For thousands of years, moringa has been used for its numerous health benefits, but the full mechanism of action is still unclear. This 2018 study isolated and identified three compounds from moringa oleifera seeds, namely niazirin, marumoside A, and sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucoside, and investigated their effects on psoriasis-like skin lesions. The study states this is the first report regarding the mechanism and therapeutic application of moringa oleifera seeds to treat psoriasis-like lesions in vivo.
The three compounds extracted from moringa oleifera seeds were found to have anti-inflammatory properties that improve skin health in both lab and animal studies. These compounds were effective in reducing inflammation by decreasing the production of certain cytokines and improving psoriasis-like skin lesions in test subjects. They were also observed to decrease the expression of IL-17A mRNA, which is linked to skin inflammation, while increasing the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers that help to maintain healthy skin.
Niazirin is a flavonoid, marumoside A is a phenolic glycoside with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucoside is a plant sterol that can modulate the immune response. These compounds show great potential as therapeutic agents for skin diseases, including psoriasis.
Although this study was conducted on isolated compounds from moringa seeds, it is important to note that moringa oil is made by cold-pressing these same seeds. This study provides promising results that may explain some of the skin benefits associated with moringa oil, and sets a good precedent for future research in this area.
This study provides new evidence that moringa oleifera seeds and their compounds may have therapeutic effects for treating psoriasis and other skin diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of these compounds. Overall, this study highlights the potential of moringa oleifera seeds as a natural, effective, and safe cosmetic ingredient for promoting skin health.
Study Title: Three Constituents of Moringa oleifera Seeds Regulate Expression of Th17-Relevant Cytokines and Ameliorate TPA-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Lesions in Mice
Study Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6320828