Seed extracts from Moringa oleifera are of wide interest for use in water purification where they can play an important role in flocculation; they also have potential as anti-microbial agents. Previous work has focused on the crude protein extract. Here we describe the detailed biophysical characterization of individual proteins from these seeds. The results provide new insights relating to the active compounds involved. One fraction, designated Mo-CBP3, has been characterized at a molecular level using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques including liquid chromatography, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and neutron reflection. The interfacial behavior is of particular interest in considering water purification applications and interactions with both charged (e.g. silica) and uncharged (alumina) surfaces were studied. The reflection studies show that, in marked contrast to the crude extract, only a single layer of the purified Mo-CBP3 binds to a silica interface and that there is no binding to an alumina interface. These observations are consistent with the crystallographic structure of Mo-CBP3-4, which is one of the main isoforms of the Mo-CBP3 fraction. The results are put in context of previous studies of the properties of the crude extract. This work shows possible routes to development of separation processes that would be based on the specific properties of individual proteins.

Background: Moringa oleifera leaf is used for diabetes due to its pharmacologic effects. Patients with hyperglycemia experience beta cell destruction. However, no research on risk awareness has been done to ascertain its safety. The present study describes the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf, such as the protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, before addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity.Methods: Forty‐five Wistar rats weighed 160 ± 10 g were divided into nine groups. All animal operations complied with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals as approved by the Animal Ethical Committee, University of Jos. Group I was normal control and Group II was diabetic animals induced with alloxan. Insulin and extract doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were given to diabetic Groups III‐VI. Normal animals in Groups VII–IX were given extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. Tissues were retrieved for biochemical and histological investigations using standard techniques.Results: There was decrease relative body weight of diabetic animals (95.50 ± 5.50) when compared to normal control (142.75 ± 20.08) with increased levels of urea (control 6.13 ± 0.523 and diabetes 29.23 ± 1.267) and creatinine (control 0.70 ± 0.057 and diabetes 2.13 ± 0.185). Histology of the liver and pancreas also points to organ damage due to hyperglycemia. However, oral administration of extract showed antidiabetic effect with protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, no glycogen was deposited in the liver, addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Further discovery revealed that extract elevated antioxidant enzyme expression.Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.

Objective: This study explored the awareness and utilization of Moringa oleifera for sustainable livelihoods in Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West areas in Rundu in Kavango East region, Namibia Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select two regions which are Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West of Rundu in Kavango East region. Data on socio-demographics and uses of M. oleifera was collected using a structured interview questionnaire from 82 farmers that were randomly selected across the two selected areas of study. Results: Majority of farmers in the study area were female (56.1%) whereas for employment status 68.3% were unemployed and for educational, 51.2% had attained secondary school level of education. Results from the study revealed that majority of the respondents (48.8%) fell within the range of 20-39 years and 67.1% were single. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents were aware of the Moringa plant such that 34.7% use it for medicinal purposes and 19.5% as source of income generation through the sales of Moringaproducts. The results showed that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the use of Moringa between socio-demographic factors. The study further revealed that many of the farmers were aware of the plant and could identify the plant physically and by name. Recommendations: The study suggests that there is a large scope for increasing the cultivation and utilization of the M. oleifera in the study area. To achieve that objective, efforts are needed to improve farmers’ access to credit and markets as well as training production and processing of M. oleifera.