Evaluation of the effects of Artemisia Annua L. and Moringa Oleifera Lam. on CD4 count and viral load among PLWH on ART at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Initiation of ART among people living with HIV (PLWH) having a CD4 count ≤ 350cells/µl, produces poor immunological recovery, putting them at a high risk of opportunistic infections. To mitigate this, PLWH on ART in Uganda frequently use herbal remedies like Artemisia annua and Moringa oleifera, but their clinical benefits and potential antiretroviral (ARV) interactions remain unknown. This study examined the impact of A. annua and M. oleifera on CD4 count, viral load, and potential ARV interactions among PLWH on ART at an HIV clinic in Uganda. METHODS: 282 HIV-positive participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a CD4 count ≤ 350cells/µl were randomized in a double-blind clinical trial to receive daily, in addition to their routine standard of care either; 1) A. annua leaf powder, 2) A. annua plus M. oleifera, and 3) routine standard of care only. Change in the CD4 count at 12 months was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included changes in viral load, complete blood count, and ARV plasma levels. Participants were followed up for a year and outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: At 12 months of patient follow-up, in addition to standard of care, administration of A. annua + M. oleifera resulted in an absolute mean CD4 increment of 105.06 cells/µl, (p < 0.001), while administration of A. annua plus routine standard of care registered an absolute mean CD4 increment of 60.84 cells/µl, (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. The A. annua plus M. oleifera treatment significantly reduced viral load (p = 0.022) and increased platelet count (p = 0.025) and white blood cell counts (p = 0.003) compared to standard care alone, with no significant difference in ARV plasma levels across the groups. CONCLUSION: A combination of A. annua and M. oleifera leaf powders taken once a day together with the routine standard of care produced a significant increase in CD4 count, WBCs, platelets, and viral load suppression among individuals on ART. A. annua and M. oleifera have potential to offer an affordable alternative remedy for managing HIV infection, particularly in low-resource communities lacking ART access. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03366922.

Comparative Neuroprotective Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil and Aqueous Extract on Cognitive Functions on a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet Mice: Focus on Senescence Markers.

Several studies have demonstrated that Moringa oleifera (MO) has different pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective effects. However, the role of MO in preventing brain impairment in high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of MO leaves aqueous extract (MOE) and moringa seed oil (MOO) against brain impairment in mice with HFFD. Twenty-eight male mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet, HFFD, HFFD + MOE 500 mg/kgBW, and HFFD + MOO 2 mL/kgBW. Cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The p16, p21, and BDNF expressions were analyzed using the RT-PCR method. Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining in the brain was also performed. The results showed that administration of MOE or MOO could increase the percentage of alternation and recognition of new objects, prevent the increase of p16 and p21 expression, and ameliorate SA-ß-Gal activity in the brain. MOO, but not MOE, increased BDNF expression in senescence brains isolated from HFFD mice. The findings indicate that MOO and MOE possess neuroprotective properties, with MOO demonstrating a greater ability to inhibit the brain senescence process compared to MOE.

Antibacterial effect of Moringa oleifera on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from raw milk and some dairy products with special reference to biofilm gene expression.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are well defined as food poisoning pathogens that are highly resistant and need continuous studies. Aim: The purpose of the work was to examine phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, and treatment trials with medicinal plants. Methods: Samples were examined for isolation of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus on selective media followed by biochemical confirmation, biofilm formation, genes detection, and expression of P. aeruginosa pslA biofilm gene was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction after treatment with 0.312 mg/ml Moringa oleifera aqueous extract as a minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: The highest isolation rate of P. aeruginosa was 20% from both raw milk and Kariesh cheese, followed by 16% and 12% from ice cream and processed cheese, respectively, while the highest isolation rate of S. aureus was 36% from raw milk followed by 28% in ice cream and 16% in both Kariesh cheese and processed cheese. 30% of P. aeruginosa isolates were biofilm producers, while only 21% of S. aureus isolates were able to produce biofilm. The P. aeruginosa isolates harbor virulence-associated genes nan1, exoS, toxA, and pslA at 100%, 80%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus SEs genes were examined in S. aureus strains, where SEA and SEB genes were detected with 60%, but no isolate harbored SEC, SED, or SEE. The significant fold change of P. aeruginosa pslA expression was 0.40332 after treatment with M. oleifera aqueous extract. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus harbor dangerous virulence genes that cause food poisoning, but M. oleifera extract could minimize their action.

Moringa oleifera as a potential antimicrobial against pathogenic Clostridium perfringens isolates in farm animals.

Background: Clostridium perfringens (CP) is an emerging anaerobic pathogen that can aggravate severe fatal infections in different hosts and livestock. Aim: This paper was designed to monitor the antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) plant against different CP isolates of variant toxin genotypes comparing that with commercial antibiotics in the veterinary field. Methods: A total of 200 examined fecal, intestinal, and liver samples from cattle, sheep, and goats were investigated bacteriologically and biochemically for CP. Then, the isolates were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for toxin gene typing. Thereafter, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing as well as the antibacterial efficacy of M. oleifera were evaluated and statistically analyzed against recovered isolates. Results: The prevalence rate of CP was 51% (102/200); of which 54.5% was from cattle, 50% from sheep, and 40% from goat. Moreover, all CP isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline and lincomycin drugs; meanwhile, they were of the least resistance against ciprofloxacin (8.3%-16.7%), cefotaxime (16.7%-25%), and gentamycin (26.7%-33.3%). For M. oleifera, high antibacterial efficacy with greater inhibition zones of the plant was recorded with its oil (20-24 mm) and ethanolic extracts (16-20 mm) against CP than the aqueous extract (≤ 10 mm). A good correlation was stated between M. oleifera oil and toxin type of CP isolates particularly type A followed by D and B types. Interestingly, the oil and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera gave higher antibacterial efficacy than most commercial antibiotics against the recovered isolates. Conclusion: This study highlighted the potent antibacterial properties of M. oleifera for suppressing CP isolated from farm animals; hence, more investigations on M. oleifera are suggested to support its use as a medical herbal plant substituting antibiotics hazards and resistance problems worldwide.

A Safe One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Epoxidized Moringa Oleifera Oil.

Global demand for epoxidized vegetable oil has been steadily growing. Epoxidized vegetable oils are typically produced using a two-pot synthesis process in which the oxidation and epoxidation reactions are carried out sequentially. This two-pot synthesis method, however, has a major drawback in industrialscale production, particularly when it comes to operational and process safety issues. A laboratory-scale one-pot synthesis method was attempted in this study with the aim to safely synthesize epoxidized Moringa Oleifera oil (eMOo) by avoiding the occurrence of undesired exothermic runaway reaction. The oil extracted from Moringa Oleifera oil seed kernel (MOo) was used as a starting component due to its high degree of unsaturation and also because the Moringa Oleifera plant can be freely grown in any soil conditions. Two parallel oxidation and epoxidation reactions were carried out simultaneously in this one-pot synthesis method to produce eMOo. The effect of five different mole ratios of MOo, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (1:1:1, 1:1:2, 1:1.5:2, 1:1.75:2 and 1:2:2, respectively) on reaction mechanism was investigated at the controlled temperature range of 43 - 55°C and reaction time of 0 - 120 min. The physicochemical properties of MOo as well as the oxirane oxygen content (OOC) of the resulting eMOo were characterized. In addition, GC-MS and FTIR analysis were performed to verify the molecular composition of MOo and also to identify the epoxy group of the resulting eMOo respectively. Among the five different mole ratios studied, the 1:1.5:2 mole ratio has the highest unsaturation conversion of 79.57% and OOC of 4.12%.

Phytochemical Profiling by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS and Chemopreventive Effect of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Benzyl Isothiocyanate on Murine Mammary Carcinogenesis.

Moringa oleifera Lam, commonly known as moringa, is a plant widely used both as a human food and for medicinal purposes around the world. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MoAE) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BIT) in rats with induced breast cancer. Cancer was induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) at a dose of 60 mg/kg by orogastric gavage once only. Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned to eight groups, each consisting of six individuals. The control group (healthy) was called Group I. Group II received DMBA plus saline. In addition to DMBA, Groups III, IV, and V received MoAE at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, while Groups VI, VII, and VIII received BIT at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day, respectively. Treatment was carried out for 13 weeks. Secondary metabolite analysis results identified predominantly quercetin, caffeoylquinic acid, neochlorogenic acid, vitexin, and kaempferol, as well as tropone, betaine, loliolide, and vitexin. The administration of MoAE at a dose of 500 mg/kg and BIT at 20 mg/kg exhibited a notable decrease in both the total tumor count and the cumulative tumor weight, along with a delay in their onset. Furthermore, they improved the histological grade. A significant decrease in serum levels of VEGF and IL-1ß levels was observed (p < 0.001) with a better effect demonstrated with MoAE at 500 mg/kg and BIT at 20 mg/kg. In conclusion, this study suggests that both the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and the benzyl isothiocyanate possess antitumor properties against mammary carcinogenesis, and this effect could be due, at least in part, to the flavonoids and isothiocyanates present in the extract.

The effect of Channa striata, Moringa oleifera, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract on accelerating recovery in a ventilated patient with hemorrhagic shock grade 3 due to prolonged retained placenta: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Most of critically ventilated patients with severe hemorrhagic shock experience metabolic acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte imbalance, and increased production of free radical. Channa striata has a high content of albumin, an essential binding protein that contributes to homeostasis, and when combined with Moringa oleifera and Curcuma xanthorrhiza, they act as powerful antioxidants. Administration of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract orally may benefit patient with hemodynamic issues, including significant blood loss. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old Indonesian woman came to emergency department with decreased consciousness resulting from hemorrhagic shock grade 3 due to prolonged placenta retention for 10 days after delivery of her third child. She had an emergency hysterectomy and was sent to the intensive care unit with a hemoglobin level of 4.2 gr/dL, despite already receiving two bags of packed red blood cells during operation, and she continued with four more bags within her first day in the intensive care unit. The patient was ventilated, was supported by vasopressors, and had a low albumin level of 2.1 gr/dL. Her hemodynamic profile was difficult to stabilize, with persistent gastric residue and periodic urine output less than 1 cc/kg/hour, thereby slowing the ventilator and vasopressor weaning process. Oral supplementation of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza was given in the second day divided in three doses every 6 hours. After the second dose, gastric residue started to subside and disappeared after the third dose. The patient's condition improved in the next 24 hours; she was extubated and discharged from the hospital in the fourth day. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report describing the effect of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract in a patient with severe hemorrhagic shock due to a prolonged placenta. Accelerated recovery showed the possibility benefit of C. striata, M. oleifera, and C. xanthorrhiza extract in stabilizing oncotic pressure, neutralizing free radicals, and preventing further damage in hypoxic cells.

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.

Enhancement potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on buffalo bull cryopreserved semen quality and fertilization capacity.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leave extract (MOLE) on buffalo bull cryopreserved semen quality and fertility. Sixty ejaculates were collected from ten fertile buffalo bulls on a weekly basis for 6 weeks (n = 10 bulls & n = 60) then semen samples were pooled and divided into five groups. The semen of the control group was without additives. The semen of other groups was supplemented with MOLE at doses of 200, 400, 600 and 800 µg/ mL, respectively. One hundred thirty multiparous buffaloes were artificially inseminated with semen supplemented without or with MOLE at dose of 600 µg/ mL. Inclusion of MOLE in semen extender at dose 600 µg/ mL significantly elevated the total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity and fertilization capacity of the post-thawed spermatozoa, as well as the total antioxidant capacity. However, it significantly decreased acrosomal defects of spermatozoa, and the concentration of malondialdehyde. This study indicated that inclusion of MOLE to semen extender improved the quality and fertility of the post-thawed buffalo bulls' semen through enhancing the activities of the antioxidant enzyme system and decreasing cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Effects of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf extract on semen characteristics, fertility, and hatchability in aged broiler breeder roosters.

Declining semen quality will have a negative impact on the fertility of aged roosters. Various factors influence this decrease in quality. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of Moringa plant extract on semen characteristics, fertility, and hatchability in aged broiler breeder roosters. A total of 24 roosters were fed 1 of 4 dietary supplements for 10 wk: Control, 100 µL/kg (Moringa oleifera leaf extract [MOLE]-100), 200 µL/kg (MOLE-200), or 400 µL/kg body weight (MOLE-400) of Moringa oleifera extract. Results showed supplementation with MOLE-200 significantly improved (P < 0.05) semen concentration, total motility, progressive motility, sperm membrane integrity compared to other treatments. However, semen volume and body weight were unaffected (P > 0.05). Sperm lipid peroxidation, as indicated by malondialdehyde concentration, was lowest in MOLE-200. There was a significant difference observed among the treatments in terms of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) results. The testosterone concentration in the MOLE-200 treatment was significantly higher than the other treatments (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) hormones among the experimental treatments. Fertility and hatchability rates were measured at the end of the trial. Fertility, defined as the number of fertilized eggs, was greatest in the MOLE-200 treatment compared to the other treatments. Similarly, hatchability (hatched chicks/fertilized eggs %) was highest at 88.02% for MOLE-200. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with M. oleifera extract improved semen quality, fertility, and hatchability in aged broiler breeder roosters.

n-Butanol fraction of moringa seed attenuates arsenic intoxication by regulating the uterine inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.

The adverse effects of arsenic-chelating drugs make it essential to replace invasive chelating therapy with non-invasive oral therapy for arsenic poisoning. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether the uterine damage caused by arsenization could be repaired by the n-butanol fraction of Moringa oleifera seed (NB). The rats were orally administered with arsenic (10 mg/kg BW) for the initial 8 days, followed by NB (50 mg/kg) for the next 8 days without arsenic. The probable existence of different components in NB was evaluated by HPLC-MS. Pro and anti-inflammatory indicators were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot. ESR-α was detected via immunostaining. Arsenic-exposed rats had significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, which were markedly reduced after NB treatment. Weaker ESR-α expression and distorted uterine histomorphology following arsenication were retrieved significantly by NB. Meaningful restoration by NB was also achieved for altered mRNA and protein expression of various inflammatory and apoptotic indicators. Molecular interaction predicted that glucomoringin and methyl glucosinolate of moringa interact with the catalytic site of caspase-3 in a way that limits its activity. However, NB was successful in restoring the arsenic-mediated uterine hypofunction. The glucomoringin and methyl glucosinolate present in n-butanol fraction may play a critical role in limiting apoptotic event in the arsenicated uterus.

Biopolymer zein nanoparticles loaded with Moringa Oleifera extract for improved wound healing activity: Development, Qbd based optimization and in vivo study.

Recently, nanobiomaterials have been explored for improved biological activities and value addition to the herbal extracts. Zein is a natural biopolymer with excellent pharmaceutical characteristics for topical applications. Moringa oleifera plant possesses large number of phytopharmaceuticals and its leaves are used in wound healing since ancient time. In this study, we studied first time, encapsulation of Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract into zein nanoparticles which are developed and optimized using quality by design approach. Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract was characterized by FTIR and total phenolic content determination. Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract loaded zein nanoparticles were systematically characterized for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy and loading capacity. Further, a gel having optimized formulation for topical application was prepared and characterized for pH, spreadability, extrudability and storage stability. The so developed formulation were tested for wound healing activities on animals and results clearly indicated significant activity (p < 0.05) in case of Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract loaded zein nanoparticles formulation than control and relatively improved wound healing than Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract only loaded gel . This study opens up new possibilities in exploring zein nanoparticles for herbal extract based therapeutic applications.

A comprehensive review on Moringa oleifera nanoparticles: importance of polyphenols in nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle efficacy and their applications.

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular functional foods that has been tremendously exploited for synthesis of a vast majority of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The diverse secondary metabolites present in this plant turn it into a green tool for synthesis of different NPs with various biological activities. In this review, we discussed different types of NPs including silver, gold, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide NPs produced from the extract of different parts of M. oleifera. Different parts of M. oleifera take a role as the reducing, stabilizing, capping agent, and depending on the source of extract, the color of solution changes within NP synthesis. We highlighted the role of polyphenols in the synthesis of NPs among major constituents of M. oleifera extract. The different synthesis methods that could lead to the formation of various sizes and shapes of NPs and play crucial role in biomedical application were critically discussed. We further debated the mechanism of interaction of NPs with various sizes and shapes with the cells, and further their clearance from the body. The application of NPs made from M. oleifera extract as anticancer, antimicrobial, wound healing, and water treatment agent were also discussed. Small NPs show better antimicrobial activity, while they can be easily cleared from the body through the kidney. In contrast, large NPs are taken by the mono nuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells. In case of shape, the NPs with spherical shape penetrate into the bacteria, and show stronger antibacterial activity compared to the NPs with other shapes. Finally, this review aims to correlate the key characteristics of NPs made from M. oleifera extract, such as size and shape, to their interactions with the cells for designing and engineering them for bio-applications and especially for therapeutic purposes.

Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam leaf and seed flour during the pregnancy and lactation period of Wistar rats: Maternal evaluation of initial and adult neurobehavioral development of the rat progeny.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is a tree species of Indian origin popularly known as the "tree of life". In various cultures, it is used by pregnant women to increase milk production, yet studies on its effects during pregnancy and lactation are lacking. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the nutraceutical aspects of flours produced from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera, and to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pregnant Wistar rats during the gestation and lactation period, with the aim of studying the weight gain and neonatal parameters of the pregnant rats, as well as effects on the neurobehavioral development and memory in their offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The flour supplementation was conducted at a concentration of 100 mg per kg of animal body weight. For the memory tests, the Open Field Habituation test was performed and repeated after seven days. The Object Recognition test was conducted with the animal exposed to the open field in short and long familiarization sessions. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-parametric data and one-way and two-way ANOVA for parametric data. RESULTS: Flour produced from both the leaf and seed of M. oleifera was found to contain significant amounts of nutrients (protein, fibre, carbohydrates, etc.), making them suitable for supplementation. The exposure of pregnant rats to M. oleifera leaf and seed flours did not affect weight gain, did not have harmful effects on the birth of offspring, and did not result in abortions or mutations in the offspring. Regarding the supplemented group's offspring, early maturation of the senses in the offspring compared to the control group was observed in all tests were conducted; indicating that supplementation positively impacted cognitive development. Further, the offspring of the supplemented rats presented reduced locomotion and greater exploration of new objects compared to the control group offspring, indicating positive effects on learning. CONCLUSION: This study describes for the first time the beneficial effects on pregnant Wistar rats and their offspring of maternal supplementation with flour products from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera.

Impact of Fermentation on the Phytochemical Content and Biological Properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. Shoot Teas.

This work examined the variation in chemical and biological properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. shoot (MOS) teas prepared under different degrees of fermentation, viz: non-fermented, semi-fermented and fermented. The chemical composition was ascertained via FTIR, GC-MS, total phenolic and total flavonoid content. Also determined were the biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities. The data confirmed that MOS teas were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with fermented MOS tea displaying the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. With respect to antioxidant property, all tea extracts exhibited good radical scavenging activities against DPPH⋅, ABTS⋅+ and NO⋅, and the radical scavenging capacity was in the order of non-fermented>semi-fermented>fermented MOS teas. The same trend was also observed for the antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In contrast, the fermented MOS tea exhibited better α-amylase inhibitory activity compared to the non-fermented and semi-fermented MOS teas.

Fortified chocolate mousse with powder and extract from Moringa oleifera leaves for nutritional value improvement.

This study focuses on the characterisation and incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOP) from Luanda (Angola) and its extract (MOE) in fortified chocolate mousse. Dark green (DG) leaves presented superior nutritional values compared to other leaves. DG contained a higher concentration of mineral salts (10 ± 1 mg/100 g of dry leaves), phenolic compounds (267 ± 4 mg GAE/g), vitamins (1.9 ± 0.2 mg/g of dry extract) and strong antioxidant capacity (IC50, 115 ± 8 µg/mL). Therefore, DG leaves were used to fortify the chocolate mousse. The leaves were prepared in three samples: control, 2 % MOP (w/w) and 2 % MOE (v/v). Textural and rheological analysis of chocolate mousse samples revealed a pseudoplastic profile for all samples, with decreased texture attributes and viscosity due to the incorporation. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that MOP and MOE samples presented 93 % and 88 % resemblance to the original product regarding general acceptance, respectively.

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.

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.

Protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract against uranyl acetate-induced testicular dysfunction in rats.

Uranyl acetate (UA) is used in civilian and military applications, predisposing it to wide dispersion in ecosystems. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging radical analysis, we confirmed that Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) is rich in biologically active phytochemicals. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible defensive effect of MLEE against UA-induced testicular dysfunction. To achieve this, rats were divided randomly and evenly into three groups for 14 days. The control group received no treatment, while the UA group received a single intraperitoneal injection of UA at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW dissolved in saline on the 12th day of the experiment, followed by no treatment the following day. The MLEE + UA group received daily oral administration of MLEE (300 mg/kg BW) dissolved in distilled water before exposure to UA intoxication. The disruption observed in the pituitary-gonadal axis of UA-intoxicated rats was characterized by a significant decrease in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and estradiol 17beta levels. Additionally, there was a notable increase in malondialdehyde and a decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide, accompanied by an up-regulation in the immuno-expression of nuclear factor-kappa B, indicating a disturbance in the redox balance. The TUNEL assay confirmed a substantial rise in apoptotic cell numbers in the UA group. Testicular histopathological changes, excessive collagen deposition, and reduced glycogen content were evident following UA exposure. However, supplementation with MLEE effectively countered these mentioned abnormalities. MLEE is proposed to combat the toxicological molecular targets in the UA-affected testis by restoring the balance between oxidants and antioxidants while obstructing the apoptotic cascade. MLEE contains an abundance of redox-stabilizing and cytoprotective phytochemicals that have the potential to counteract the mechanistic pathways associated with UA exposure. These findings encourage further research into other plausible protective aspects of Moringa oleifera against the UA challenge.

Spatial and temporal characterization of the rich fraction of plastid DNA present in the nuclear genome of Moringa oleifera reveals unanticipated complexity in NUPTs´ formation.

BACKGROUND: Beyond the massive amounts of DNA and genes transferred from the protoorganelle genome to the nucleus during the endosymbiotic event that gave rise to the plastids, stretches of plastid DNA of varying size are still being copied and relocated to the nuclear genome in a process that is ongoing and does not result in the concomitant shrinking of the plastid genome. As a result, plant nuclear genomes feature small, but variable, fraction of their genomes of plastid origin, the so-called nuclear plastid DNA sequences (NUPTs). However, the mechanisms underlying the origin and fixation of NUPTs are not yet fully elucidated and research on the topic has been mostly focused on a limited number of species and of plastid DNA. RESULTS: Here, we leveraged a chromosome-scale version of the genome of the orphan crop Moringa oleifera, which features the largest fraction of plastid DNA in any plant nuclear genome known so far, to gain insights into the mechanisms of origin of NUPTs. For this purpose, we examined the chromosomal distribution and arrangement of NUPTs, we explicitly modeled and tested the correlation between their age and size distribution, we characterized their sites of origin at the chloroplast genome and their sites of insertion at the nuclear one, as well as we investigated their arrangement in clusters. We found a bimodal distribution of NUPT relative ages, which implies NUPTs in moringa were formed through two separate events. Furthermore, NUPTs from every event showed markedly distinctive features, suggesting they originated through distinct mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal an unanticipated complexity of the mechanisms at the origin of NUPTs and of the evolutionary forces behind their fixation and highlight moringa species as an exceptional model to assess the impact of plastid DNA in the evolution of the architecture and function of plant nuclear genomes.