Biochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory properties of an isothiocyanate-enriched moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed extract

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tropical plant, used for centuries as food and traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to develop, validate and biochemically characterize an isothiocyanate-enriched moringa seed extract (MSE), and to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of MSE-containing moringa isothiocyanate-1 (MIC-1) with a curcuminoid-enriched turmeric extract (CTE), and a material further enriched in its primary phytochemical, curcumin (curcumin-enriched material; CEM). MSE was prepared by incubating ground moringa seeds with water to allow myrosinase-catalyzed enzymatic formation of bioactive MIC-1, the predominant isothiocyanate in moringa seeds. Optimization of the extraction process yielded an extract of 38.9% MIC-1. Phytochemical analysis of MSE revealed the presence of acetylated isothiocyanates, phenolic glycosides unique to moringa, flavonoids, fats and fatty acids, proteins and carbohydrates. MSE showed a reduction in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (33% at 500 mg/kg MIC-1) comparable to aspirin (27% at 300 mg/kg), whereas CTE did not have any significant effect. In vitro, MIC-1 at 1 μM significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and at 5 μM, the gene expression of LPS-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukins 1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6), whereas CEM did not show any significant activity at all concentrations tested. MIC-1 (10μM) was also more effective at upregulating the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) target genes NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) than the CEM. Thus, in contrast to CTE and CEM, MSE and its major isothiocyanate MIC-1 displayed strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vivo and in vitro, making them promising botanical leads for the mitigation of inflammatory-mediated chronic disorders.

Effects of Moringa oleifera on Glycaemia and Insulin Levels: A Review of Animal and Human Studies

“…In addition, MO possesses more than 30 natural antioxidants in the seeds, including kaempferol, which, apart from antioxidant functions, also improves cellular function and metabolism [16]. As mentioned previously, fruits and seeds contain GLSs, ITCs, nitriles, carbamates, and thiocarbamates, which may confer other potential uses including anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antifungal, antiseptic, and due to its high vitamin C content, useful for scurvy prevention [5,14].…”

“…Such broad applications attributed to MO, may be explained by the vast amounts of compounds present in the different parts of the tree. For instance, phytochemicals derived from the seeds of MO including glycosidic glucosinolates (GLSs), isothiocyanates (ITCs), nitriles, carbamates, and thiocarbamates, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypotensive, antibacterial, and chemopreventive properties [5].…”

Moringin, A Stable Isothiocyanate from Moringa oleifera, Activates the Somatosensory and Pain Receptor TRPA1 Channel In Vitro

“…Moringin is also studied for medicine applications: beside the hypoglycaemic effects described above, it shows anti-inflammatory [14] and antitumor effect [15,16]. Moringin has shown potential in the stem cell-based therapeutic treatments in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons' and Altzheimer's diseases and it protects against neurodegenerative disorders [17,18].…”

The therapeutic effects of curcumin and capsaicin against cyclophosphamide side effects on the uterus in rats

“…CRC produces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the synthesis of the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme and inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1β and 6). Also, CRC contributes to the inhibition of ROS by increasing activities of enzymes and genes such as NAD (P) H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase that are responsible for detoxification 16 . In vitro studies examining the antioxidant effect of CRC showed promising results.…”