Dengue is an arthropod-borne viral infection mainly vectored through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. Recently, its transmission has strongly increased in urban and semi-urban areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide, becoming a major international public health concern. There is no specific treatment for dengue. Its prevention and control solely depends on effective vector control measures. In this study, we proposed the green-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) as a novel and effective tool against the dengue serotype DEN-2 and its major vector Aedes aegypti. AgNP were synthesized using the Moringa oleifera seed extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNP were characterized using a variety of biophysical methods including UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and sorted for size categories. AgNP showed in vitro antiviral activity against DEN-2 infecting vero cells. Viral titer was 7 log10 TCID50/ml in control (AgNP-free), while it dropped to 3.2 log10 TCID50/ml after a single treatment with 20 μl/ml of AgNP. After 6 h, DEN-2 yield was 5.8 log10 PFU/ml in the control, while it was 1.4 log10 PFU/ml post-treatment with AgNP (20 μl/ml). AgNP were highly effective against the dengue vector A. aegypti, with LC50 values ranging from 10.24 ppm (I instar larvae) to 21.17 ppm (pupae). Overall, this research highlighted the concrete potential of green-synthesized AgNP in the fight against dengue and its primary vector A. aegypti. Further research on structure-activity relationships of AgNP against other dengue serotypes is urgently required.

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles as a novel control tool against dengue virus (DEN-2) and its primary vector Aedes aegypti

In vitro antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic Moringa leaf extracts.

The cornerstone of nanoscience and nanotechnology are nanoparticles which have immense power and functional ability in diverse fields. Nanoparticles are synthesized by physical, chemical methos but limitations are due to its toxicity. We have discussed few green synthesis routes which are eco friendly and less toxic methods, including alage, microorganisms, plants etc.. Expoiting the potential of medicinal plants, is one of the green synthesis routes and is significant because the current therapeutic approaches have toxicity problems and microbial multidrug resistance issues. As the metal nanoparticles have received great attention across the globe, so in this study we have discussed and focused many different metallic nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis using medicinal plants. We have also discussed the types, size and medicinal properties like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antiviral activities of nanoparticles. The biomolecules, secondary metabolites and coenzymes present in the plants help in easy reduction of metal ions to nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles are considered as potential antioxidants and promising candidates in cancer treatment. The simplified model summarises the green synthesis, its characterization using physicochemical means and their biomedical applications. Succinctly, we have discussed the recent advances in green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, milestones, therapeutic applications and future perspectives of biosynthesized nanoparticles from some important medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants: Treasure trove for green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a small size tree with approximately 5 to 10 m height. It is cultivated all over the world due to its multiple utilities. Every part of Moringa is used for certain nutritional and/or medicinal propose. Besides being a good source of protein, vitamins, oils, fatty acids, micro-macro minerals elements and various phenolics, it is also reported as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, and antihelmintic. Its multiple pharmaceutical effects are capitalized as therapeutic remedy for various diseases in traditional medicinal system. Further research on this charismatic healer may lead to the development of novel agents for various diseases. This study provides a brief overview about medicinal potential of Moringa and its future as a component of modern medicinal system. This study concludes that Moringa needs legitimate appraisal to establish its pharmaceutical knack in modern medicine.

	 

	Key word: Moringa oleifera, medicinal plant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antiulcer, diuretic.

http://www.fengshuilondon.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/MEDICINAL-PROPERTIES-OF-MORINGA-OLEIFERA.pdf

Medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera: An overview of promising healer

The genus Moringa Adans. comprises 13 species, of which Moringa oleifera Lam. native to India and cultivated across the world owing to its drought and frost resistance habit is widely used in traditional phytomedicine and as rich source of essential nutrients. Wide spectrum of phytochemical ingredients among leaf, flower, fruit, seed, seed oil, bark, and root depend on cultivar, season, and locality. The scientific studies provide insights on the use of M. oleifera with different aqueous, hydroalcoholic, alcoholic, and other organic solvent preparations of different parts for therapeutic activities, that is, antibiocidal, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, tissue-protective, and other biological activities with a high degree of safety. A wide variety of alkaloid and sterol, polyphenols and phenolic acids, fatty acids, flavanoids and flavanol glycosides, glucosinolate and isothiocyanate, terpene, anthocyanins etc. are believed to be responsible for the pragmatic effects. Seeds are used with a view of low-cost biosorbent and coagulant agent for the removal of metals and microbial contamination from waste water. Thus, the present review explores the use of M. oleifera across disciplines for its prominent bioactive ingredients, nutraceutical, therapeutic uses and deals with agricultural, veterinarian, biosorbent, coagulation, biodiesel, and other industrial properties of this "Miracle Tree."

Biological, nutritional, and therapeutic significance of Moringa oleifera Lam

Objective
To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (A. stephensi) mosquitoes at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm).

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Moringa oleifera against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

The entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae is being considered as a biocontrol agent for the adult mosquito of Anopheles stephensi (Malarial vector). In the present experiment was carried out in the laboratory of 30-50 male and female adult mosquitoes were exposed to M. anisopliae (exposed to 1 x 106 conidia/ml of oil or water suspension). In our results, there was 96% and 94% adult mortality was observed in oil and water formulated conidia of M. anisopliae. Similarly, adult emergency rate was also decreased with increasing concentration (1x108 conidia/ml). Finally, we conclude that the fungal spores or cells developed within insect cuticle which is suppress the cellular defence system and also fungal grow on the legs and wings to arrest the mosquito movement.

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N. Ramasubramanian

Papers

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Moringa oleifera against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Adulticidal effect of fungal pathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae on malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)