Evaluation of antitumor and antioxidant potential of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae)

• Grant number: 11/21697-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Ethnopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Regildo Márcio Gonçalves da Silva
• Grantee: Fernanda Sarri Augusto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (Moringacae) is a specie from India which has pharmacological properties, nutritional and nutraceutical. Among the phytochemical characteristics displayed by this specie is considerable concentration of vitamin C. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the antitumor potential through inhibition of tumor induction in discs of Solanum tuberosum by Agobacterium tumafaciens and cytotoxicity in tumor cells from the lineage of Murine mammary carcinoma (4T1). It also aims to evaluate the antioxidant potential test, the kidnapping of stable DPPH free radical and determine the amount of phenols, total flavonoids and vitamin C in hydro-ethanolic extract and leaves M.oleifera. Thus, the search for new compounds with antioxidant and antitumor represents an important therapeutic tool for treating and preventing the emergence of new cancer cells. These requirements and information, as well as the pharmacological importance of M. oleifera, justify this project.(AU)