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

<i>Moringa oleifera</i> (<i>M. oleifera</i>) 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...

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Main Authors: Adina Chiș, Paul Aimé Noubissi, Oana-Lelia Pop, Carmen Ioana Mureșan, Michel Archange Fokam Tagne, René Kamgang, Adriana Fodor, Adela-Viviana Sitar-Tăut, Angela Cozma, Olga Hilda Orășan, Simona Codruța Hegheș, Romana Vulturar, Ramona Suharoschi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/1/20
Description
Summary:<i>Moringa oleifera</i> (<i>M. oleifera</i>) 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 <i>M. oleifera.</i> 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: <i>M. oleifera</i> contains flavonoids, polyphenols, known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The review includes <i>M. oleifera</i>’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 <i>M. oleifera</i> and contributing to the prospects of developing effective medicines for the benefit of human health.
ISSN:2223-7747