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El Bilali H, Dan Guimbo I, Nanema RK, Falalou H, Kiebre Z, Rokka VM, Tietiambou SRF, Nanema J, Dambo L, Grazioli F, Naino Jika AK, Gonnella M, Acasto F. Research on Moringa ( Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Africa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1613. [PMID: 38931045 PMCID: PMC11207860 DOI: 10.3390/plants13121613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
While Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Iro Dan Guimbo
- Department of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema
- Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, PB 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; (R.K.N.); (Z.K.)
| | - Hamidou Falalou
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Niamey BP 12404, Niger;
| | - Zakaria Kiebre
- Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, PB 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; (R.K.N.); (Z.K.)
| | - Veli-Matti Rokka
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland;
| | | | - Jacques Nanema
- Programme Agrinovia, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso;
| | - Lawali Dambo
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Francesca Grazioli
- Alliance Bioversity International—CIAT (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Via San Domenico 1, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Abdel Kader Naino Jika
- Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Maria Gonnella
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Filippo Acasto
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Ouaga 2000—Secteur 54, Arrondissement n. 12, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso;
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Hussain SM, Bano AA, Ali S, Rizwan M, Adrees M, Zahoor AF, Sarker PK, Hussain M, Arsalan MZUH, Yong JWH, Naeem A. Substitution of fishmeal: Highlights of potential plant protein sources for aquaculture sustainability. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26573. [PMID: 38434023 PMCID: PMC10906437 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
High protein content, excellent amino acid profile, absence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), high digestibility and good palatability of fishmeal (FM), make it a major source of protein in aquaculture. Naturally derived FM is at risk due to an increase in its demand, unsustainable practices, and price. Thus, there is an urgent need to find affordable and suitable protein sources to replace FM. Plant protein sources are suitable due to their widespread availability and low cost. However, they contained certain ANFs, deficiency of some amino acids, low nutrient bioavailability and poor digestibility due to presence of starch and fiber. These unfavourable characteristics make them less suitable for feed as compared to FM. Thus, these potential challenges and limitations associated with various plant proteins have to be overcome by using different methods, i.e. enzymatic pretreatments, solvent extraction, heat treatments and fermentation, that are discussed briefly in this review. This review assessed the impacts of plant products on growth performance, body composition, flesh quality, changes in metabolic activities and immune response of fishes. To minimize the negative effects and to enhance nutritional value of plant products, beneficial functional additives such as citric acid, phytase and probiotics could be incorporated into the plant-based FM. Interestingly, these additives improve growth of fishes by increasing digestibility and nutrient utilization of plant based feeds. Overall, this review demonstrated that the substitution of fishmeal by plant protein sources is a plausible, technically-viable and practical option for sustainable aquaculture feed production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Makhdoom Hussain
- Fish Nutrition Lab, Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Aumme Adeeba Bano
- Fish Nutrition Lab, Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adrees
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ameer Fawad Zahoor
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Pallab K. Sarker
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Majid Hussain
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Okara, Okara, Punjab, 56300, Pakistan
| | | | - Jean Wan Hong Yong
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 23456, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Adan Naeem
- Fish Nutrition Lab, Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
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Alavilli H, Poli Y, Verma KS, Kumar V, Gupta S, Chaudhary V, Jyoti A, Sahi SV, Kothari SL, Jain A. Miracle Tree Moringa oleifera: Status of the Genetic Diversity, Breeding, In Vitro Propagation, and a Cogent Source of Commercial Functional Food and Non-Food Products. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3132. [PMID: 36432862 PMCID: PMC9694164 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a fast-growing drought-resistant tree belonging to the family Moringaceae and native to the Indian subcontinent and cultivated and/or naturalized worldwide with a semi-arid climate. MO is also popularly known as a miracle tree for its repertoire of nutraceutical, pharmacological, and phytochemical properties. The MO germplasm is collected, conserved, and maintained by various institutions across the globe. Various morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers are used for determining the genetic diversity in MO accessions. A higher yield of leaves and pods is often desirable for making various products with commercial viability and amenable for trade in the international market. Therefore, breeding elite varieties adapted to local agroclimatic conditions and in vitro propagation are viable and sustainable approaches. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of MO germplasm conservation and various markers that are employed for assessing the genetic diversity among them. Further, breeding and in vitro propagation of MO for various desirable agronomic traits are discussed. Finally, trade and commerce of various functional and biofortified foods and non-food products are enumerated albeit with a need for a rigorous and stringent toxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemasundar Alavilli
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Yugandhar Poli
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India
| | - Kumar Sambhav Verma
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Vikram Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Swati Gupta
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, India
| | - Vigi Chaudhary
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Anupam Jyoti
- Biotechnology Department, Chandigarh University, National Highway-95, Ludhiana-Chandigarh State Highway, Chandigarh 160055, India
| | - Shivendra V. Sahi
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University (University City Campus), 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shanker Lal Kothari
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Ajay Jain
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
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Lalarukh I, Al-Dhumri SA, Al-Ani LKT, Hussain R, Al Mutairi KA, Mansoora N, Amjad SF, Abbas MHH, Abdelhafez AA, Poczai P, Meena KR, Galal TM. A Combined Use of Rhizobacteria and Moringa Leaf Extract Mitigates the Adverse Effects of Drought Stress in Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Front Microbiol 2022; 13:813415. [PMID: 35801109 PMCID: PMC9253557 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.813415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Less nutrient availability and drought stress are some serious concerns of agriculture. Both biotic and abiotic stress factors have the potential to limit crop productivity. However, several organic extracts obtained from moringa leaves may induce immunity in plants under nutritional and drought stress for increasing their survival. Additionally, some rhizobacterial strains have the ability to enhance root growth for better nutrient and water uptake in stress conditions. To cover the knowledge gap on the interactive effects of beneficial rhizobacteria and moringa leaf extracts (MLEs), this study was conducted. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effectiveness of sole and combined use of rhizobacteria and MLEs against nutritional and drought stress in wheat. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) (108 CFU ml-1) was inoculated to wheat plants with and without foliar-applied MLEs at two different concentrations (MLE 1 = 1:15 v/v and MLE 2 = 1:30 v/v) twice at 25 and 35 days after seed sowing (50 ml per plant) after the establishment of drought stress. Results revealed that Pa + MLE 2 significantly increased fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), lengths of roots and shoot and photosynthetic contents of wheat. A significant enhancement in total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphate, and nitrate contents validated the efficacious effect of Pa + MLE 2 over control-treated plants. Significant decrease in sodium, proline, glycine betaine, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxide (POD) concentrations in wheat cultivated under drought stress conditions also represents the imperative role of Pa + MLE 2 over control. In conclusion, Pa + MLE 2 can alleviate nutritional stress and drought effects in wheat. More research in this field is required to proclaim Pa + MLE 2 as the most effective amendment against drought stress in distinct agroecological zones, different soil types, and contrasting wheat cultivars worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfana Lalarukh
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sami A. Al-Dhumri
- Department of Biology, Al Khumra University College, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laith Khalil Tawfeeq Al-Ani
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture Engineering Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
- School of Biology Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Malaysia
| | - Rashid Hussain
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Nida Mansoora
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Fasiha Amjad
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed H. H. Abbas
- Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Abdelhafez
- Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, New Valley University, Kharga, Egypt
- National Committee of Soils Science, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Peter Poczai
- Botany Unit, Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khem Raj Meena
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, India
| | - Tarek M. Galal
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Batool S, Khan S, Basra SM, Hussain M, Saddiq MS, Iqbal S, Irshad S, Bashir S, Hafeez MB. Impact of Natural and Synthetic Plant Stimulants on Moringa Seedlings Grown under Low-Temperature Conditions. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.56431/p-533fb5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Low-temperature results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of plants which are sensitive to low-temperatures. Moringa is getting popularity as a field crop because of its multipurpose usage. There is no information available about effects of low-temperature (14-18°C) on moringa seedlings and its mitigation. Present study was conducted to test the performance of moringa seedling grown in wire house under low-temperature conditions in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract (3% solution), hydrogen peroxide (5 ml L-1), ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) and salicylic acid (50 mg L-1). Seeds of six moringa accessions [Local landrace grown at Agronomic Research Area, Z.A Hashmi Hall, Firdous Colony. Exotic landrace grown at Lalazaar Colony, Department of Agronomy and Agronomic Research Area.] were collected and grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice; first round at the seedling age one month and second round at the seedling age two months. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced number of branches (92%) and leaves (39%), leaf total chlorophyll contents (73%), leaf phenolic contents (53%) and membrane stability index (57%) of moringa seedlings compared to control. Healthy and vigorous growth of moringa seedlings with higher concentration of antioxidants ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low-temperature condition.
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Liu Y, Wang XY, Wei XM, Gao ZT, Han JP. Values, properties and utility of different parts of Moringa oleifera: An overview. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Moreno-Ramírez YDR, Torres-Castillo JA, Mora-Olivo A, Torres-Acosta RI. First Report of the Mistletoe Phoradendron quadrangulare (Viscaceae) on Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) in Mexico. PLANT DISEASE 2018; 102:PDIS03180413PDN. [PMID: 30088957 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-18-0413-pdn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Y D R Moreno-Ramírez
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, C. P. 87019, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - J A Torres-Castillo
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, C. P. 87019, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - A Mora-Olivo
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, C. P. 87019, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - R I Torres-Acosta
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Mante, C. P. 89840, Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico
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Variation in the mineral element concentration of Moringa oleifera Lam. and M. stenopetala (Bak. f.) Cuf.: Role in human nutrition. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175503. [PMID: 28388674 PMCID: PMC5384779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moringa oleifera (MO) and M. stenopetala (MS) (family Moringaceae; order Brassicales) are multipurpose tree/shrub species. They thrive under marginal environmental conditions and produce nutritious edible parts. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of different parts of MO and MS growing in their natural environments and their potential role in alleviating human mineral micronutrient deficiencies (MND) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Edible parts of MO (n = 146) and MS (n = 50), co-occurring cereals/vegetables and soils (n = 95) underneath their canopy were sampled from localities in southern Ethiopia and Kenya. The concentrations of seven mineral elements, namely, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iodine (I), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in edible parts and soils were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS In Ethiopian crops, MS leaves contained the highest median concentrations of all elements except Cu and Zn, which were greater in Enset (a.k.a., false banana). In Kenya, Mo flowers and MS leaves had the highest median Se concentration of 1.56 mg kg-1 and 3.96 mg kg-1, respectively. The median concentration of Se in MS leaves was 7-fold, 10-fold, 23-fold, 117-fold and 147-fold more than that in brassica leaves, amaranth leaves, baobab fruits, sorghum grain and maize grain, respectively. The median Se concentration was 78-fold and 98-fold greater in MO seeds than in sorghum and maize grain, respectively. There was a strong relationship between soil total Se and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4)-extractable Se, and Se concentration in the leaves of MO and MS. CONCLUSION This study confirms previous studies that Moringa is a good source of several of the measured mineral nutrients, and it includes the first wide assessment of Se and I concentrations in edible parts of MO and MS grown in various localities. Increasing the consumption of MO and MS, especially the leaves as a fresh vegetable or in powdered form, could reduce the prevalence of MNDs, most notably Se deficiency.
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Pirrò S, Minutolo A, Galgani A, Potestà M, Colizzi V, Montesano C. Bioinformatics Prediction and Experimental Validation of MicroRNAs Involved in Cross-Kingdom Interaction. J Comput Biol 2016; 23:976-989. [PMID: 27428722 DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2016.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that act as efficient post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. In 2012, the first cross-kingdom miRNA-based interaction had been evidenced, demonstrating that exogenous miRNAs act in a manner of mammalian functional miRNAs. Starting from this evidence, we defined the concept of cross-kingdom functional homology between plant and mammalian miRNAs as a needful requirement for vegetal miRNA to explicit a regulation mechanism into the host mammalian cell, comparable to the endogenous one. Then, we proposed a new dedicated algorithm to compare plant and mammalian miRNAs, searching for functional sequence homologies between them, and we developed a web software called MirCompare. We also predicted human genes regulated by the selected plant miRNAs, and we determined the role of exogenous miRNAs in the perturbation of intracellular interaction networks. Finally, as already performed by Pirrò and coworkers, the ability of MirCompare to select plant miRNAs with functional homologies with mammalian ones has been experimentally confirmed by evaluating the ability of mol-miR168a to downregulate the protein expression of SIRT1, when its mimic is transfected into human hepatoma cell line G2 (HEPG2) cells. This tool is implemented into a user-friendly web interface, and the access is free to public through the website http://160.80.35.140/MirCompare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pirrò
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy .,2 Mir-Nat s.r.l. , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Galgani
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy .,2 Mir-Nat s.r.l. , Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Potestà
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy .,2 Mir-Nat s.r.l. , Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ," Rome, Italy
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Pirrò S, Zanella L, Kenzo M, Montesano C, Minutolo A, Potestà M, Sobze MS, Canini A, Cirilli M, Muleo R, Colizzi V, Galgani A. MicroRNA from Moringa oleifera: Identification by High Throughput Sequencing and Their Potential Contribution to Plant Medicinal Value. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149495. [PMID: 26930203 PMCID: PMC4773123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera is a widespread plant with substantial nutritional and medicinal value. We postulated that microRNAs (miRNAs), which are endogenous, noncoding small RNAs regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, might contribute to the medicinal properties of plants of this species after ingestion into human body, regulating human gene expression. However, the knowledge is scarce about miRNA in Moringa. Furthermore, in order to test the hypothesis on the pharmacological potential properties of miRNA, we conducted a high-throughput sequencing analysis using the Illumina platform. A total of 31,290,964 raw reads were produced from a library of small RNA isolated from M. oleifera seeds. We identified 94 conserved and two novel miRNAs that were validated by qRT-PCR assays. Results from qRT-PCR trials conducted on the expression of 20 Moringa miRNA showed that are conserved across multiple plant species as determined by their detection in tissue of other common crop plants. In silico analyses predicted target genes for the conserved miRNA that in turn allowed to relate the miRNAs to the regulation of physiological processes. Some of the predicted plant miRNAs have functional homology to their mammalian counterparts and regulated human genes when they were transfected into cell lines. To our knowledge, this is the first report of discovering M. oleifera miRNAs based on high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis and we provided new insight into a potential cross-species control of human gene expression. The widespread cultivation and consumption of M. oleifera, for nutritional and medicinal purposes, brings humans into close contact with products and extracts of this plant species. The potential for miRNA transfer should be evaluated as one possible mechanism of action to account for beneficial properties of this valuable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pirrò
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Zanella
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cirilli
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Rosario Muleo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Centro di Servizi Interdipartimentale, Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, University of Rome‘‘Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Leone A, Spada A, Battezzati A, Schiraldi A, Aristil J, Bertoli S. Cultivation, Genetic, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Leaves: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:12791-835. [PMID: 26057747 PMCID: PMC4490473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160612791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera is an interesting plant for its use in bioactive compounds. In this manuscript, we review studies concerning the cultivation and production of moringa along with genetic diversity among different accessions and populations. Different methods of propagation, establishment and cultivation are discussed. Moringa oleifera shows diversity in many characters and extensive morphological variability, which may provide a resource for its improvement. Great genetic variability is present in the natural and cultivated accessions, but no collection of cultivated and wild accessions currently exists. A germplasm bank encompassing the genetic variability present in Moringa is needed to perform breeding programmes and develop elite varieties adapted to local conditions. Alimentary and medicinal uses of moringa are reviewed, alongside the production of biodiesel. Finally, being that the leaves are the most used part of the plant, their contents in terms of bioactive compounds and their pharmacological properties are discussed. Many studies conducted on cell lines and animals seem concordant in their support for these properties. However, there are still too few studies on humans to recommend Moringa leaves as medication in the prevention or treatment of diseases. Therefore, further studies on humans are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leone
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Spada
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DISAA), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Battezzati
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Schiraldi
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Junior Aristil
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DISAA), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Simona Bertoli
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Chen JJ, Wang Y. Microsatellite Development and Potential Application in Authentication, Conservation, and Genetic Improvement of Chinese Medicinal Plants. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s1674-6384(15)60029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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