Pharmacological Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Seeds Extract for Anti-Inflammatory Effects in a Mouse Model

Inflammation is a common immune response system to obnoxious stimuli like infectious agents, toxic substances injured, cells, or irradiation. However, sustained inflammation can lead to various disease conditions. Therefore, it is important to find ways to counteract or neutralize inflammation. The seeds of Moringa oleifera have been traditionally used for treating several illnesses, but there is a lack of scientific data to evaluate the effectiveness of these practices, thus the aim of this study is to determine whether the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera, obtained through cold maceration, possesses antiinflammatory activity. The extract effects were assessed using formalin-induced paw edema. Five groups of animals were created, each containing four mice. The groups included a control group (administered normal saline) and a reference group (administered indomethacin). The extract was given at three graded doses; 150, 300, and 600 (mg/kg). Inflammation was induced 30 minutes later by formalin following the extract administration, and measurement of the paw thickness was carried out at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes respectively. The results obtained demonstrated a significant reduction in paw thickness at the tested doses. The effect of the extract at 90 minutes was observed to be dose-dependent. This study provides further evidence supporting the traditional medicinal uses of Moringa oleifera seeds.