Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
Murine Excisional Wound Healing Model and Histological Morphometric Wound Analysis
Published on: August 21, 2020
Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Excision Wound Infections in Rats: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Gene
Abdullah A Al-Ghanayem1, Mohammed Sanad Alhussaini1, Mohammed Asad1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the wound healing activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on an infected excision wound model in rats. Infection was induced using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An investigation was also done to study the effect of Moringa extract on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene expression in vitro using human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The methanol extract of M. oleifera leaves was analyzed for the presence of phytochemicals by LCMS. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was also determined. Wound contraction, days for epithelization, antioxidant enzyme activities, epidermal height, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition were studied. M. oleifera showed an antimicrobial effect and significantly improved wound contraction, reduced epithelization period, increased antioxidant enzymes activity, and reduced capillary density. Effect of the extract was less in wounds infected with P. aeruginosa when compared to MRSA. The VEGF and TGF-β1 gene expression was increased by M. oleifera.
Insights
Moringa oleifera leaf extract accelerated wound healing in rats by reducing infection and improving tissue repair. The extract demonstrated antimicrobial properties and enhanced key growth factor gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Infected wounds pose significant challenges to healing.
- Exploring natural remedies like Moringa oleifera offers potential therapeutic benefits.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant-based wound healing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the wound healing efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in an infected excision wound model in rats.
- To investigate the extract's effect on specific growth factor gene expression in vitro.
- To determine the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the extract.
Main Methods:
- Induction of infected excision wounds using MRSA or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rats.
- In vitro assessment of Moringa extract's impact on VEGF and TGF-β1 gene expression in HaCaT cells.
- Phytochemical analysis using LCMS and determination of antimicrobial activity.
- Evaluation of wound healing parameters: contraction, epithelization, antioxidant enzymes, epidermal height, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition.
Main Results:
- Moringa oleifera extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against wound pathogens.
- Significant improvements in wound contraction and reduced epithelization time were observed.
- Increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced capillary density were noted.
- The extract's efficacy was more pronounced in MRSA-infected wounds compared to P. aeruginosa-infected wounds.
- Moringa oleifera extract upregulated VEGF and TGF-β1 gene expression in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Moringa oleifera leaf extract possesses significant wound healing properties, particularly against MRSA-infected wounds.
- The extract's mechanism involves antimicrobial action, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and modulation of key growth factor signaling pathways.
- Further research into Moringa oleifera as a topical wound healing agent is warranted.
