Anti-ulcer activity of Moringa oleifera root and leaf juice.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti-ulcer activity of the alkali preparation of the root and fresh leaf juice of moringa oleifera lam
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
K. Ruckmani, S. Kavimani, B. Jayakar, R. Anandan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti-ulcer activity of the alkali preparation of the root and fresh leaf juice of moringa oleifera lam
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Moringa oleifera, a soft-wooded deciduous tree belonging to the Moringaceae family, is known for its diverse medicinal properties. Its leaves, fruits, and flowers are rich in minerals and vitamins, while various parts of the plant have been utilized for traditional purposes, such as water purification and treatment of eye infections. This study aimed to investigate the anti-ulcer activity of an alkali preparation of the root and fresh leaf juice of Moringa oleifera, particularly in the context of ulcers induced by aspirin.
Comparative Anti-Ulcer Effects
The research revealed that the alkali preparation derived from the root and the fresh leaf juice of Moringa oleifera exhibited notable dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity against experimentally induced acute gastric ulcers in male albino rats. The alkali preparation of the root demonstrated a stronger anti-ulcer effect compared to the fresh leaf juice. Specifically, various doses of the alkali preparation (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) resulted in significant reductions in ulcer scores, indicating a protective effect, while the fresh leaf juice also provided considerable protection but was less effective overall. The anti-ulcer properties were suggested to stem from the presence of alkaloids and the anticholinergic and antihistaminic activities within the alkali preparation.
Conclusion
The findings contribute to the understanding of Moringa oleifera as a potent natural remedy for gastric ulcers, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications. The significant anti-ulcer activity observed in the alkali preparation of the root and the leaf juice presents an intriguing prospect for further exploration of their mechanisms of action. Additionally, the unique occurrence of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, alongside anti-ulcer properties, further emphasizes Moringa oleifera's multifaceted role in medicinal applications, warranting deeper investigation into its benefits and possible incorporation into herbal treatments for gastric ulcers.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Moringa oleifera?
The study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of the alkali preparation from the root and fresh leaf juice of Moringa oleifera, particularly against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
How was the alkali preparation from the root made?
Freshly detached roots were dried, burned to ashes, mixed with water, strained and then boiled until the water evaporated, resulting in a fine powder.
What were the results of the anti-ulcer screening?
The alkali preparation from the root showed significant anti-ulcer activity, with a more pronounced effect compared to the fresh leaf juice. Higher doses yielded better results in reducing ulcer scores.
What compounds contribute to the anti-ulcer activity of Moringa?
The anti-ulcer effects may be due to alkaloids, antihistaminic activity, and potentially a combination of these factors present in Moringa oleifera's roots and leaves.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti-ulcer activity of Moringa oleifera root and leaf juice.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore or lesion that forms on the skin or mucous membrane due to the erosion of tissue. In this study, the focus is on gastric ulcers induced by aspirin in rats, which are used to assess the anti-ulcer efficacy of Moringa oleifera preparations, highlighting its medicinal properties.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the physiological effects that a substance or treatment has on biological systems. The anti-ulcer activity of the alkali preparation and leaf juice from Moringa oleifera is measured through their effects on ulcer formation in rats, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.
3) Water:
Water is the solvent used for extracting the alkali preparation from Moringa oleifera roots and the leaf juice for the study. Its role is essential, as the water helps dissolve active compounds, allowing them to exert their anti-ulcer effects when administered to the test subjects, affecting the experimental outcomes.
4) Substance:
Substance denotes the chemical compounds present in Moringa oleifera that contribute to its anti-ulcer properties. The study suggests that alkaloids and other components in the root preparation and leaf juice are responsible for their observed effectiveness against gastric ulcers, positioning Moringa oleifera as a valuable medicinal plant.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In this research, scientific methods are employed to investigate the anti-ulcer properties of Moringa oleifera, illustrating how empirical research contributes to understanding and utilizing traditional medicinal plants in modern healthcare.
6) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment. In the context of this study, the alkali preparation and leaf juice of Moringa oleifera function as potential anti-ulcer drugs. Their efficacy against ulcers, especially those induced by aspirin, suggests that they could serve as therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal health.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of drugs, their effects, mechanisms, and therapeutic applications. This research contributes to pharmacology by elucidating the anti-ulcer effects of Moringa oleifera, providing insights into its chemical interactions and potential uses in treating gastric ulcers.
8) Purification:
Purification in this context relates to the process of extracting the active compounds from Moringa oleifera to isolate those with medicinal properties. The study demonstrates traditional methods, such as utilizing water in the alkali preparation, to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of plant-based materials.
9) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of the study's results, linking findings to existing knowledge and potential implications for future research. The discussion section evaluates the anti-ulcer effectiveness of Moringa oleifera, providing insights into its mechanism of action and relevance in traditional and modern medicine.
10) Rama (Ramā, Rāmā, Rāma):
Rama refers to one of the authors cited in the references, specifically C.V. Rama Sastri. His work contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the nutritive values of Indian food, underscoring the importance of traditional knowledge in modern scientific research related to health and nutrition.