Treatments and uses of Moringa oleifera seeds in human nutrition: A review

The thermal degradation of glucomoringin and changes of phenolic compounds in moringa seed kernels during different degrees of roasting

The effect of heat treatment on the abundant bioactive compounds in moringa seed kernels (MSKs) during different degrees of roasting remains sparingly explored despite the flour of roasted MSKs has been incorporated into the human diet (e.g., cakes, cookies, and burgers) as a substitute to enrich the nutritional content. Therefore, we investigated the impacts of different roasting conditions (e.g., temperature and duration) on bioactive compounds (e.g., glucosinolates (GSLs), phenolic acids and alkaloids) and antioxidant capacity of MSKs. Our results showed that light and medium roasting increased the glucomoringin (GMG, the main GSL in MSKs) content from 43.7 (unroasted MSKs) to 69.7-127.3 μmol/g MSKs (dry weight), while excessive/dark roasting caused thermally-induced degradation of GMG (trace/undetectable level) in MSKs, resulting in the formation of various breakdown products (e.g., thiourea, nitrile, and amide). In addition, although roasting caused a significant reduction of some phenolic compounds (e.g., gallic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric acids, and trigonelline), other phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic and ferulic acids) and alkaloids (e.g., caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) remarkably increased after roasting, which may contribute to the enhanced total phenolic content (up to 2.9-fold) and antioxidant capacity (up to 5.8-fold) of the roasted MSKs.

The chemical and microbiological safety of emerging alternative protein sources and derived analogues: A review

Climate change and changing consumer demand are the main factors driving the protein transition. This shift toward more sustainable protein sources as alternatives to animal proteins is also reflected in the rapid upscaling of meat and dairy food analogues. Such changes could challenge food safety, as new food sources could result in new and unexpected food safety risks for consumers. This review analyzed the current knowledge on chemical and microbiological contamination of emerging alternative protein sources of plant origin, including soil-based (faba bean, mung bean, lentils, black gram, cowpea, quinoa, hemp, and leaf proteins) and aquatic-based (microalgae and duckweeds) proteins. Moreover, findings on commercial analogues from known alternative protein sources were included. Overall, the main focus of the investigations is on the European context. The review aimed to enable foresight approaches to food safety concerning the protein transition. The results indicated the occurrence of multiple chemical and microbiological hazards either in the raw materials that are the protein sources and eventually in the analogues. Moreover, current European legislation on maximum limits does not address most of the "contaminant-food" pairs identified, and no legislative framework has been developed for analogues. Results of this study provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical and microbiological safety of alternative protein sources and derived analogues to enable a holistic and safe approach to the protein transition.

Exploring the potential of Moringa oleifera Lam in skin disorders and cosmetics: nutritional analysis, phytochemistry, geographical distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, dermatological studies and cosmetic formulations

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a pan-tropical plant well known to the ancient world for its extensive therapeutic benefits in the Ayurvedic and Unani medical systems. The ancient world was familiar with this tree, but it has only lately been rediscovered as a multifunctional species with a huge range of possible therapeutic applications. It is a folk remedy for skin diseases, edema, sore gums, etc. This review comprises the history, ethnomedicinal applications, botanical characteristics, geographic distribution, propagation, nutritional and phytochemical profile, dermatological effects, and commercially available cosmeceuticals of Moringa oleifera Lam.Compilation of all the presented data has been done by employing various search engines like Science Direct, Google, PubMed, Research Gate, EBSCO, SciVal, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.Studies on phytochemistry claim the presence of a variety of substances, including fatty acids, phenolic acids, sterols, oxalates, tocopherols, carotenoids, flavonoids, flavonols glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, terpene, saponins, phylates, alkaloids, glucosinolates, glycosides, and isothiocyanate. The pharmacological studies have shown the efficacy of Moringa oleifera Lam. as an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atopic dermatitis, antipsoriatic, promoter of wound healing, effective in treating herpes simplex virus, photoprotective, and UV protective. As a moisturizer, conditioner, hair growth promoter, cleanser, antiwrinkle, anti-aging, anti-acne, scar removal, pigmentation, and control for skin infection, sores, as well as sweating, it has also been utilized in a range of cosmeceuticals.he Moringa oleifera Lam. due to its broad range of phytochemicals can be proven boon for the treatment of dermatological disorders.

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.

Ultrasonic extraction of Moringa oleifera seeds polysaccharides: Optimization, purification, and anti-inflammatory activities

Natural polysaccharides exhibit numerous beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. Moringa oleifera seeds are of high dietary and therapeutic value which drew a lot of attention. However, the regulation effect on anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides remains to be studied. Herein, novel bioactive polysaccharides (MOSP-1) were extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds, and the anti-inflammatory properties of MOSP-1 were uncovered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to prepare the polysaccharides with optimized conditions (70 °C, 43 min, and liquid-solid-ratio 15 mL/g). Then, DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow columns were applied to isolate and purify MOSP-1. Rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose were identified as the monosaccharide constituents of MOSP-1, with a molecular weight of 5.697 kDa. Their proportion in molarity was 1:0.183:0.108:0.860 and 8 types of glycosidic linkages were discovered. Bioactive assays showed that MOSP-1 possessed scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals, confirming its potential antioxidation efficacy. In vitro experiments revealed that MOSP-1 could reduce the expression of inflammation-related cytokines, inhibit the activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 (the MAPK signaling pathway), and enhance phagocytic functions. This study indicates that polysaccharides (MOSP-1) from Moringa oleifera seeds with anti-inflammatory properties may be used for functional food and pharmaceutical product development.

The Potential Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Proteins in Moringa Allergy by Functionally Activating Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells and Inducing Their Differentiation toward a Th2-Polarizing Phenotype

Moringa oleifera leaves are an inexpensive substitute for staple foods. Despite limited data, Moringa oleifera leaf protein (Mo-Pr) may be allergenic in BALB/c mice. In mouse models and allergic patients, dendritic cells (DCs) may be involved in food allergy. In addition, some allergens, including food allergens, can directly activate DCs and induce Th2 polarization. We investigated whether Mo-Pr can modulate the functional profile of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro. BMDCs were obtained from mouse bone marrow cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for 7 days and then treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Mo-Pr. BMDC phenotypes were evaluated via flow cytometry, cytokine production was assessed using ELISA, the expression of key genes was studied using qRT-PCR, the effects on T-cell differentiation were investigated using mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), and transcriptional changes in BMDCs were investigated using RNA-Seq. Mo-Pr-specific IgE was investigated in recipient serum after BMDC transfer. Mo-Pr treatment significantly induced BMDC maturation, increased the expression of CD80/86 and MHC II, resulted in the production of IL-12 and TNF-α, and induced T-cell differentiation. Mo-Pr treatment stimulated BMDCs' expression of the Th2 promoters OX40L and TIM-4, induced the production of the Th2-type chemokines CCL22 and CCL17, and decreased the Th1/Th2 ratio in vitro. Healthy recipients of Mo-Pr-treated BMDCs produced Mo-Pr-specific IgE.

Toxicity and antitumor activity of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera Lam. Seeds (WSMoL) in sarcoma 180-bearing mice

WSMoL, a water-soluble lectin from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, present several biological activities. This work aimed to evaluated the toxicity and antitumor activity of WSMoL. To analyze toxicity, it was determined hematological, biochemical and histological parameters; consumption of water and feed as well as the weight of the animals. Antitumor analysis included evaluation of tumor weight, histology and cytokine levels. Acute toxicity assay revealed 60% mortality of animals treated with lectin at 200 mg/kg i. p. At 100 mg/kg i. p., the animals showed a decreased food and water consumption as well weight gain in comparison with control. However, no animal died and there were no alterations in blood parameters or histological analysis. Antitumor activity evaluated at safe doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in tumor weight. Tumor photomicrographs evidenced that WSMoL treatment reduced dissemination of tumor cells. WSMoL (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly enhance the immune function in the tumor environment as showed by increased the levels of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. In conclusion, WSMoL showed in vivo antitumor activity in mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumor, probably by increase the immune response against the tumor.

Analysis of functional ingredients of tempe-like fermented Moringa oleifera seeds (Moringa tempe) prepared with Rhizopus species

Tempe is a fermented food prepared by fermenting soybeans with Rhizopus species. However, there have recently been concerns about the stable supply of raw soybeans due to global warming and other factors. Moringa is a plant whose cultivation area is expected to expand in the future, and its seeds contain abundant proteins and lipids, and thus could be used as an alternative to soybeans. To develop a novel functional Moringa food, we fermented dehulled Moringa seeds with Rhizopus oligosporus and Rhizopus stolonifer using the solid fermentation method of tempe and investigated changes in the functional components, such as free amino acids and polyphenols, of the respective obtained Moringa tempe Rm and Rs. After 45 h of fermentation, the total content of free amino acids, mainly including gamma-aminobutyric acid and l-glutamic acid, in Moringa tempe Rm was about three times higher, while that in Moringa tempe Rs was almost the same, compared to that in unfermented Moringa seeds. Moreover, after 70 h of fermentation, both Moringa tempe Rm and Rs had approximately four times higher polyphenol content and significantly higher antioxidant activity than did unfermented Moringa seeds. Further, the content of each residual chitin-binding protein of defatted Moringa tempe Rm and Rs was almost the same as that of unfermented Moringa seeds. Taken together, Moringa tempe was rich in free amino acids and polyphenols, exhibited better antioxidant activity, and retained the levels of its chitin-binding proteins, suggesting that Moringa seeds could be used as an alternative to soybean for tempe preparation.

An investigation of correlation between structural and functional properties of Nigella sativa protein isolate

The physicochemical characteristics, amino acid composition, and functional properties of Nigella sativa (NS) seedcake protein extracts were evaluated to establish their potential in nutraceuticals and functional foods. The highest yield (20.2%) of protein isolate (NSPI) from NS seedcake was achieved at an alkali concentration of 0.16 M, a buffer to sample ratio of 1/25 (w/v), extraction time, 15 min, and extraction temperature, 25°C. Amino acid analysis showed that the isolated protein is a good source of amino acids with a significant essential to total amino acid (E/TN) ratio. Further, the protein isolate exhibited maximum solubility at pH 11. The results of the physicochemical analysis clearly indicated that the protein isolate had good water and oil holding capacity, emulsification property, foaming capacity, and foaming stability. The secondary structure of NSPI contained α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turns. In addition, NSPI showed excellent antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and protein digestibility activities. From the experimental data, it could be concluded that NSPI could be an excellent source of proteins for the development of foods with promising functional properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nigella sativa seeds are frequently used as a natural food additive and have been a part of naturopathy for centuries due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties. Nigella sativa seedcakes obtained as by-products of the oil extraction process are rich in protein content and can be used as a sustainable source of dietary proteins to cater to a wide range of consumers. Being plant-based, they inherently possess several medicinal properties. Analyzing the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolated from seedcakes allows us to optimize the protein extraction process while providing a better perspective on its potential in the nutraceuticals and food industries. It can be used as an energy supplement in animal feed as a source of protein to replace soybeans and barley. The antioxidant proteins when added to meat-based products have been known to protect the meat from oxidative stress as well as pathogenic organisms, thus, improving its shelf-life. Nigella sativa protein isolates have several applications in the pharmaceutical industry as well.

Moringa Oleifera Alleviates Aβ Burden and Improves Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Impairments in APP/PS1 Mice

Alzheimer's disease is a global public health problem and the most common form of dementia. Due to the failure of many single therapies targeting the two hallmarks, Aβ and Tau, and the multifactorial etiology of AD, there is now more and more interest in nutraceutical agents with multiple effects such as Moringa oleifera (MO) that have strong anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective virtues. In this study, we treated APP/PS1 mice with a methanolic extract of MO for four months and evaluated its effect on AD-related pathology in these mice using a multitude of behavioral, biochemical, and histochemical tests. Our data revealed that MO improved behavioral deficits such as anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity and cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. MO treatment abrogated the Aβ burden to wild-type control mice levels via decreasing BACE1 and AEP and upregulating IDE, NEP, and LRP1 protein levels. Moreover, MO improved synaptic plasticity by improving the decreased GluN2B phosphorylation, the synapse-related proteins PSD95 and synapsin1 levels, the quantity and quality of dendritic spines, and neurodegeneration in the treated mice. MO is a nutraceutical agent with promising therapeutic potential that can be used in the management of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Moringa seed-supplemented diets modulate ACE activity but not its gene expression in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats

Introduction: We investigated the effect of dietary inclusions of Moringa seed (5% and 10%) on blood pressure, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and gene expression, as well as redox status in hypertensive rats.Material and methods: Wistar strain albino rats were fed moringa seed-based diets for two weeks prior L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administration for another ten days. Subsequently, the blood pressure was monitored. Furthermore, the kidney homogenates were assayed for ACE activity and gene expression, as well as oxidative stress markers.Results: The increased (systolic =297 ± 59.30 mmHg; diastolic= 242 ± 51.96 mmHg) blood pressure, arginase activity, and reduced nitric oxide level were significantly ameliorated in hypertensive rats treated with the seed. However, the elevated ACE activity was significantly reduced but not the upregulated ACE1 gene. Also, the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities were ameliorated with a significant downregulation in their regulator-Nrf2. Rutin (4.07 ± 0.02 mg/g) and quercitrin (4.06 ± 0.01 mg/g), among others, were found in the seed.Discussion: This study suggests that moringa seed offers its antihypertensive properties by acting as an ACE inhibitor but not its gene modulator, and also modulates the antioxidant system through interaction with Nrf2.Conclusion: Moringa seed could act as an ACE inhibitor and not its gene modulator.

A critical review with emphasis on recent pieces of evidence of Moringa oleifera biosorption in water and wastewater treatment

The increasing demand for using competent and inexpensive methods based on biomaterials, like adsorption and biosorption, has given rise to the low-priced alternative biosorbents. In the past few years, Moringa oleifera (MO) has emerged as a green and low-priced biosorbent for the treatment of contaminated waters with heavy metals and dyes, and given its availability, we can create another generation of effective biosorbents based on different parts of this plant. In this review paper, we have briefed on the application of MO as a miraculous biosorbent for water purification. Moreover, the primary and cutting-edge methods for the purification and modification of MO to improve its adsorption are discussed. It was found that MO has abundant availability in the regions where it is grown, and simple chemical treatments increase the effectiveness of this plant in the treatment of some toxic contaminants. The different parts of this miraculous plant's "seeds, leaves, or even husks" in their natural form also possess appreciable sorption capacities, high efficiency for treating low metal concentrations, and rapid adsorption kinetics. Thus, the advantages and disadvantages of different parts of MO as biosorbent, the conditions favorable to this biosorption, also, the proposal of a logical mechanism, which can justify the high efficiency of this plant, are discussed in this review. Finally, several conclusions have been drawn from some important works and which are examined in this review, and future suggestions are proposed.

Prospects and potentials of underutilized leafy Amaranths as vegetable use for health-promotion

Climate change causes environmental variation worldwide, which is one of the most serious threats to global food security. In addition, more than 2 billion people in the world are reported to suffer from serious malnutrition, referred to as 'hidden hunger.' Dependence on only a few crops could lead to the loss of genetic diversity and high fragility of crop breeding in systems adapting to global scale climate change. The exploitation of underutilized species and genetic resources, referred to as orphan crops, could be a useful approach for resolving the issue of adaptability to environmental alteration, biodiversity preservation, and improvement of nutrient quality and quantity to ensure food security. Moreover, the use of these alternative crops will help to increase the human health benefits and the income of farmers in developing countries. In this review, we highlight the potential of orphan crops, especially amaranths, for use as vegetables and health-promoting nutritional components. This review highlights promising diversified sources of amaranth germplasms, their tolerance to abiotic stresses, and their nutritional, phytochemical, and antioxidant values for vegetable purposes. Betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins), unique antioxidant components in amaranth vegetables, are also highlighted regarding their chemodiversity across amaranth germplasms and their stability and degradation. In addition, we discuss the physiological functions, antioxidant, antilipidemic, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, as well as the biosynthesis pathway, molecular, biochemical, genetics, and genomic mechanisms of betalains in detail.

Niazimicin: A thiocarbamate glycoside from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds with a novel neuroprotective activity

Moringa oleifera (MO) known as the miracle tree is a famous nutritional source in many countries. In this study, the neuroprotective activity of MO seeds was investigated. Fractions of the 70% ethanol seed extract of MO were injected at a dose of 250 mg kg^-1  day^-1 to albino rats for 15 days, after-which induction of dementia was done using 100 mg/kg AlCl₃ over 30 days. Results revealed that all fractions ameliorated the effects of AlCl₃ where methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions, containing the major bioactive compound niazimicin (NZ), showed the best activities. Biological investigations proved NZ to be a highly potent neuroprotective drug lead as a first report, by causing a decrease in the levels of malondialdehyde, cholinesterase, nitric oxide (NO) and amyloid β by 47%, 34%, 53% and 59%, respectively, and increasing glutathione levels by 54%. Molecular docking studies suggested NZ neuroprotective effects to be mediated by inhibition of caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The current findings present the neuroprotective effect of Moringa oleifera seeds consumed as a food supplement and in daily diet. In addition, niazimicin is a promising lead for the development of novel agents against Alzheimer's disease as seen by the reported results.

Bioactive components from Moringa oleifera seeds: production, functionalities and applications - a critical review

A readily distinguishable and indigenous member of the plant kingdom in the Indian subcontinent is the 'drumstick tree', i.e. Moringa oleifera Lam. In addition to India, this drought-tolerant and rapidly evolving tree is currently extensively disseminated across the globe, including subtropical and tropical areas. The plant boasts a high nutritional, nutraceutical and therapeutic profile, mainly attributing to its significant repertoire of the biologically active components in different parts: protein, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic acids, tannin, isothiocyanate, lipids, minerals, vitamins, amongst others. M. oleifera seeds have been shown to elicit a myriad of pharmacological potential and health benefits, including: antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Additionally, the seed cakes obtained from post-extraction process are utilized for: coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation purposes, benefiting effluent management and the purification of water, mainly because of their capability in eliminating microbes and organic matter. Despite the extraordinary focus on other parts of the plant, especially the foliage, the beneficial aspects of the seeds have not been sufficiently highlighted. The health benefits of bioactive components in the seeds are promising and demonstrate enough potential to facilitate the development of functional foods. In this review, we present a critical account of the types, characteristics, production and isolation of bioactive components from M. oleifera seeds. Furthermore, we appraise the: pharmacological activities, cosmetic, biodiesel, lubricative, modern farming, nutritive and wastewater treatment applications of these functional ingredients. We infer that there is a need for further human/clinical studies and evaluation, despite their health benefits. Additionally, the safety issues need to be adequately clarified and assessed, in order to establish a conventional therapeutic profile.

Ultrasonic treatment on physicochemical properties of water-soluble protein from Moringa oleifera seed

Effect of ultrasonic power on the structure and functional properties of water-soluble protein extracted from defatted Moringa oleifera seed were explored. The results showed that ultrasonic treatment could reduce β-sheet and β-turn content of water-soluble protein from Moringa oleifera seed (MOWP) and increase the content of random coil and α-helix. Changes in intrinsic fluorescence spectra, surface hydrophobicity (H₀) and thermal behaviors indicated that ultrasonic had significant effect on the tertiary structure of MOWP. The results of SEM and SDS-PAGE showed that the MOWP was aggregated but not significantly degraded by ultrasound. The solubility, foaming properties and emulsifying properties of MOWP increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of ultrasonic power. Ultrasonic treatment altered the functional properties of MOWP, which might be attributed to the exposure of hydrophilic group and the change of and secondary and tertiary structure.

Moringa oleifera: An Unknown Crop in Developed Countries with Great Potential for Industry and Adapted to Climate Change

Moringa oleifera is originally a tropical crop with a fast development, little known in developed countries but cultivated since ancient times. It can adapt to regions affected by climate change, such as the Mediterranean basin, since it is a crop with a great resistance to high temperatures. In this study an in-depth bibliographical review was carried out by consulting different databases (Science Direct, FSTA, Scielo, Riunet, and Google Scholar) in order to find published scientific studies on the characteristics of this crop and its agronomic requirements. According to the information found, all parts of the Moringa oleifera, namely the leaves, pods, seeds, roots and flowers, can be used in different industrial sectors such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, human food, animal feed, and water treatment since they have a nutritional profile rich in high biological value proteins, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous.

Potential of Germination in Selected Conditions to Improve the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.)

Moringa oleifera L. is greatly appreciated for its high content of phytochemicals. Although most parts of moringa tree have been widely studied, seeds remained scarcely explored. The first goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of germination to improve the nutritional composition (proximate composition and levels of vitamins B1 and B2), content of bioactive compounds (glucosinolates, phenolics and γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and antioxidant activity of moringa seed. Germination improved protein, fat, fiber, riboflavin, phenolics, some individual glucosinolates (GLS) and GABA contents, as well as the antioxidant potential in moringa sprouts, but the extent of the improvement depended on germination conditions. The second objective of this work was to identify the optimal germination conditions to maximize nutritional and bioactive quality of moringa by applying multi-response optimization (response surface methodology, RSM). RSM models indicated that 28 °C and 24 h were the optimal conditions to enhance the accumulation of riboflavin, phenolics and antioxidant activity of sprouts, while the highest GABA and total GLS contents were observed at 36 °C for 96 h and thiamine achieved the maximum content at 36 °C for 24 h. These results show that moringa sprouts are promising functional foods that might be also used as ingredients for the elaboration of novel foodstuffs.

Moringa oleifera seeds mitigate myocardial injury and prevent ventricular failure induced by myocardial infarction

Moringa oleifera (MOI), an edible plant in the family of Moringaceae, has been used as food and medicine in many Asian countries. MOI exhibits neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic functions. However, whether MOI seeds play a significant role in ischemic heart diseases has not been investigated. In this study, we found MOI seeds could improve the 28-day survival rate and the cardiac functions of myocardial infarction (MI) mice, with significantly increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening by day 28 post-MI. Correspondingly, the infarctional areas of heart were markedly decreased. Mechanistically, MOI seeds inhibited MI-induced apoptosis and repressed the degree of cardiac fibrosis. Further mechanistic studies indicated cardioprotective the effects of MOI seeds mainly via the suppression of oxidative and nitrosative stress. Taken together, our work suggested a beneficial role of MOI seeds in MI-induced myocardial damage and cardiac remodeling by suppressing cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reducing collagen production, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy for MI.

Efficacy of a natural coagulant protein from Moringa oleifera (Lam) seeds in treatment of Opa reservoir water, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Health related and environmental side effects associated with conventional chemical coagulants used in water treatment has prompted the search for natural alternatives, especially of plant origin. This study investigated the water coagulation activities of a purified protein from Moringa oleifera seeds on the water from Opa reservoir of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. M. oleifera coagulant protein (MoCP) was purified via ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography respectively. Subunit and native molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and gel filtration was 14.2 kDa and 30.3 kDa respectively. Modified jar test was used to investigate the coagulation activity of the purified protein in comparison to that of conventional chemical coagulant (aluminium sulphate). MoCP significantly reduced turbidity (p < 0.05) and organic load which contributed to about 58.18% reduction in total coliform of treated water. MoCP also elicited promising antimicrobial activity against bacterial isolates in the water from Opa reservoir.