Moringa oleifera
Moringa
Plant Extracts
Annona
Kaempferols
Encyclopedias as Topic
Structure-function characterization and optimization of a plant-derived antibacterial peptide. (1/6)
Crushed seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree have been used traditionally as natural flocculants to clarify drinking water. We previously showed that one of the seed peptides mediates both the sedimentation of suspended particles such as bacterial cells and a direct bactericidal activity, raising the possibility that the two activities might be related. In this study, the conformational modeling of the peptide was coupled to a functional analysis of synthetic derivatives. This indicated that partly overlapping structural determinants mediate the sedimentation and antibacterial activities. Sedimentation requires a positively charged, glutamine-rich portion of the peptide that aggregates bacterial cells. The bactericidal activity was localized to a sequence prone to form a helix-loop-helix structural motif. Amino acid substitution showed that the bactericidal activity requires hydrophobic proline residues within the protruding loop. Vital dye staining indicated that treatment with peptides containing this motif results in bacterial membrane damage. Assembly of multiple copies of this structural motif into a branched peptide enhanced antibacterial activity, since low concentrations effectively kill bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes without displaying a toxic effect on human red blood cells. This study thus identifies a synthetic peptide with potent antibacterial activity against specific human pathogens. It also suggests partly distinct molecular mechanisms for each activity. Sedimentation may result from coupled flocculation and coagulation effects, while the bactericidal activity would require bacterial membrane destabilization by a hydrophobic loop. (+info)Seed germination, seedling traits, and seed bank of the tree Moringa peregrina (Moringaceae) in a hyper-arid environment. (2/6)
(+info)Determination of antimicrobial activity and resistance to oxidation of moringa peregrina seed oil. (3/6)
(+info)Solid-state characterization and dissolution properties of meloxicam-moringa coagulant-PVP ternary solid dispersions. (4/6)
(+info)In vivo and in vitro hypotensive effect of aqueous extract of Moringa stenopetala. (5/6)
BACKGROUND: Moringa stenopetala, Baker f. (Moringaceae) is used for food and medicine in Southern Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To substantiate the hypotensive effect of M. stenopetala in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: An in vivo experiment was carried out on male guinea pigs anaesthetized with pentobarbital. The arterial blood pressure was recorded from a carotid artery filled with heparinized saline via an arterial cannula connected to a pressure transducer. For the in vitro experiment the descending thoracic aorta was removed and kept moistened in Krebs-Henseleit solution and then mounted in a 20ml tissue bath maintained at 37 degrees C and bubbled with a mixture of 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. RESULTS: Crude aqueous leaf extract of M. stenopetala caused significant fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at doses of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg in normotensive anaesthetized guinea pigs (n = 12). The effect might have been mediated by non-autonomic nervous system as the effect is not altered by atropine and propranolol. The extract also caused significant dose and time dependent inhibition of K(+) induced contraction on guinea pig aorta. CONCLUSION: M.stenopetala has blood pressure lowering effect substantiating the use of the plant in traditional medicine. (+info)Effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats. (6/6)
While anti-oxidant effects of Moringa oleifera in much oxidative stress related diseases have been well reported, cryptorchidism on the other hand has been shown to cause oxidative stress. However, study is scanty on the likely role of Moringa oleifera in reducing cryptorchidism-induced oxidative stress in rats has not been studied. The present study looked into the effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEMO) on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats. Twenty male albino rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 each). Groups A and B were sham-operated and treated with corn-oil and 200 mg/kg of MEMO respectively, while groups C and D were rendered cryptorchid and also treated with corn-oil and 200 mg/kg of MEMO respectively. Cryptorchid rats had lower testicular weight, sperm count, germ cell count, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, testicular total protein and higher testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to sham-operated rats. MEMO had no significant effect on testicular weight and MDA concentration, while it significantly increased sperm count, germ cell count, testicular SOD and total protein in the cryptorchid rats. The present study suggests that MEMO ameliorates cryptorchidism associated germ cell loss and oxidative stress. (+info)"Moringa oleifera" is not a medical term or condition, but rather the botanical name of a plant species commonly known as the "moringa tree" or "drumstick tree." It is native to India and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. Various parts of this plant, including its leaves, seeds, and bark, have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries due to their rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits. However, it's important to note that while some preliminary research suggests possible therapeutic uses for Moringa oleifera, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy as a medical treatment.
"Moringa" is a genus of plants, and the term is most commonly used to refer to Moringa oleifera, also known as the horseradish tree. It is a tropical or subtropical tree that is native to India, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. The leaves, seeds, and fruits of the moringa tree are used in traditional medicine and cooking. In a medical context, "moringa" may be used to refer to extracts or compounds derived from the plant. Some proponents of moringa claim that it has various health benefits, such as being high in vitamins and minerals, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood sugar levels, although more research is needed to confirm these claims.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
"Annona" is a genus of plants in the custard apple family, Annonaceae. It includes several species that produce edible fruit, such as Annona squamosa (sugar-apple or sweetsop), Annona reticulata (custard apple or bullock's heart), and Annona cherimola (cherimoya). These fruits are native to tropical regions of the Americas and have been cultivated for their sweet, aromatic flesh.
In a medical context, "Annona" is not commonly used as a term. However, some research has investigated the potential medicinal properties of compounds found in Annona species. For example, acetogenins found in the seeds and bark of certain Annona species have been studied for their potential anti-cancer, insecticidal, and anti-malarial properties.
It's worth noting that while some research has suggested that these compounds may have therapeutic potential, more studies are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans. Additionally, it's important to note that the seeds and bark of Annona species can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, so they should not be consumed without medical supervision.
Kaempferol is not a medical term, but a chemical compound. It is a type of flavonoid, a class of plant pigments that are known for their antioxidant properties. Kaempferol can be found in various plants and foods such as tea, broccoli, kale, spinach, grapes, and some types of berries.
Medically, kaempferol has been studied for its potential health benefits due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine the appropriate dosages for medical use. It's important to note that consuming foods rich in kaempferol as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe and beneficial for health.
Phytotherapy is the use of extracts of natural origin, especially plants or plant parts, for therapeutic purposes. It is also known as herbal medicine and is a traditional practice in many cultures. The active compounds in these plant extracts are believed to have various medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or sedative effects. Practitioners of phytotherapy may use the whole plant, dried parts, or concentrated extracts to prepare teas, capsules, tinctures, or ointments for therapeutic use. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of phytotherapy are not always supported by scientific evidence, and it should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order. In the context of medicine, a medical encyclopedia is a collection of articles that provide information about a wide range of medical topics, including diseases and conditions, treatments, tests, procedures, and anatomy and physiology. Medical encyclopedias may be published in print or electronic formats and are often used as a starting point for researching medical topics. They can provide reliable and accurate information on medical subjects, making them useful resources for healthcare professionals, students, and patients alike. Some well-known examples of medical encyclopedias include the Merck Manual and the Stedman's Medical Dictionary.
There is no standard medical definition for "health food" as it can be subjective and may vary. However, health food generally refers to foods that are considered beneficial to one's health due to their high nutritional value or low levels of unhealthy components such as added sugars, saturated fats, and artificial ingredients.
These foods often include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Some people may also consider certain fortified or functional foods, such as those with added vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients, to be health foods. However, it's important to note that the term "health food" is not strictly regulated, so claims about the health benefits of certain foods should be evaluated critically and supported by scientific evidence.