Research advances on the multiple uses of Moringa oleifera : A sustainable alternative for socially neglected population

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is a plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its different parts are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals and present different pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Moreover, M. oleifera seeds are widely used in water and effluent treatment, for their coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation properties, their ability of improving water quality, by reducing organic matter and microbial load, with special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. In addition, due to its high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, this tree may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. In this context, this review gathers information on M. oleifera, emphasizing its chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and antimicrobial properties, applications in the treatment of water effluents, and ecological and social aspects.

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“…The absorption peak appearing at 1577 and 3347 cm -1 could be correlated to the bending and stretching vibrations bands of adsorbed water and residual -OH group. The biomolecules in leaf extract (Scheme 1) of Moringa oleifera are responsible for the capping and stabilization of CuO NPs [50].…”

“…Leaves, seeds, pods and flowers of this tree are considered a food source of high nutritional value in many countries. Amongst them, leaves have high nutritional and medicinal value [50]. A scrutiny of the literature revealed some notable pharmacological activities of the drug like antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycaemic, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective activity [50].…”

Evaluation of Key Antimicrobial Properties of Moringa oleifera in Relation to Its Use as a Hand-Washing Product

“…Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a fast-growing plant, native to the foothills of the Himalayas and now found throughout much of the tropics [9]. The plant is known to be multi-purpose [9][10][11].…”

“…Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a fast-growing plant, native to the foothills of the Himalayas and now found throughout much of the tropics [9]. The plant is known to be multi-purpose [9][10][11]. Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine, for food, and even as a water purifier [9,[11][12][13].…”

Potential of <b><i>Moringa oleifera</i></b> in the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Role of Antioxidant Defence Systems

“…The majority of the populace in developing countries depend on herbal medicines for their health care needs [4]; hence, this could be a better alternative for the discovery of cheap and safer drugs for BPH. Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), also known as the “drumstick,” “horseradish,” or miracle tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree cultivated across the lowland dry tropics worldwide for its nutritious leaves [5]. It is an affordable and readily available source of major essential nutrients and nutraceuticals.…”