Phytochemicals from Moringa Oleifera Show Promise in Fighting COVID-19 Naturally
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2025 38 minutes ago
Medical News: A Natural Remedy from Moringa Leaves Gains Scientific Support
Researchers from the University of Maroua in Cameroon, COMSATS University Islamabad in Pakistan, and the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon have uncovered exciting evidence that Moringa oleifera leaves may have the potential to help treat and prevent COVID-19. This
Medical News report highlights how the team used a combination of computer-based simulations and laboratory tests to study the plant’s bioactive compounds, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Scientists say Moringa leaf extracts may help block key COVID-19 enzymes and reduce
inflammation naturally
Moringa oleifera, long used in traditional medicine, was found to contain 14 different compounds that can bind to the main viral enzymes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus—specifically the main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro)—which are crucial for the virus to replicate and spread. Of these, gamma-sitosterol emerged as the most promising, with a binding strength even higher than some known antiviral compounds.
Potent Antioxidants and Enzyme Inhibition Confirmed
To evaluate real-world effects, researchers prepared both aqueous and hydromethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves. These extracts were tested for antioxidant activity and their ability to inhibit an enzyme called papain, which has a similar structure to the COVID-19 viral enzymes. The results were significant.
The aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity, with strong DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing abilities—both important for fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, common in viral infections. It also had the highest polyphenol content at 145.12 mg GAE/g and a strong tannin presence, which are known to help the immune system and reduce cellular damage.
In lab tests, both extracts were found to inhibit the papain enzyme. The hydromethanolic extract showed competitive inhibition, suggesting its compounds compete with the enzyme's usual target, while the aqueous extract acted via non-competitive inhibition, interfering in more complex ways. These dual modes suggest Moringa may contain a range of compounds that interact differently with viral enzymes.
Potential Compounds for COVID-19 Drug Development
Out of the 14 tested compounds, gamma-sitosterol, ethyl oleate, vitamin E, and a compound known as pregn-5,7-diene-3-ol-20-one stood out. Gamma-sitosterol had the strongest interaction with Mpro, surpassing even the reference drug N3 inhibitor. These findings not only support Moringa’s use in traditional medicine but also point toward its potential in modern antiviral drug development.
Even though the enzyme used in lab testing, papain, is not the same as the actual COVID-19 viral enzymes, it shares many structural similarities. This makes it a useful tool for early-stage screening. However, the researchers note that more testing with real viral proteins and cell
cultures is needed to confirm the antiviral effects.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
The study highlights that Moringa oleifera is more than just a nutritional plant—it contains phytochemicals that could help fight viruses by blocking critical viral enzymes and reducing inflammation through its antioxidant power. While more studies are needed, this research lays the groundwork for developing affordable, plant-based therapies for COVID-19, especially in regions with limited access to pharmaceutical drugs.
The findings show that Moringa oleifera extracts can inhibit viral protease-like activity and offer potent antioxidant benefits. These dual actions make it a compelling candidate for further research into COVID-19 treatment strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: PLOS One
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0337904
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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