Immunosuppressive activity of ethanolic extract of seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. in experimental immune inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditionally, the plant Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is used for the treatment of ascites and rheumatism, while the dried seeds of the plant are used as an ‘anti-allergic’ agent.Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of seeds from Moringa oleifera Lam. in experimental immune inflammation.Materials and methodsCirculatory and splenic leukocyte counts, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and humoral antibody responses were measured in mice using SRBC as the antigen. In addition, macrophage phagocytosis was measured by the carbon clearance test.ResultsThe extract dose-dependently (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited spleen weight as well as circulatory leukocyte and splenocyte counts. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01) by decreasing the mean foot pad thickness at 48 h. The production of the humoral antibody titer was significantly ameliorated at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the extract caused a down-regulation of macrophage phagocytosis due to carbon particles.ConclusionTaken together, the above findings suggest that the seeds of Moringa oleifera have immunosuppressive activity.

Ethanolic extract of dried seeds from the plant Moringa oleifera Lam. was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity in mice.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide