Leaves of Moringa oleifera Are Potential Source of Bioactive Compound β-Carotene: Evidence from In Silico and Quantitative Gene Expression Analysis

Bioactive Compounds in Moringa oleifera: Mechanisms of Action, Focus on Their Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a tropical tree native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan; it is cultivated for its nutritious leaves, pods, and seeds. This scientific study was conducted to outline the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds from M. oleifera. The existing research has found that the plant is used in traditional medicine due to its bioactive compounds, including phytochemicals: flavonoids and polyphenols. The compounds are thought to exert their anti-inflammatory effects due to: (1) inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes: quercetin and kaempferol inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase); (2) regulation of cytokine production: isothiocyanates modulate signaling pathways involved in inflammation, such as the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway; isothiocyanates inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α) and IL-1β (interleukin-1β); and (3) antioxidant activity: M. oleifera contains flavonoids, polyphenols, known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The review includes M. oleifera's effects on cardiovascular protection, anti-hypertensive activities, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This research could prove valuable for exploring the pharmacological potential of M. oleifera and contributing to the prospects of developing effective medicines for the benefit of human health.

Using Femtosecond Laser Light-Activated Materials: The Biomimetic Dentin Remineralization Was Monitored by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of the antimicrobial agents Moringa oleifera and bioactive glass nanoparticles activated by femtosecond laser light on the biomimetic dentin remineralization using teeth having carious dentin ICDAS code 3. Methods and Materials: A total of 27 dentin surface samples were divided into three groups: the first group was treated with a Moringa oleifera extract, while the second group was treated with bioactive glass nanoparticles, and as for the control group, the third group received no additional agent. All groups were subjected to femtosecond laser light at three different wavelengths: 390 nm, 445 nm, and 780 nm. The photoactivation of each sample was achieved using the femtosecond laser light for 5 min with an average power rating of 300 mW, a pulse duration of 100 fs, and a pulse repetition rate of 80 Hz. The mineral content of the samples was obtained and analyzed using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The LIBS analysis was conducted with the following laser light parameters: average power of ~215 mW, wavelength of 532 nm, pulse duration of 10 ns, and a pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz. Results: Most studied samples exhibited a relative increase in the mineral content that may enhance biomimetic remineralization. Moringa oleifera photoactivated by femtosecond laser light at 445 nm achieved a significant increase in mineral content. Conclusion: Using the femtosecond laser light to activate the relatively cheap and commercially available antimicrobial agent Moringa oleifera supports the strategy of minimal invasive approaches for the treatment and biomimetic remineralization of carious dentin ICDAS code 3.