Moringin, A Stable Isothiocyanate from Moringa oleifera , Activates the Somatosensory and Pain Receptor TRPA1 Channel In Vitro.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Bench research / in vitro receptor assay
PubMed 32098328 · doi:10.3390/molecules25040976
What was done
Moringa extracts and purified moringin (4-[(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate) were evaluated using in vitro assays to test agonist activity at the somatosensory ion channel TRPA1 and selectivity against TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPM8.
What was found
Pure moringin acted as a potent and effective agonist of the TRPA1 receptor. It showed no activation or very weak activation of TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPM8. No numerical values (such as EC50, concentrations, or effect sizes) were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
The study identifies TRPA1 as a selective molecular target of moringin, providing an in vitro mechanism for how Moringa oleifera isothiocyanates may interact with somatosensory and pain pathways.
Limits
This is purely an in vitro bench study without in vivo animal or human data. In vivo bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and analgesic efficacy were not assessed, and no quantitative values or sample sizes were provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports The primary isothiocyanate found in moringa is moringin.