activity of each extract was evaluated as cell survival percentage and results were expressed as Means ± S.D. The concentrations which resulted in cell survival percentages of greater than 50% are considered to be effective antiviral concentrations. From the tested plant extracts, Moringa oleifera showed potent antiviral activity (p<0.05) while Azadirachta indica showed significant antiviral activity in the range of 1-50µ/ml & 12-100µ/ml respectively. In contrast no antiviral activity was observed by Morus alba as all the tested concentration resulted in significant reduction (p<0.05) in cell survival percentage.

The Flocculating Cationic Polypetide from Moringa oleifera Seeds Damages Bacterial Cell Membranes by Causing Membrane Fusion.

A cationic protein isolated from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree has been extensively studied for use in water treatment in developing countries and has been proposed for use in antimicrobial and therapeutic applications. However, the molecular basis for the antimicrobial action of this peptide, Moringa oleifera cationic protein (MOCP), has not been previously elucidated. We demonstrate here that a dominant mechanism of MOCP antimicrobial activity is membrane fusion. We used a combination of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and fluorescence assays to observe and study the kinetics of fusion of membranes in liposomes representing model microbial cells. We also conducted cryo-EM experiments on E. coli cells where MOCP was seen to fuse the inner and outer membranes. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of membrane vesicles with MOCP molecules were used to elucidate steps in peptide adsorption, stalk formation, and fusion between membranes.

Towards scalable and degradable bioplastic films from Moringa oleifera gum/poly(vinyl alcohol) as packaging material.

The use of plant gum-based biodegradable bioplastic films as a packaging material is limited due to their poor physicochemical properties. However, combining plant gum with synthetic degradable polymer and some additives can improve these properties. Keeping in view, the present study aimed to synthesize a series of bioplastic films using Moringa oleifera gum, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol, and citric acid via thermal treatment followed by a solution casting method. The films were characterized using analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, AFM, TGA, and DSC. The study examined properties such as water sensitivity, gas barrier attributes, tensile strength, the shelf life of food, and biodegradability. The films containing higher citric acid amounts showed appreciable %elongation without compromising tensile strength, good oxygen barrier properties, and biodegradation rates (>95%). Varying the amounts of glycerol and citric acid in the films broadened their physicochemical properties ranging from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity and rigidity to flexibility. As all the films were synthesized using economical and environmentally safe materials, and showed better physicochemical and barrier properties, this study suggests that these bioplastic films can prove to be a potential alternative for various packaging applications.

Effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, Riva Star, and Moringa oleifera-based nano-silver fluoride on caries affected dentin remineralization bonded to composite resin.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effects of the most recent remineralizing agents, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), CO2 laser irradiation + topical fluoride (CO2 laser + TF), and Nanosilver fluoride - M. oleifera (NSF-MOLE), on the shear bond strength (SBS) and bond failure between resin composite and remineralized caries affected dentin (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty human molars with occlusal caries reaching approximately halfway through the dentin were immersed in a 4% thymol solution. The infected dentin was removed using an excavator and the CAD surface was exposed. The sample was allocated into five groups (n=10) based on the remineralizing agent applied. Group 1: no remineralizing agent, group 2: CPP-ACP, group 3: Riva Star, group 4: NSF:MOLE, and group 5: (CO2 laser + TF). The shear bond testing procedure was conducted utilizing a universal testing machine and a stereo-microscope was used to study the failure pattern. The researchers utilized a one-way analysis of variance. The Tukey post hoc test was conducted for multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Group 4 (NSF-MOLE) (13.77±1.94 MPa) treated testers recognized the highest bond values of tooth color restoration to the CAD surface. Nonetheless, group 1 test samples with no mineralization unveiled the minimum outcome of bond integrity (9.12±1.14 MPa). Intergroup comparison exploration showed that group 2 (CPP-ACP), group 4 (NSF-MOLE) (13.77±1.94 MPa), and group 5 (CO2 laser + TF) established comparable values of SBS. Furthermore, group 3 (Riva Star) displayed better SBS than group 1 but lower than group 2, group 4, and group 5. CONCLUSIONS: Remineralization of CAD using modern regimes (CPP-ACP, NSF-MOLE, and CO2 laser + TF has the potential to be used to enhance the bond strength of CAD to composite restoration.

Enhancing the coagulation process for the removal of microplastics from water by anionic polyacrylamide and natural-based Moringaoleifera.

The existence of microplastics (MPs) in water is a significant global concern since they have the potential to pose a threat to human health. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sustainable treatment technology for MPs removal, as the conventional methods are inadequate to address this problem. Coagulation is a typical process in treatment plants that can capture MPs before releasing them into the environment. In this work, the removal behaviors of polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE) MPs were systematically investigated through coagulation processes using aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds extract. Subsequently, the coagulation performance of Al2(SO4)3 was improved by the separate addition of anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and naturally derived MO. Results showed that Al2(SO4)3 in combination with APAM had better performance than Al2(SO4)3 or MO alone. In the Al2(SO4)3+APAM system, the removal efficiencies were 93.47%, 81.25%, and 29.48% for PA, PS, and PE MPs, respectively. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Al2(SO4)3 and MO blended system was approximately similar to the Al2(SO4)3+APAM system. However, the required amount of Al2(SO4)3 was decreased to 50% in the Al2(SO4)3+MO system compared to the optimal dosage in the Al2(SO4)3 system alone. The combination of 40 mg/L of Al2(SO4)3 and 60 mg/L of MO resulted in removal efficiencies of 92.99%, 80.48%, and 28.94% for PA, PS, and PE MPs, respectively. The high efficacy of these enhanced methods was due to the synergic effects of charge neutralization and agglomeration adsorption, which were validated through zeta potential assessments and visual analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In the case of experimental conditions, initial pH had little impact on removal efficiency, while NaCl salinity and stirring speed directly affected MPs removal. Consequently, this research took a step toward finding a green strategy to remove MPs from water systems.

Naringin and graphene oxide incorporated Moringa oleifera gum/poly(vinyl) alcohol patch for enhanced wound healing.

Patients and healthcare systems stand to gain much from the use of substances that can accelerate wound healing. In this research work, a polymeric patch was fabricated using polymers like poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Moringa oleifera gum (MO) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) and naringin (Nar) (drug). This study determined the impact of using PVA/MO/GO/Nar polymeric patch on wound healing via in vitro and in vivo investigations. Graphene oxide was synthesized by modified Hummer's method. The synthesized sample was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, RAMAN Spectroscopy, FESEM and HRTEM. Antibacterial analysis of the GO on four different bacteria was studied through well diffusion, colony count, growth curve and biofilm assay. Biocompatibility was analysed by haemolysis assay. The morphology, antibacterial activity, haemolysis assay, swelling, degradation, porosity, water vapour transmission rate, drug release, blood pump model, in-vitro scratch assay and MTT assay were analysed for the fabricated polymeric patches under in-vitro condition. The PVA/MO/GO/Nar patch has shown enhanced wound healing in in-vivo wound healing experiments on albino Wistar rats.

Effect of herbal irrigants on surface roughness of intraradicular dentin using quantitative method of 3D surface texture analysis.

Replacing the conventional endodontic irrigants with herbal agents could avoid complications associated with using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Endodontic irrigants alter the surface roughness of the dentinal wall surface, which affects sealer mechanical retention. This study aimed to assess the effect of experimental herbal Moringa oleifera and orange peel extract irrigant on intraradicular dentin (IRD) surface roughness using quantitative 3D surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) regarding the smear layer assessment. Sixty human root sections were divided into four groups (n = 15): NaOCl combined with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); negative control (saline); moringa extract (MO); and orange oil (OO). SEM images were assessed quantitatively for surface roughness (Ra) in the coronal, middle, and apical IRD. The data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Dunn's tests. All groups showed statistically significant differences (P = 0.007). MO exhibited significantly greater Ra values at the coronal, middle, and apical root levels than OO (P = 0.007, 0.009, and 0.046, respectively). There was no significant change in Ra values at various root levels within each group at P = 0.091, 0.819, 0.819, and 0.549 for the EDTA, saline, MO, and OO groups. Considerable (IRD) surface roughness analysis makes Moringa extract a promising herbal endodontic irrigant alternative to the NaOCl plus EDTA regimen.

Molecular imprinted polymer for solid-phase extraction of flavonol aglycones from Moringa oleifera extracts.

Molecular imprinted polymer produced using quercetin as the imprinting compound was applied for the extraction of flavonol aglycones (quercetin and kaempferol) from Moringa oleifera methanolic extracts obtained using heated reflux extraction method. Identification and quantification of these flavonols in the Moringa extracts was achieved using high performance liquid chromatography with ultra violet detection. Breakthrough volume and retention capacity of molecular imprinted polymer SPE was investigated using a mixture of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. The calculated theoretical number of plates was found to be 14, 50 and 8 for myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. Calculated adsorption capacities were 2.0, 3.4 and 3.7 µmol/g for myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. No myricetin was observed in Moringa methanol extracts. Recoveries of quercetin and kaempferol from Moringa methanol extracts of leaves and flowers ranged from 77 to 85% and 75 to 86%, respectively, demonstrating the feasibility of using the developed molecularly imprinted SPE method for quantitative clean-up of both of these flavonoids. Using heated reflux extraction combined with molecularly imprinted SPE, quercetin concentrations of 975 ± 58 and 845 ± 32 mg/kg were determined in Moringa leaves and flowers, respectively. However, the concentrations of kaempferol found in leaves and flowers were 2100 ± 176 and 2802 ± 157 mg/kg, respectively.

Hemostatic, antibacterial biopolymers from Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd. and Moringa oleifera (Lam.) as potential wound dressing materials.

Acacia arabica and Moringa oleifera are credited with a number of medicinal properties. Traditionally gum of Acacia plant is used in the treatment of skin disorders to soothe skin rashes, soreness, inflammation and burns while Moringa seed extracts are known to have antibacterial activity. In the present study the potential of the polymeric component of aqueous extracts of gum acacia (GA) and the seeds of M. oleifera (MSP) in wound management was evaluated. The results revealed that both biopolymers were hemostatic and hasten blood coagulation. They showed shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time and were non-cytotoxic in nature. Both showed antibacterial activity against organisms known to be involved in wound infections with MIC ranging from 500-600 microg mL(-1) for GA and 300-700 microg mL(-1) for MSP. They were biodegradable and exhibited water absorption capacity in the range of 415 to 935%. The hemostatic character coupled to these properties envisions their potential in preparation of dressings for bleeding and profusely exuding wounds. The biopolymers have been further analysed for their composition by Gas chromatography.