Review Articles

2022  |  Vol: 8(4)  |  Issue: 4 (July- August)  |  https://doi.org/10.31024/ajpp.2022.8.4.5
Moringa oleifera Lam: A versatile medicinal tree in tropical and subtropical countries

Prakash Chandra Gupta*

Department of Zoology, Keshav Prasad Mishra Govt. Girl’s College, Aurai, Bhadohi- 221 301- India

*Address for Corresponding author

Prakash Chandra Gupta

Department of Zoology,

Keshav Prasad Mishra Govt. Girl’s College, Aurai, Bhadohi- 221 301, India

(Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, India)

 

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), with several common names such as “sahajan”, “drumstick”, “super food”, “miracle tree”, “horseradish” and “ben oil tree”, is distributed throughout in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This plant is a panacea, since different parts of it have long been used in herbal medicines by Indians and Africans to cure more than 300 diseases. Moringa is one of the most nutrient-rich plants as it contains over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, 18 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids. The leaves, pods and seeds of it show presence of a variety of essential phytochemicals. With no known reports of side effects, different parts of the plant are used to treat malnutrition, diabetes, blindness, anemia, hypertension, stress, depression, skin, arthritis, joints, liver and kidney disorders. The powder from seeds and leaves is widely used in water and effluent treatment to improve water quality, which has special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. The plant possesses many pharmacological attributes such as hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, chemo-preventive, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, herbicidal, anti-hypertensive, enzyme inhibition, uterotonic, and fertility stimulator. Due to high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, the plant may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. This review will present an updated compilation of the published research on the medicinal characteristics, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties along with recent advances in pharmacognosy of moringa.

Keywords: Moringa, phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, pharmacological

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