Pharmacologic properties of Moringa oleifera. 2: Screening for antispasmodic, antiinflammatory and diuretic activity

Abstract

Hot water infusions of flowers, leaves, roots, seeds and stalks or bark of Moringa oleifera were screened to detect three pharmacologic activities in experimental models in rats. The antispasmodic activity was demonstrated using isolated duodenum, oral anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema and oral diuretic activity by urine output in metabolic cages. The seed infusion showed a significant inhibition of acetylcholine-induced contraction with an ED50 of 65.6 mg/ml bath concentration, inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema at 1000 mg/kg and diuretic activity at 1000 mg/kg. Some activity was also demonstrated in the roots. All doses expressed here are as equivalents of dried starting plant material.