Chemical composition of moringa oleifera and cruciferous plants and their anti-inflammatory properties

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tropical tree that has been traditionally used for food, medicine and industrial purposes. All parts of the tree have been utilized and have biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, wound healing, cardiovascular, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, protection of the central nervous system and more. The leaves and seeds of moringa are particularly rich in phyto­chemicals, including glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (ITCs). Glucosinolates are inactive precursors that are hydrolyzed into bioactive ITCs. Isothiocyanates, such as 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanate (moringa isothiocyanate 1, or MIC-1), are known for their diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antican­cer properties. The unique sugar moiety in moringa’s ITCs contributes to its stability and distinct properties compared to other cruciferous vegetables. In vitro models, such as the TIM-1 model and in vivo murine models demonstrate MIC-1’s bioaccessibility and bioavail­ability, with no statistical difference in state. Inflammation, as a defense mechanism, is implicated in a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In vivo models were used to evaluate the efficacy of MIC-1 against acute skin inflammation, which inhibited the inflammatory pathway. Ad­ditional studies into Moringa oleifera seed extract effects on acute inflammation can con­tribute to future development of therapies managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Keywords

• moringa oleifera
• cruciferous plants
• inflammation
• isothiocyanate
• glucosinolate