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Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.2.Issue 9.September 2009

Aney Joice et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2009, 2(9),1424-1426

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Review ArticleISSN: 0974-6943 Available online through

www.jpronline.info

Aney J.S*, Rashmi Tambe1 , Maushumi Kulkarni2, Kiran Bhise2.* Department of Pharmaceutics ,1Department of Pharmacognosy ,2Department of Pharmaceutics M.C. E Societys

Allana College of Pharmacy,Azam Campus, Camp,Pune 411001.Received on: 09-05-2009; Accepted on:23-07-2009

ABSTRACTMoringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a highly valued plant, distributed in many countries of the tropics and subtropics. Moringa isnatures medicine cabinet. It is best known as excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster. Different parts of this plant are beingemployed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. This review focuses on the pharmacological action andpharmaceutical application along with other uses of different parts of this tree.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera , pharmacology, gelling agent, cosmetic.

*Corresponding author.Tel.: + 91-20-26442074Telefax: +91-E-mail: [email protected],[email protected]

INTRODUCTIONThere are about thirteen species of Moringa trees in the familyMoringaceae. Moringa oleifera Lam. (synonym: Moringapterygosperma Gaertn.) is the most widely known species but otherspecies deserve further research as to their uses (1). Moringa oleiferais commonly known as drumstick .It is found widely in the sub Hima-layan range and commonly cultivated in all places of India .It is a verypopular backyard tree that grows to over 9 m height .It has soft, whitecorky trunk and branches bearing a gummy bark. Each tripinnatelycompound leaf bears several small leaflets. The flowers are white andthe three winged seeds are scattered by the wind. The flowers, tenderleaves and pods are eaten as vegetable. The leaves are rich in ironand therefore highly recommended for expectant mothers. Since allessential amino acids are present Moringa may be rightly called acomplete food for total nutrition (2).Pharmacological Importance:Analgesic activity: The experimental studies using hot plate and tailimmersion method have shown that alcoholic extract of leaves andseeds of Moringa oleifera possess marked analgesic activity (3).According to the authors it is equipotent to standard drug (Aspirin25mg/ kg.)Anti-inflammatory activity: Poultice of leaves is beneficial in glan-dular swellings .The root extract exhibited significant anti-inflamma-tory activity in Carragenan induced rat paw edema (4, 5).Antipyretic activity: The antipyretic activity of ethanolic, petroleumether, solvent ether and ethyl acetate extracts of seeds was screenedusing yeast induced hyperpyrexia method. Paracetamol I.P (200mg/kg) was used as standard for comparison. The ethanolic and ethylacetate extracts of seeds showed significant antipyretic activity inrats (6).Anti asthmatic activity: A study was carried out to investigate theefficacy and safety of seed kernels of Moringa oleifera in the treat-

Pharmacological And Pharmaceutical Potential Of Moringa oleifera: A Review.

ment of bronchial asthma. The results showed an appreciable de-crease in severity of symptoms of asthma and also simultaneous im-provement in respiratory functions (7).Wound healing properties: Three wound models viz excision wound,incision wound and dead space wound were selected for assessingwound healing activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves.Ethyl acetate extracts (10% extract in the form of ointment) showedsignificant wound healing activity that is comparable with the stan-dard vicco turmeric cream. Phytosterols and phenolic compoundspresent in these extracts promote the wound healing activity (6).Antidiabetic activity: An extract from the moringa leaf has been shownto be effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3hrs ingestion,though less effectively than the standard hypoglycemic drug,glibenclamide (8).Hepatoprotective activity: The methanolic and chloroform extracts ofleaves of Moringa oleifera have shown very significanthepatoprotection against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino ratsin reducing serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubuin, SGPT,and SGOTlevels. Moringa roots have been reported to possess hepatoprotectiveactivity. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts from Moringa flowerswere also found to have a significant hepatoprotective effect whichmay be due to the presence of quercetin, a well known flavanoid withhepatoprotective activity (9, 10).Antitumour and anticancer activity: Few isolated bioactive com-pounds from the seeds were tested for antitumour promoting activityusing 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) as initiator and 12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as tumour promoter. Fromthe results, niazimicin, a thiocarbamate from the leaves of Moringaoleifera was found to be a potent chemopreventive agent in chemicalcarcinogenesis (11). The seed extracts have also been found to beeffective on hepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, antioxidantparameters and skin papillomagenesis in mice. A seed ointment hadsimilar effect to neomycin against Staphylococcus aureus pyodermiain mice. It has been found that niazimicin exhibits inhibition of tumourpromoter induced Epstein - Barr virus activation (12, 13).Antimicrobial activity: Moringa roots are reported to be rich in anti-microbial agents. The active antibiotic principle, pterygospermin, has



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powerful antibacterial and fungicidal effects. The root extract alsopossess antimicrobial property due to the presence of 4-alpha-L-rhamnosyloxybenzyl isothiocyanate. The minimal bactericidal con-centration in vitro is 40 micromol/l for Mycobacterium phlei and 56micromol/l for Bacillus subtilis (14). An aqueous extract made fromseeds was found to be effective against Ps. aeruginosa, S.aureusand E.coli. An extract from leaves was found to be effective at inhib-iting the growth of fungi Basidiobolus haptosporus and B.ranarums,Spirochin, found in root, is effective against both gram positive andgram negative bacteria. Anthonine also found in root bark, is highlytoxic to the cholera bacterium (15). The antimicrobial activity of differ-ent Moringa oleifera seeds extracts were tested against Scenedesmusobliquus (green algae), Escherichia coli ATCC 13706, Pseudomonasaeruginosa ATCC10145, Staphylococcus aureus NAMRU 3 25923,Bacillus sterothermophilus (bacterial strains) and Herpes Simplexvirus type 1 (HSV 1) and Polio virus type 1 (sabin vaccine).. Although,Ps. aeruginosa was more resistant to all M. oleifera extracts, B.sterothermophilus was more sensitive than other organisms to allextracts. The effect of aqueous methanolic extract and fixed oil onHSV1 was highly similar, 52.22% and 45.2% (16).Antihypertensive, diuretic and cholesterol lowering activities:Moringa leaf juice is known to have a stabilizing effect on bloodpressure. Nitrile, mustard oil glycosides and thiocarbamate glyco-sides have been isolated from Moringa leaves which were found tobe responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect (12). Moringaroots, leaves, flowers, gum and the aqueous infusion of seeds havebeen found to possess diuretic activity (17). The crude extract ofMoringa leaves has a significant cholesterol lowering action in theserum of high fat diet fed rats which might be attributed to the pres-ence of a bioactive phytoconstituent, ie, b-sitosterol (18).Antispasmodic, Antiulcer and Anthelmentic activities: Moringa rootsand leaves have been reported to possess antispasmodic activity.This activity of leaves has been attributed to the presence of 4- (al-pha-L-rhamnosyloxybenzyl)-o-methyl thiocarbamate possibly throughcalcium channel blockade. The spasmolytic activity exhibited by dif-ferent constituents provides pharmacological basis for traditional usesof this plant in gastrointestinal motility disorder (19). The methanolicextract was found to possess significant protective actions in acetyl-salicylic acid, serotonin and indomethacin induced gastric lesions inexperimental rats. A significant enhancement of the healing processin acetic acid - induced chronic gastric lesions was also observedwith the extract-treated animals (20). The flower and leaves also areconsidered to be of high medicinal value with anthelmentic activity(21).In blindness and eye infections: Though there are many causes ofblindness Vitamin A deficiency causes impaired dark adaption andnight blindness. Eating moringa leaves, pods and leaf powder whichcontain high proportion of Vitamin A can help to prevent night blind-ness and eye problems in children. Ingesting drumstick leaves (B-carotene and leutin) with oil helps in improving Vitamin A nutritionand perhaps delays the onset of cataract (22). Also the juice can beinstilled into eyes in cases of conjunctivitis.Cardiac and circulatory stimulant: All parts of the tree are reportedto be used as Cardiac and circulatory stimulant. Moringinine acts onthe sympathetic nervous system and act as a cardiac stimulant (23).Antioxidant activity: Antioxidant activity reported in oil from the driedseeds is higher than BHT and alpha-tocopherol. Aqueous methanol(80%) and ethanol (70%) extracts of freeze dried leaves showed radi-cal scavenging and antioxidant activities. The drumstick leaves arefound to be a potential source of natural antioxidants (24, 25).

Antifertility activity: The aqueous extract of root and bark at a doseof 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg, respectively showed post-coital antifer-tility effect in rat and also induced foetal resorption at late pregnancy(26). An aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera roots was investigatedfor its estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, progestational andantiprogestational activities. Doses up to 600 mg/kg of the extractorally failed to induce a decidual response in the traumatized uterusof ovariectomized rats. The antifertility effect of the extract appears tobe due to multiple attributes (27).Pharmaceutical applicationGelling agent: A study was carried out to find the gelling potential ofgum exudate from the stem of Moringa oleifera . Diclofenac sodiumgels were formulated with concentration of mucilage ranging from 5.5to 8.5%w/w. Better gel characteristics were observed at the concen-tration of 8%. It is also reported that because the pH of the gum isbelow 5.77 and the viscosity of the formulation with 8.5w/w gum is4.6x106cps, it is ideal for topical application (28).Suspending agent: A comparative study of gums of Moringa oleiferaand tracaganth were reported. Zinc oxide suspensions were preparedwith gum of Moringa oleifera and tracaganth. Their sedimentationprofile, redispersibility, degree of flocculation and rheologic behaviourwere compared. The results revealed that the suspending propertiesof Moringa oleifera gum are comparable with that of gum tracaganth(29).Detoxification/water purification: Studies have shown Moringasability to remove hazardous materials from water. After oil extractionof Moringa seeds the left press cake contains water soluble proteinsthat are as effective coagulants for water purification. The chargedprotein molecules can serve as nontoxic natural polypeptides to settlemineral particles and organics in the purification of drinking water,vegetable oil, depositing juice and beer. As been reported, Moringaseeds show similar coagulation effects to alum. It is also reported thata recombinant protein in the seed is able to flocculate gram positiveand gram negative bacterial cells. Moringa seeds could be used as abiosorbent for the removal of cadmium from aqueous media. Thuswater purifying attributes of Moringa seeds are as coagulant, micro-bial elimination and as a biosorbant (12).Surfactant behavior: A study on interfacial properties and fluores-cence of a coagulating protein extracted from Moringa seeds and itsinteraction with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was carried out. Thestudy reported that 1) the protein extracted from Moringa seeds hassignificant surfactant behavior; 2) the coagulant protein interactsstrongly with SDS and the protein might have specific binding sitesfor SDS; 3) there is formation of protein-SDS complex (30).Film forming property : Studies reported that gum has enormouspotential for use in the preparation of polymeric films as drug deliverysystems. The films prepared using gum of Moringa olifera(5 parts of10%w/w of mucilage of gum of M.O. with different proportion ofplasticizers)were evaluated for parameters like water uptake, tensilestrength, folding endurance and water vapour transmission rate. Theresults obtained are comparable with films made from other polymersand concluded that the gum can be used for preparing polymeric drugdelivery systems and as a film coating agent in tablets as it has lowvapour transmission rate and satisfactory tensile strength (31).As stabilizer: Plant phenolics have gained considerable interest inrecent years for their potential effects against food related microor-ganisms. Phenolic extract obtained from the leaves of Moringa olifera& Morus indica showed stabilizing activity. In the present studyeffect of addition of phenolic extract from leaves of M. olifera andM.indica on the shelf life of pineapple juice stored at 4 degree C was



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investigated by monitoring the changes in titrable acidity and sen-sory parameters for 8 weeks. Results indicated that the extracts ofnatural phenolics can be used to improve the quality and safety offoods (32).Cosmetic use: Various parts of Moringa olifera have cosmetic value.Cognis Laboratoires Serobiologiques team developed PuricareTMand Purisoft TM, two active ingredients based on botanical peptidesfrom the seeds of Moringa olifera tree that purify hair and skin andoffer protection against the effects of pollution (33). Moringa seedoil, known as Behen oil is widely used as a carrier oil in cosmeticpreparations. The healing properties of moringa oil were documentedby ancient cultures. Moringa oil posesses exceptional oxidative sta-bility which may explain why the egyptians placed vases of moringaoil in their tombs. It is high in oleic acid and similar in composition toolive oil. Moringa oil is light and spreads easily on the skin. It is agood oil for use in massage and aromatherapy applications.It can beused in body and hair care as a moisturizer and skin conditioner.Other uses include soapmaking and for use in cosmetic preparationssuch as lip balm and creams . (34). Moringa olifera butter, a semisolidfraction of moringa oil, is used in baby products to contribute a freeradicle resistant emollient with exceptionally long lasting skin soften-ing and soothing effects (35).CONCLUSION:The multiple benefits of Moringa olifera made it a true miracle ofnature. Numerous studies have been conducted on different parts ofMoringa olifera , but this plant has not yet developed as a drug bypharmaceutical industries. In view of the edible nature of the plant,more research work can be done on humans so that a drug with mul-tifarious effects will be available in the future market.REFERENCES:1. M. L. Price. The Moringa tree. Echo Technical Note.Published-1985,

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from Moringa oleifera lam . Mutat. Res. 440(2): 181-188 (1999).12. F. Anwar, S. Latif, M. Ashraf and A. H. Gilani. Moringa oleifera : A food

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Thiocarbonate from the leaves of Moringa oleifera holds a strict structuralrequirement for inhibition of tumor-promoter-induced Epstein-Barr virusactivation. Planta. Med. 64: 319-323 (1998).

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21. S. B. Bhattacharya, A. K. Das and N. Banerji. Chemical investigation onthe gum exudates from Sajna (Moringa oleifera). Carbohydr Res 102 (1):253-262 (1982).

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from the seeds of Moringa oleifera tree of Malavi. J.Am. Oil Chemists Soc.79(7): 677-683 (2002).

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30. R. Maikokera and H. M. Kwaambwa. Interfacial properties and fluores-cence of a coagulating protein extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds andits interaction with sodium dodecyl sulphate. News Rx. 55(2): 173-178(2007).

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33. A. I. Stussi, V. Basocak, G. Pauly and J. Mccaulley .Moringa oleifera : aninteresting source of active ingredients for skin and hair care. SFW-journal. 129(9): 45-52 (2003).

34. www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/42855/moringa_oleifera_oil_moringa_seed_oil_ben_oil_buy_moringa_oil.html

35. www.susanbrownsbaby.com/ingredients.aspx

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