PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Mar 29. Epub 2020 Mar 29. PMID: 32227301

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. methanolic extract on lead-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage and inflammation in rats.

Abstract: 

This experiment explored the potential hepatic protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. methanolic extract (MOE) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two adult Wistar albino rats were allocated randomly equally into four groups, seven rats each. The control group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl); the lead acetate (Pb) group was i.p. injected with 20 mg/kg of Pb; the MOE group was orally administered with 250 mg/kg of MOE; and the MOE+ Pb group was orally treated with 250 mg/kg of MOE 3 h before receiving i.p. injections of 20 mg/kg Pb. All rats received their treatment for 14 days. Results revealed that Pb(II) intoxication induced liverinjury accompanied by elevated levels of liver function markers (ALT and AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO), and proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB p65, TNFα, and IL-1β as well iNOS expression) in addition to the pro-apoptotic-related proteins such as Bax and caspase-3. Meanwhile, significantly depleted GSH content, suppressed activity of antioxidant enzyme activity, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were also manifested in the liver tissue. Interestingly, concurrent treatment of rats with MOE ameliorated liver markers, prevented tissue injury, and inhibited oxidative stress, apoptosis, and NF-κB. In addition, MOE activated the detoxifying enzyme system in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats. Therefore, the obtained results in the present experiment provide evidence that MOE concurrent administration has the potential to protect the liver tissues in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats by preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, via attenuation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

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PMID: 

Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Apr ;47(4):2901-2911. Epub 2020 Apr 1. PMID: 32239464

Abstract Title: 

Antibiofilm, antiproliferative, antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus from Moringa oleifera.

Abstract: 

An endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from Moringa oleifera has been evaluated for its various bioactivities. The chloroformic fungal extract exhibited a good antimicrobial as well as antibiofilm activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. It also demonstrated a good antimutagenicity against the reactive carcinogenic ester generating mutagen, 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) with ICvalues of 0.52 mg mland 0.36 mg mlin case of co-incubation and pre-incubation, respectively. The antiprolifertive activity against different cancer cell lines; such as HCT-15, HeLa A549 and U87-MG showed the ICvalues of 0.061, 0.065 and 0.072 mg ml, respectively. The antioxidant activity of fungal extract has been assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzthiazolin-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS) methods with ICvalues of 40.07 µg and 54.28 µg, respectively. Total phenolics and flavonoid contents have been also determined. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) of fungal extract revealed the presence of various phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, quercetin and kaempferol). Further an attempt has been made to purify the bioactive compounds by column chromatography and GC-MS analysis. The above studies demonstrated a good bioactive potential of endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and shows the pharmacological importance of an endophytic fungus and justify the need to carry out further studies.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2020 Apr 9 ;12(4). Epub 2020 Apr 9. PMID: 32283757

Abstract Title: 

Ethanolic Extract ofLeaves Influences NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Restore Kidney Tissue from Cobalt-Mediated Oxidative Injury and Inflammation in Rats.

Abstract: 

This study aimed to describe the protective efficacy ofethanolic extract (MOEE) against the impact of cobalt chloride (CoCl) exposure on the rat's kidney. Fifty male rats were assigned to five equal groups: a control group, a MOEE-administered group (400 mg/kg body weight (bw), daily via gastric tube), a CoCl-intoxicated group (300 mg/L, daily in drinking water), a protective group, and a therapeutic co-administered group that received MOEE prior to or following and concurrently with CoCl, respectively. The antioxidant status indices (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide (HO), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and inflammatory response markers (nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were evaluated. The expression profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) were also measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that CoClexposure was associated with significant elevations of oxidative stress and inflammatory indices with reductions in the endogenous tissue antioxidants' concentrations. Moreover, CoClenhanced the activity of the NF-κB inflammatory-signaling pathway that plays a role in the associated inflammation of the kidney. MOEE ameliorated CoCl-induced renal oxidative damage and inflammatory injury with the suppression of the mRNA expression pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokine-encoding genes. MOEE is more effective when it is administered with CoClexposure as a prophylactic regimen. In conclusion, MOEE administration exhibited protective effects in counteracting CoCl-induced renal injury in rats.

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PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Apr 16. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32297115

Abstract Title: 

Protective effect assessment of Moringa oleifera against cadmium-induced toxicity in HCT116 and HEK293 cell lines.

Abstract: 

The cadmium (Cd) is considered one of the widespread toxic metals in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, which is due to its long half-life, non-degradable characteristic, and toxicity. Aqueous extract of freeze-dried Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae family) leaves was examined for protective effect and antioxidant power against Cd toxicity. The results revealed that Moringa aqueous extract (MAE) has contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids about 30.14 mg GAE/g and 18.35 mg QE/g respectively. Furthermore, phenolic compounds in leaves of Moringa were studied using a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Results showed that the largest number of phenolic compounds determined in leaves of Moringa belongsto flavonoids. Moreover, biological properties were determined by radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP). Cytoprotective effect and antioxidant power of Moringa extract were assessed using the mitochondrial activity testing method (MTT test), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Results indicate that Moringa aqueous extract have a significant (i) proliferative, (ii) antioxidant, and (iii) cytoprotective effect on HCT116 and HEK293 cells against metal toxicity.

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PMID: 

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2020 Apr 20 ;66(1):20-26. Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32359378

Abstract Title: 

Phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and their antimicrobial activities.

Abstract: 

Moringa oleifera is a tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of South India and used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was characterize the phytochemicals present in M. oleifera leaf extracts and study their antimicrobial activities. Solvent extractions with Soxhlet apparatus of leaves were obtained using hexane, benzene, isopropanol, methanol, and water. The crude extracts were concentrated and screened for qualitative phytochemical analysis, and the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities of crude extracts were measured by in vitro methods. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, amino acids, oils and fats were found in the different crude extracts analyzed. Water and methanol extracts showed antibacterial activity against all selected bacteria, hexane and benzene extracts showed antifungal activity against all fungi tested, and hexane, benzene and isopropanol extracts showed activity against Hepatitis B virus. In conclusion, the leaves of M. oleifera have antimicrobial phytochemicals.

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PMID: 

Mol Biol Rep. 2020 May 5. Epub 2020 May 5. PMID: 32372172

Abstract Title: 

Mitochondria-mediated Caspase-dependent and Caspase-independent apoptosis induced by aqueous extract from Moringa oleifera leaves in human melanoma cells.

Abstract: 

Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive and serious type of cutaneous cancer. Previous studies indicated the anti-cancer activity of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (MOE) against a variety of cell lines. However, there has not been much research about the effect of MOE on melanoma. Therefore, this study was about to investigate the anti-proliferation mediated by apoptosis of MOE on human melanoma cell lines. Furthermore, the related molecular mechanisms of the apoptosis were also examined. An aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was prepared and the anti-proliferative activity on melanoma cells and normal cells was tested using WST-1 assay. The apoptotic hallmarks including DNA condensation and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization were assessed. The expression of apoptosis-related genes and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential were then examined to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. MOE inhibited cell growth of A375 cells and A2058 cells in a dose-dependent manner but had little effect on human normal fibroblasts. The cell growth inhibition was induced by apoptosis which was expressed via chromatin condensation and PS externalization. MOE decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, MOE increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activated Caspase-3/7, Caspase-9, PARP and AIF translocation, leading to apoptotic cell death. Our study indicated that MOE exerted significant anti-cancer effects on melanoma cells in vitro which involved mitochondria-mediated Caspase-dependent and Caspase-independent apoptosis pathways. These results provided a scientific approach for using Moringa oleifera leaves as an alternative therapy to treat skin cancer.

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PMID: 

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2020 May 15:1-7. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32412306

Abstract Title: 

Lam. leaf extracts reverse metabolic syndrome in Sprague Dawley rats fed high-fructose high fat diet for 60-days.

Abstract: 

Lam. has been used traditionally for the treatment of different cardio-metabolic disorders. So, the aim was to assess its leaf extracts in metabolic syndrome rat model.Out of the total 36-rats, 6 rats were given normal matched diet (NMD) while the rest were provided high-fat diet and 20% fructose (HFD-20%F).leaf extracts were administered orally for 30 days. Body weight, blood glucose, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, insulin, insulin resistance, MCP-1, visceral fat and liver weight were evaluated.Sixty-days feeding with HFD-20%F produced the metabolic syndrome features like hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), visceral fat, and liver weight significantly (

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 May 15:112922. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32422360

Abstract Title: 

Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity by improving endocrine function and modulating cell specific gene expression in mouse testis.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moringa oleifera Lam. is known for its nutritional and ethno medicinal values due to the presence of wide array of phytochemicals with multiple biological activities. We have previously reported that ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOE) ameliorated cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity and improved functional integrity of spermatozoa as well as spermatogenic cells.AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was planned to investigate whether the mitigation of CP-induced testicular toxicity by MOE is mediated via modulation of endocrine profile, genes associated with function of different cell types and enhancement of DNA repair response in spermatogonial cells.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult Swiss albino mice (8 week) were injected with CP (100 mg/kg, one dose in a week for 3 weeks) and MOE (100 mg/kg, 5 doses in a week for 4 weeks) either alone or in combination intraperitoneally. At 35 day post CP injection (first dose), the functional characteristics such as count, motility, head morphology and DNA integrity were assessed in epididymal spermatozoa. Key reproductive hormones like testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Inhibin B concentration were analyzed in serum and testis. In addition, m-RNA expression of genes pertaining to the function of Leydig, Sertoli and spermatogonial cells as well as antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in the testis. To understand the DNA damage and repair process in germ cells, pre-pubertal (2 week) mice were administered with single dose of CP (200 mg/kg) and/or MOE (100 mg/kg) and analyzed for expression of DNA damage (γ-HAX, P53 and Caspase3) and repair genes (Rad51 and Ku80) in isolated spermatogonial cells at various time points after treatment.RESULTS: CP administration resulted in decrease in count, motility and increase in morphological defects and DNA damage in spermatozoa. Testosterone level was marginally decreased while there was a significant increase in FSH (p 

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2020 Jan 29 ;25(3). Epub 2020 Jan 29. PMID: 32013065

Abstract Title: 

Molecular Mechanisms of the Anti-Cancer Effects of Isothiocyanates from Cruciferous Vegetables in Bladder Cancer.

Abstract: 

Bladder cancer (BC) is a representative of urological cancer with a high recurrence and metastasis potential. Currently, cisplatin-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are used as standard therapy in patients with advanced/metastatic BC. However, these therapies often show severe adverse events, and prolongation of survival is unsatisfactory. Therefore, a treatment strategy using natural compounds is of great interest. In this review, we focused on the anti-cancer effects of isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from cruciferous vegetables, which are widely cultivated and consumed in many regions worldwide. Specifically, we discuss the anti-cancer effects of four ITC compounds-allyl isothiocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, and phenethyl isothiocyanate-in BC; the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects; current trends and future direction of ITC-based treatment strategies; and the carcinogenic potential of ITCs. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each ITC in BC treatment, furthering the consideration of ITCs in treatment strategies and for improving the prognosis of patients with BC.

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PMID: 

. PMID: 32425738

Abstract Title: 

White Sweet Potato Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Regenerates Pancreatic Islets in Diabetic Mice

Abstract: 

Background: White sweet potato (WSP) has many potential beneficial effects on metabolic control and on diabetes-related insulin resistance. The antihyperglycemic effects of Tainung No. 10 (TNG10), a variety of WSP in Taiwan, warrant investigation.

Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic activity of WSP (Ipomoea batatas L. TNG10) and the mechanisms for interventions using whole leaves or tubers of WSP in diabetic mice.

Design: Mice were co-administered with streptozotocin and nicotinamide to induce diabetes and then treated with an experimental diet including either 10% WSP tuber (10%-T) and 30% WSP tuber (30%-T) or 0.5% WSP leaf (0.5%-L) and 5% WSP leaf (5%-L). After 8 weeks' treatment, their plasma glycemic parameters, lipid profiles, and inflammatory marker were analyzed. Their pancreases were removed for histopathologic image analysis; proteins were also extracted from their muscles for phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway analysis.

Results: The 30%-T or 5%-L mice had lower plasma glucose, insulin, glucose area under the curve (AUC), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine transaminase, triglyceride, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. In all diabetic mice, their Langerhans's area was reduced by 60%; however, after 30% WSP-T or 5% WSP-L diets, the mice demonstrated significant restoration of the Langerhans's areas (approximately 30%). Only in 5%-L mice, slightly increased expression of insulin-signaling pathway-related proteins, phosphorylated insulin receptor and protein kinase B and membrane glucose transporter 4 was noted.

Conclusions: WSP has antihyperglycemic effects by inducing pancreatic islet regeneration and insulin resistance amelioration. Therefore, WSP has potential applications in dietary diabetes management.

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