Abstract

The Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Activity of the Moringa-Derived Phytochemicals and Nanoparticles

Authors: Tehreem Shehzad, Khadija Abeer, Rimsha Ud Dua, Riffat Shamim Aslam, Muhammad Umar, Rijja Fatima, Fatima Sarfraz, Muhammad Zeeshan Hadier, Arslan Muhammad Ali Khan and Muhammad Wasim Usmani

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2025.040

Abstract
Bacterial and parasitic infections are the reasons for substantial public and livestock health and financial difficulties. Conventional chemical drugs such as antibiotics and anthelminthic agents have been utilized for decades, but due to antimicrobial resistance and severe toxic effects, their effectiveness is continuously compromised. Consequently, alternative medicinal strategies have been investigated, with plant-derived components attracting significant interest. Moringa has gained recognition as a potential organic source of biologically active substances with strong therapeutic potential. These bioactive substances cause the disintegration of bacterial cell membranes, enhance oxidative stress, and block bacterial replication by disrupting the structural integrity of DNA, essential proteins, enzymes, and bacterial biofilms. Similarly, Moringa has also been responsible for the significant reduction of parasitic loads in tested animals. This review aims to highlight the antibacterial and antiparasitic potential of Moringa-derived phytochemicals and nanoparticles, explaining their mode of action, efficacy, and applications. Moreover, it also discusses various future perspectives considering the novel, effective, eco-friendly, and large-scale application of Moringa and its NPs.

Keywords: Alternatives, Bacteria, Control, Conventional drugs, Moringa, Nanoparticles, Parasites, Phytochemicals