Promising Role of Moringa Oleifera (Lam.) In Improving Radiotherapy: An Overview

Cancer radiotherapy aims to effectively kill tumor cells but inexorably damages normal tissues which is undesirable. The success of radiotherapy lies in sparing normal tissues from radiation damage. Natural phytochemicals possess attribute which might protect normal cells but enhance tumor cell susceptibility followed by radiotherapy through modulating cellular molecular targets. Previous results of our laboratory and numerous recent studies on herbals have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity to certain malignant tumors and protection of normal cell after exposure to ionizing radiation. This review describes the radio-therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) that is easily available and common constituent of daily food. Moringa oleifera is an indigenous deciduous tree which possesses various therapeutic properties. The mechanisms of radioprotection of normal mammalian cells by alcoholic extracts of leaves and pods of Moringa have been discussed in terms of redox imbalance and oxidative stress. We have focused on the effect of alcoholic bioactive phytoconstituents of plant which displays synergistic cytotoxicity on tumor cells in combination with ionizing radiation. It is concluded that ethanolic extract of Moringa may be useful in efficient killing of tumor cells leading to establishment of improved protocol in cancer radiotherapy of patients.