Effect of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaf Extract in Treating Pneumonia

Abstract

oringa plays a critical role in acute inflammation related to pneumonia. Moringa oleifera is a tree rich in various phytochemicals with health benefits. Among the reported health benefits are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dried M. oleifera leaves ethanolic extract would resist acute lunginduced inflammation in W138 cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro models. M. oleifera leaves were analyzed for phytochemicals using standard methods. The screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. HPLC analysis confirmed high levels of bioactive polyphenols in the ethanolic extract (7 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoid compounds) according to the standards used. The ethanolic extract of leaves showed the highest cell viability and more than 85% of the cells were viable at 1, 10, and 100 µmol/ml values in comparison with dexamethasone as a standard anti-inflammatory drug (P < 0.05). Leaves ethanolic extract EC50 value was 0.79 µmol/ml and significantly suppressed the production level of IL-1β (14.46 ±1.92 mg/ml) and IL-6 (51.67± 2.0 mg/ml) in comparison to controls (P < 0.05). These outcomes support the traditional use of the M. oleifera plant as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidants for inflammation-related diseases/disorders, especially inflammation-related Pneumonia.