The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus, is a widespread pest in poultry farming, causing economic losses and facilitating the spread of pathogens. Current control methods rely heavily on synthetic insecticides, which raise environmental concerns and contribute to resistance. This study investigated the insecticidal potential of Moringa oleifera seed preparations, including an aqueous extract (AE), a protein-enriched fraction (PF), and an isolated lectin (WSMoL), against A. diaperinus. Contact assays demonstrated that AE and PF reduced adult survival by up to 90% and 100%, respectively, while WSMoL was effective only against larvae, causing 48% mortality. Ingestion assays showed that AE and PF reduced adult survival by 60% and 30%, respectively; impaired diet utilization; and caused significant weight loss. WSMoL exhibited antinutritional effects, including a 94% reduction in trypsin-like activity, but did not cause lethality, although it may impair long-term survival. Midgut histological analysis revealed epithelial disorganization, vacuolization, and nuclear condensation in the treated insects. These findings suggest that M. oleifera seed preparations are promising candidates for sustainable pest control, offering both lethal and sublethal effects on A. diaperinus. Future research should focus on the development of formulations and long-term impact assessments on pest populations and non-target organisms, paving the way for eco-friendly alternatives in integrated pest management.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there are currently no specific pharmacological treatments available. In this context, plants and natural products have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. SteLL (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi leaf lectin) has demonstrated several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of SteLL in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Female BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SteLL (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), or vehicle (PBS). Sixty minutes later, ALI was induced by intranasal instillation of 25 µL of LPS (1 μg/μL). After 24 h, the animals were euthanized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained to evaluate inflammatory parameters and lungs were collected for histopathological analysis. The tested doses of SteLL resulted in a 45–66% lower leukocyte infiltration. The group treated with 5 mg/kg exhibited a lower proportion of neutrophils and a higher proportion of mononucleated cells. Pre-treatment with SteLL also minimized plasma leakage and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Furthermore, SteLL attenuated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines at all tested doses as well as prevented nitric oxide (NO) production at the highest dose (10 mg/kg). Histopathological analysis showed that SteLL (5 and 10 mg/kg) attenuated LPS-induced lung injury. Overall, SteLL demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, showing its potential as a plant-derived compound for modulating pulmonary inflammation.

Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds contain lectins that exhibit interesting bioactive properties, but their effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain poorly understood. This work evaluated the effects of the water-soluble lectin from M. oleifera seeds (WSMoL) on metabolic, inflammatory, and histopathological alterations in a mouse model of MetS-like features. Male Swiss mice were fed a high-fat diet plus condensed milk solution for 11 weeks. Animals then received phosphate-buffered saline (negative control), orlistat (40 mg/kg), or WSMoL (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. A healthy group (Sham) received standard chow. The MetS-like protocol induced obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, visceral adiposity, and systemic inflammation. WSMoL improved metabolic parameters at all doses, reducing visceral fat, attenuating hyperglycemia, and improving the lipid profile. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) while increasing IL-10 levels. WSMoL prevented hepatic steatosis and renal lipid accumulation, although inflammatory and degenerative tissue changes persisted. The 4 mg/kg dose showed efficacy but was associated with elevated AST and more frequent inflammatory alterations. In conclusion, WSMoL mitigated key features of MetS-like condition, although incomplete tissue recovery and signs of organ stress at the highest dose warrant caution regarding its potential therapeutic use.