An insight into the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are sporadic maladies that affect patients’ lives with progressive neurological disabilities and reduced quality of life. Neuroinflammation and oxidative reaction are among the pivotal factors for neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progression of NDs, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Management of NDs is still less than optimum due to its wide range of causative factors and influences, such as lifestyle, genetic variants, and environmental aspects. The neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of Moringa oleifera have been documented in numerous studies due to its richness of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights up-to-date research findings on the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera, including mechanisms against NDs. The information was gathered from databases, which include Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid-MEDLINE, Springer, and Elsevier. Neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera were mainly assessed by using the crude extracts in vitro and in vivo experiments. Isolated compounds from M. oleifera such as moringin, astragalin, and isoquercitrin, and identified compounds of M. oleifera such as phenolic acids and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, (-)-epicatechin, and isoquercitrin) have been reported to have neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, these compounds may potentially contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. More in-depth studies using in vivo animal models of neurological-related disorders and extensive preclinical investigations, such as pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability studies are necessary before clinical trials can be carried out to develop M. oleifera constituents into neuroprotective agents.

Phytochemical Interactions with Calmodulin and Critical Calmodulin Binding Proteins Involved in Amyloidogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…There is increasing support for the use of some herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, plant extracts and supplements as alternative therapeutic options for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease [ 17 , 18 ]. Numerous phytochemicals found within these alternative treatments fit the bill as potential AD therapeutics for a number of reasons [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. First, they target specific, critical components (e.g., BACE1, Aβ).…”

“…There is accumulating evidence that some herbal medicines, nutraceuticals and supplements may provide alternative therapeutic options with reduced risk of side effects for a diversity of diseases, including Alzheimer’s [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Nutraceuticals or biopharmaceuticals are foods with proven or purported medical effects while herbal medicines are medicines specifically made from plants [ 16 , 19 ].…”

A Comparative Review of Key Isothiocyanates and Their Health Benefits

“…Through the enhancement of the cellular antioxidant defense system, MIC demonstrate a capacity to prevent oxidative damage to neurons, contributing to overall neuroprotection [ 8 ]. In parallel to PEITC, MIC exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the brain [ 101 , 102 ]. Notably, a study conducted by Onasanwo and colleagues observed the potential pharmacological role of Moringa oleifera isothiocyanates in preventing the loss of neuronal cells and managing Alzheimer’s disease.…”

Antifungal Activity of Various Plant Extracts against Aspergillus and Penicillium Species Isolated from Leather-Borne Fungus

“…Wedelia chinensis, also referred to as "Pilabhamgara" or "Bhringraj," is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family [9][10]. The plant is scientifically reported to possess antioxidant, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties [10][11][12]. Coccinia is a climber-type plant and belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae.…”

“…Coccinia is a climber-type plant and belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It's a great source of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannins, among other classes of bioactive natural compounds [11][12][13]. Numerous antifungal properties of selected plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica, Lantana camara, Moringa oleifera, Wedelia chinensis and Coccinia grandis have outstanding antifungal properties [14][15][16][17][18][19] as well as other numerous properties have been studied [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”