We have investigated effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and fruit extracts on markers of oxidative stress, its toxicity evaluation, and correlation with antioxidant properties using in vitro and in vitro assays. The aqueous extract of leaf was able to increase the GSH and reduce MDA level in a concentration-dependent manner. The ethanolic extract of fruit showed highest phenolic content, strong reducing power and free radical scavenging capacity. The antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of both fruit and leaf was higher in the in vitro assay compared to aqueous extract which showed higher potential in vivo. Safety evaluation studies showed no toxicity of the extracts up to a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Our results support the potent antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera which adds one more positive attribute to its known pharmacological importance.

The transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is found in nearly all animal cell types. It is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, ultraviolet irradiation, oxidized LDL and microbial antigens, and has been shown to regulate the expression of a number of genes including bcl-2, bcl-xl, cIAP, suvivin, TRAF, COX-2, MMP-9, iNOS and cell cycle-regulatory components. Many carcinogens, infl ammatory agents and tumor promoters have been shown to activate NFκB, and resulting tumors demonstrate misregulated NFκB. Incorrect regulation of NFκB has been linked to infl ammatory and autoimmune diseases, septic shock, viral infection and improper immune development. Aberrant regulation of NFκB is involved in cancer development and progression as well as in drug resistance. Inhibitors of NFκB mediate effects potentially leading to antitumor responses or greater sensitivity to the action of antitumor agents. Tools have been developed for the rapid assessment of NFκB activity, so in concert with a better understanding of NFκB activation mechanisms, many agents capable of suppressing NFκB activation have been identifi ed. The present article focuses on the functions of NFκB, its role in human cancer and the therapeutic potential and benefi t of targeting NFκB by natural products in cancer chemoprevention.