Moringa-The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review

REVIEW ARTICLE Agricultural Reviews, Volume 45 Issue 1: 35-43 (March 2024) Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review K.A. Athira1, S.T. Panjikkaran1, E.R. Aneena1, C.L. Sharon1, P.S. Lakshmi1 10.18805/ag.R-2316 ABSTRACT Moringa [Moringa oleifera (Lam.) Moringaceae] is a fast growing, deciduous, drought tolerant and tropical perennial tree. Moringa oleifera is called as a “Miracle Tree” due to not only its nutritional and pharmacological properties but also utilized as biofuel, water purifier and cosmetic industry. Every part of Moringa oleifera is a storehouse of essential nutrients. Edible parts of the plant includes the whole leaves, immature green fruits or seed pods, flowers and roots. Mature seeds yield 38-40 per cent edible oil called ben oil. Cosmetics such as anti-ageing creams, hair care products, face creams, aromatherapy oils and massage oils use Moringa oil. Fresh Moringa leaves was collected from Department of Vegetable Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. The KAU Moringa variety Anupama was selected for the study during the period of 2018-2020. Moringa is indeed a miracle tree with enormous potential which is yet to be explored for therapeutic and commercial applications. Key words: Ben oil, Miracle tree, Moringa oleifera, Moringa. Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of 1 the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent. Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Common names include moringa, drumstick tree (from the Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, Kerala, India. long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from Corresponding Author: K.A. Athira, Department of Community the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish) and Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, ben oil tree or benzolive tree. Moringa tree is also known as Thrissur-680 656, Kerala, India. Email: athira.ask.in@gmail.com the ‘miracle tree’. The leaves, fruit, sap, oil, root, bark, seed, How to cite this article: Athira, K.A., Panjikkaran, S.T., Aneena, pod and flowers are known for its health benefits, medicinal E.R., Sharon, C.L. and Lakshmi, P.S. (2024). Moringa- The Miracle properties and cosmetic uses. W ellness Tree: A Review. Agricultural Reviews. 45(1): 35-43. It is a fast growing, medium sized deciduous tree, doi: 10.18805/ag.R-2316. propagated as a perennial plant from cuttings and seeds Submitted: 02-07-2021 Accepted: 16-11-2021 Online: 10-12-2021 (Seshadri and Nambiar, 2003). It mainly grows in semi-arid, tropical and subtropical regions, although the drought resistance properties of the plant makes it more suitable for alkaloids and reducing sugar present along with anti- drier regions (Farooq et al., 2012). The roots are susceptible cancerous agents like glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, to water-logging and tend to rot in such conditions. It is also glycoside compounds and glycerol-1-9-octadecanoate. able to tolerate a wide range of soil types, the optimum being Moringa leaves also have a low calorific value and can be a well-drained sandy or loamy soil (pH 5-9). Moringa oleifera used in the diet of the obese. is valued for its multiple economic, medicinal and El-Sohaimy et al. (2015) confirmed that, Moringa leaves neutraceutical properties worldwide. This plant has been has high amount of essential amino acids; methionine, honored as “Botanical of the Year-2007” by the National leucine, isoleucine, histidine, phenylalanine, valine, Institute of Health (NIH). The Africans used to call it “Never threonine, arginine and lysine. Moringa leaves have low level Die” or “Miracle Tree” for its ability to treat more than 300 of anti-nutritional factors compared to other leaf vegetables diseases. and produce no toxic effect on consumption (Teixeira et al., 2014). Nutritive constituents of Moringa oleifera Moringa is rich in phytosterols like stigmasterol, Every part of M. oleifera is a store house of important sitosterol and kampesterol which are precursors for nutrients and anti-nutrients. Table 1 depicts the nutritive hormones. These compounds increase the estrogen properties of various parts of Moringa. production, which in turn stimulates the proliferation of the Leaves mammary gland ducts to produce milk. It is used to treat malnutrition in children younger than 3 years. About 6 Moringa leaf proteins range from 29.1 to 35.3 g/100 g dry spoonfuls of leaf powder can meet a woman’s daily iron weight. The leaves of M. oleifera are rich in minerals like and calcium requirements, during pregnancy. calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and copper. Vitamins like beta-carotene of vitamin A, vitamin B such as Pods and flowers folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid, vitamin C, D and E The pods are fibrous and are valuable to treat digestive also present in M. oleifera. Phytochemicals such as tannins, problems and treat colon cancer. A research shows that sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, immature pods contain around 46.78% fiber and around Volume 45 Issue 1 (March 2024) 35  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review Table 1: Nutritive properties of Moringa oleifera. Plant parts Constituents References Leaves Protein, β-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and antioxidants Sena et al., 1998 Pods Fibre, protein, fats (oleic acid, Linoleic acid, linolenic acid) minerals, vitamins Makkar and Becker, 1996 (β- carotene, B and C). Phytochemicals (tannins, saponins, phenolics, phytates, flavanoids, terpenoids and lectins). Root bark Minerals (calcium, magnesium and sodium). Phytochemicals (morphine and moriginine) Prosky et al., 1988 Flowers Sucrose, glucose, amino acids, traces of phytochemicals Rocklin and Paul, 1983 20.66% protein content. Pods have 30% of amino acid Table 2: Nutrients present in different parts of Moringa (100 g). content and flowers have 31%. The immature pods and Nutrients Leaves Pods Flowers flowers showed similar amounts of palmitic, linolenic, linoleic Calories (kcal) 92 26 51 and oleic acids. Moringa pods treat diarrhea, liver and spleen Protein (g) 6.41 2.62 2.42 problems and joint pain. The presence of PUFA in the pods Fat (g) 1.64 0.12 0.15 can be used in the diet of obese. Carbohydrate (g) 5.62 3.76 0.69 In Asia, the flowers of M. oleifera are mixed together with Fibre (g) 8.21 6.83 2.5 other foods since they are rich in Ca2+, K+, waxes, alkaloids, quercetin and kaempferol. Quercetin and kaempferol are Vitamin B1 (mg) 0.06 0.04 0.008 flavonoids, compounds with phenolic hydroxyl groups with Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.45 0.07 0.003 antioxidant action that have potential therapeutic uses. Vitamin B3 (mg) 0.82 0.62 0.035 Moringa flowers act as hypocholesterolemic, anti-arthritic Vitamin C (mg) 108 71.86 33 agents and can cure urinary problems and cold. Vitamin K (µg) 479 358 51 Calcium (mg) 314 33 54 Root bark Phosphorous (mg) 109 52.87 62 Root bark acts as a cardiac stimulant, anti-ulcer and anti- Potassium (mg) 397 419 123 inflammatory agent. It contain minerals like calcium, Iron (mg) 4.56 0.73 0.50 magnesium and sodium, alkaloids like morphine, moriginine The alkaloid helps the bark to be antiulcer, a cardiac Table 3: Medicinal properties of different parts of Moringa. stimulant and helps to relax the muscles. Parts Medicinal properties Seeds Leaves Asthma, hyperglycemia, skin diseases, bronchitis, Seeds contains fats, fibre, proteins, minerals, vitamins like cancer, blood pressure and cholesterol A, B, C and amino acids. It also contains oleic acid (Ben Seeds Hyperthyroidism, microbial infections, inflammatory oil), antibiotic called pterygospermin and fatty acids like diseases linoleic acid, linolenic acid, behenic acid, Phytochemicals Root Cardiac stimulant, ulcer, inflammatory diseases like tannins, saponin, phenolics, phytate, flavanoids, Flowers Hypercholesterolemia, arthritis terpenoids and lectins. The presence of flavanoids gives its Pods Liver and spleen problems and joint pain anti-inflammatory property. The antibiotic pterygospermin Gum Healing wounds, asthma, rheumatism is responsible for antimicrobial properties. Nutrients present Stem bark Tuberculosis, cancer, ulcer in the moringa mentioned in Table 2. Bioactive compounds in Moringa Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera Moringa has enormous medicinal potential, which has long Anti-diabetic properties been recognized in the Ayurvedic and Unani system (Mughal Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by problems et al., 1999). Nearly every part of this plant, including root, involving the hormone insulin. In healthy people, the bark, gum, leaf, fruit (pods), flowers, seed and seed oil have pancreas releases insulin; insulin then works to help the been used for various ailments in the indigenous medicine body use and store the fat and sugar that is derived from (Odebiyi and Sofowora, 1999). The multiple biological activities the food that people eat. W ith diabetes, insulin can be including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, compromised in a couple of different ways. In some cases, hypocholestrolemic, antioxidant, antiproliferative and the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin at all. Other times, hepatoprotective activities are attributed to the presence of the body does not react in the right way to insulin- this is functional bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, known as “insulin resistance”. M. oleifera is used to treat ûavonoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, natural sugars, vitamins, and manage the symptoms of diabetes for years. minerals and organic acids (Mulugeta and Fekadu, 2014). Moringa has been shown to cure both Type 1 and Type 2 Medicinal properties of different parts of moringa depicted diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes the patients suffer from non- in Table 3. production of insulin, which is a hormone that maintains the 36 Agricultural Reviews  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review blood glucose level at the required normal value. Type 2 properties which promote a healthy body that has the tools diabetes is one associated with insulin resistance. Type 2 to fight cancer. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti- diabetes might also be due to Beta cell dysfunction, which viral, antioxidant, anti-allergenic and pain relief uses. It has fails to sense glucose levels, hence reduces the signaling also been put to use to fight a variety of infections. to insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Several Cancer is a common disease and one in seven deaths studies have shown that, moringa can act as an anti-diabetic is attributed due to improper medication. Several factors agent. A study has shown that the aqueous extracts of M. like smoking, lack of exercise and radiation exposure can oleifera can cure streptozotocin-induced Type 1 diabetes lead to the disease. M. oleifera can be used as an anti- and also insulin resistant Type 2 diabetes in rats. The cancer agent as it is natural, reliable and safe, at established flavonoids like quercitin and phenolics have been attributed concentrations. Studies have shown that moringa can be as antioxidants that bring about a scavenging effect on ROS. used as an anti-neoproliferative agent, thereby inhibiting the It can be hypothesized that the flavonoids in Moringa growth of cancer cells. Soluble and solvent extracts of leaves scavenge the ROS released from mitochondria, thereby have been proven effective as anticancer agents. protecting the beta cells and in turn keeping hyperglycemia Glucosinolates in moringa shown in Table 4. under control. Diabetes leads to several complications such M. oleifera leaf extract was reported to cause membrane as retinopathy, nephropathy and atherosclerosis etc. blebbing and apoptotic bodies to occur in human tumor cell Cardiovascular activity line (KB) when the extract was introduced to the cell line, thus induced apoptosis. Morphological changes such as Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves shows membrane blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies are antihypertensive or hypotensive activity. It was found that also one of the morphological alteration of apoptosis. The thiocarbamate and isothiocyanate glycosides are author also stated that M. oleifera showed an anti- responsible for this promising hypotensive activity. proliferative effect by morphological changes, causing loss The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, of cell viability and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in hypolipidaemic and anti-atherosclerotic activities of water KB cells due to chemical composition presented in the leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves. Hypocholestremic extracts (Sreelatha et al., 2011) shown in Fig 1. effect of crude leaf extract was supported by preventive effect of leaves of Moringa oleifera on hyperlipidemia induced by Antimicrobial activity iron deficiency in male wistar rats. The antimicrobial activities of Moringa oleifera leaves, roots, Anticholesterol activity barks and seeds were investigated in vitro against bacteria, yeast, dermatophytes and helminthes pathogenic to man. Cholesterol is a necessary element in building and repairing By a disk-diffusion method, it was demonstrated that the cells within the body. There are two basic types of fresh leaf juice and aqueous extract from the seeds inhibit cholesterol. Low-density and high-density lipoproteins, known as LDLs and HDLs respectively, play very different Table 4: Glucosinolates in moringa leaf extracts. roles in maintaining physical health. HDLs help to eliminate Glucosinolates (mg/100 g) fatty deposit from the bloodstream, enhancing Compound Seed pulp Roots Leaves cardiovascular health and promoting healthy veins and arteries. The forms of cholesterol are typically denser and Glucomoringin 8619.44 3.99 77.7 more compact than their low-density counterparts. LDLs are Glucotropaeolin 3.17 0.27 15.66 better known as bad cholesterol and have nearly the Glucosinalbin - 0.05 0.84 opposite effect on the body causing lipid deposits to form in Glucoraphanin 3.57 0.58 2.2 blood vessels and contributing to heart disease, stroke and Glucoiberin 0.09 0.02 0.05 other cardiovascular disease. W hite blood cells in the bloodstream attack LDL buildups, causing inflammation and 120 Proliferation (%) worsening blockages caused by this form of cholesterol. 100 Moringa leaf extract contains powerful diuretic medicine that 80 can reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and to help the body flush these harmful substances more quickly 60 and easily. 40 Anticancer properties 20 Moringa oleifera has other characteristic which make it a 0 good compliment to cancer prevention or treatment plan. It Control 25 50 100 150 200 contains an enormous amount of nutritional content; Moringa oleifera contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids which Moringa leaf extract (µg/ml) are critical for good health. It is loaded with calcium, iron, Fig 1: Antiproliferative effects of moringa leaves extract potassium, protein, vitamin A and C and as many more on KB cell. Volume 45 Issue 1 (March 2024) 37  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aureus and that extraction temperatures above 56C inhibit aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhii this activity. No activity was demonstrated against four other shown in Fig 3. All the examined extract showed varying pathogenic gram positive and gram negative bacteria and degrees of antibacterial activities against the pathogens. Candida albicans. By a dilution method, no activity was The phytochemical test was done to find the presence of demonstrated against six pathogenic dermatophytes. active chemical constituents such as glycosides, alkaloids, Prashith et al. (2010) studied the antibacterial and tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins. The antibacterial antifungal activity of steam distillate of Moringa oleifera Lam. activity of ethanol extract showed maximum zone of inhibition A considerable reduction in the growth of bacteria was (14 mm) against Salmonella typhii. From the phytochemical observed by distillate suggesting antibacterial effect. Among analysis ethanol extract of drumstick showed the presence bacteria tested, more inhibition was observed in case of of flavanoids, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. E. coli followed by S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa Inhibition of fungi was observed as reduced colony and B. subtilis shown in Fig 2. diameter in plates poisoned with distillate as compared to Vinoth et al. (2012) studied the antibacterial activity of control plates. More inhibition of A. niger was observed chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts of drumstick using followed by A. oryzae, A. terreus and A. nidulans shown agar well diffusion method, against the selected human in Fig 4. The antimicrobial activity of steam distillate of E. coli B.subtilis S. aureus P.aeroginosa Bacterial growth Fig 2: Anti-bacterial effect of Moringa leaf extract. 14 Zone of inhibition (mm) 12 aqueous extract 10 8 ethanol extract 6 chloroform 4 extract 2 0 P.aeruginosa S.typhi Bacterial growth Fig 3: Anti-bacterial effect of different Moringa leaf extract. 50 45 40 Inhibition (%) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 A. niger A. oryzae A. nidulans A. terreus Fungal growth Fig 4: Anti-fungal effect of Moringa leaf extract. 38 Agricultural Reviews  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review drumstick could be attributed to the inhibitory components right. Inflammation is a result of the body’s own natural immune present in the distillate fraction. response and is usually caused by the increased presence of Antioxidant effects plasma white blood cells in the affected area. Methanolic extract of root bark, aqueous extract of roots, methanolic Usually, natural compounds rich in polyphenols have strong extract of leaves and flowers as well as ethanolic extract of antioxidant properties and can decrease oxidative damage seeds of Moringa oleifera has shown anti-inflammatory in tissues by scavenging free radical. The methanol extract activity in carrageenin induced paw edema model. of M. oleifera leaves contains chlorogenic acid, rutin, Aurantiamide acetate and 1,3- dibenzyl urea, isolated from quercetin glucoside and kaempferol rhamnoglucoside, roots shown this anti- inflammatory activity so the responsible whereas in the root and stem barks, several procyanidin for anti- inflammatory activity of Moringa oleifera roots. peaks are detected. In diseased control animals, paw edema was induced Fitria et al. (2015) determined antioxidant activity, total by CFA inoculation and the process was seen to be biphasic. phenolic, total flavonoids and phytochemicals in moringa leaves An acute phase was evidenced on Day 5 followed by a and moringa stem. Analysis used in this study was 1, 1- delayed sustained chronic phase that reached a plateau diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method for antioxidant starting from Day 11 onwards to Day 21. Significant, very activity. Moringa leaves and moringa stem had the ability to significant and highly significant decreases in the primary scavenge free radicals. The results showed that moringa leaves lesion were evident on Day 5 in rats in the Moringa extract had higher ability to scavenge free radical, total phenolic and (100 mg), Moringa extract (200 mg) and dexamethasone- total flavonoid than moringa stem. Ferulic acid and rutin were treated groups, respectively, as compared to the diseased found in both samples shown in Fig 5. The high activity of controls. Paw edema volume of each animal was measured antioxidant in moringa leaves was due to the high value of on days 1, 3, 5, 9 and 21 of the exposures to the various phenolic content and flavonoid content in this sample. treatments (Shailaja et al., 2007) shown in Fig 6. Anti-inflammatory activity Wound healing activity In most cases, inflammation is the body’s response to Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves shown wound another process rather than a disease or illness in its own healing property on male swiss albino mice. It significantly 70 radical scavenging 60 SC 50 of DPPH 50 (µg/ml) 40 30 20 10 0 Moringa stem extract Moringa leaves Standarad Fig 5: Antioxidant activity of Moringa stem and leaf extract DC DEXA MO1 MO2 14 12 Oedema volume 10 8 6 4 2 0 1 st 3 rd 5 th 9 th 21 st Days Fig 6: Effect of Moringa leaf extract on oedema volume. Volume 45 Issue 1 (March 2024) 39  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review increase wound closure rate, skin breaking strength, Moringa and reproductive health granuloma breaking strength as well as decrease in scar Moringa plants has the potential to be developed into a area. Murivenna is an ayurvedic medicine and this is added culinary of breastfeeding mothers, compounds contain to the quicken the healing process and gives almost instant phytosterols (included in the steroid classification), which relief from swelling, stiffness, pain and inflammation. works to improve and expedite the production of milk Hepatoprotective activity (laktogogum effect). Its effect on breast milk production has been proven. Ethanolic extract of leaves and alcoholic extract of seeds of The levels of prolactin in the intervention group was Moringa oleifera shown hepatoprotective effect in isoniazid, higher than them in the control group. It is because the rifampicin, pyrizinamide induced liver damage and capsules of Moringa leaves contain chemical compounds diclofenac induced hepatic toxicity in rat, respectively. of phytosterol (poliferol and sterols), which the compound The effect of different concentrations of Moringa leaves plays a role to increase prolactin levels. High prolactin levels extract (150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight) against have a function to improve, accelerate and facilitate milk antitubercular drugs. Rats treated with antitubercular drugs production. Breast milk production was measured based on (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrizinamide) developed significant the indicator of baby’s weight and sleep duration. The hepatic damage, as observed from elevated serum levels findings of this study indicated that there were mean of hepatospecific enzymes such as AST, ALT and ALP. The differences of baby’s weights between the intervention and serum bilirubin concentration was also increased in rats control groups in the 1 st day, 7 th day and 15 th day of treated with antitubercular drugs (Pari and Ashok, 2002). It treatments (Yuni et al., 2017). is shown in Table 5. Commercial applications Anti-anaemic activity Cosmetic industry Anaemia is a widespread public health problem associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially The oil extracted from the seed, with yields of up to 39%, is in pregnant women and young children. It is a condition used to make cosmetics (as a skin moisturizer, conditioner and emollient) and as an ingredient in soaps, salves, creams caused by both nutritional (vitamin and mineral deficiencies) and sunscreen (Ayerza, 2012). The major fatty acid is oleic and non-nutritional (infection) factors. One of the most acid, which is widely recommended in the preparation of contributing factors is iron deficiency which is considered pharmaceutical ointments. It has high cosmetic value, helps the number one contributor to the global burden of diseases. to remove dirt from the skin and is considered as superb Anaemia can result in impaired cognitive development, cleansing agent. It has non-drying characteristics, can be reduced physical work capacity and in severe cases, easily blended with other essential oils; these properties increased risk of mortality, particularly during the perinatal make Moringa oil as excellent massage oil (Plate 1, 2). period. Anaemia may also result in reduced growth and Currently it is widely used in the formulations of body creams, increased morbidity. lotions, balms, scrubs and anti-hair fall formulations. In Rats whose diets were supplemented with dry M. oleifera cosmetics, it is preferred over other oil as it does not leave leaf powder had higher mean weight gain than the control. greasy after feel. This confirms the report of (Nambiar and Seshadri, 2001) Moringa biofuel that supplementation of food with M. oleifera leaf powder results both in increased food intake and weight gain. Biodiesel is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to Supplementation of feed with M. oleifera leaf powder at 5% conventional non-renewable fossil petrodiesel fuel. Biodiesel protein level produced better results than control. refers to long-chain alkyl (methyl, ethyl, or propyl) esters made by chemically reacting lipids of vegetable oil and Central nervous system activity animal fat. As biofuel feedstock, moringa seeds can produce Treatment with Moringa oleifera leaves extract restores up to 40 per cent oil. This means that a kilo of seeds from mono amine levels of brain which may be useful in the moringa pods would yield 400 milliliters of oil, which Alzheimer’s disease. Methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera can be sold either for cooking or as substitute for diesel. root bark was tested on frog and guinea pig and it shown Biodiesel was prepared from M. oleifera oil by alkali- local anaesthetic activity in both animal models. catalyzed transesterification with methanol after acid pre- Table 5: Effect of Moringa leaves on Anti-tubercular drug induced liver damage. Group AST (IU L-1) ALT (IU L-1) ALP (IU L-1) Bilirubin (mg dl1) Normal 62.79±3.79 23.68±2.08 9.05±0.527 0.26±0.02 Anti-tubercular drugs 105.22±4.10 45.83±2.12 23.11±1.20 0.99±0.07 Anti-tubercular drugs + Moringa leaf extract (150 mg/kg) 92.91±3.50 40.53±2.34 19.81±1.41 0.82±0.01 Anti-tubercular drugs + Moringa leaf extract (200 mg/kg) 85.06±3.03 36.39±1.33 16.33±1.28 0.67±0.03 Anti-tubercular drugs + Moringa leaf extract (250 mg/kg) 78.37±3.37 31.56±2.06 12.43±0.83 0.48±0.03 40 Agricultural Reviews  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review treatment. The most conspicuous property of biodiesel superfood, a combination of nutrients and antioxidants to derived from M. oleifera oil is the high cetane number of some extent (Plate 3). approximately 67, which is among the highest reported for Food industry a biodiesel fuel. The oxidative stability of M. oleifera based biodiesel fuel is also enhanced compared to other biodiesel Moringa has enormous application in food industry. Moringa fuels. Thus, biodiesel derived from M. oleifera oil is an leaf powder is used in preparations of ice cream, bread, acceptable substitute for petrodiesel, also when compared muffins, chocolate bars, smoothies, soups, energy drinks to biodiesel fuels derived from other vegetable oils (Rashid etc. (Plates 4-9). Moringa tea is also an emerging product et al., 2008). from Moringa. Apart from these Kerala Agricultural University standardised the technologies for Moringa for Moringa Water purification instant soup mix, Moringa chutney, Moringa fruit pulp and Seed powder, with and without the husk, has coagulant, dehydrated powder. flocculant, water softening and disinfectant effects. Anti-nutritional factors However, the use of moringa seed is less efficient than some commercial coagulants such as aluminum sulfate The dried leaves of Moringa are a great source of polyphenol and ferric sulfate, but its low cost and biodegradability compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. makes it a potential candidate in developing countries Flavonoids, which are synthesized in the plant as a response (Suhartini et al., 2013). to microbial infections, have a benzo-pyrone ring as a Turbidity is caused by suspended negatively charged common structure. Intake of flavonoids has been shown to particles and natural organic matter present in the water. protect against chronic diseases associated with oxidative On account of the surface electrical charge, these particles mutually repel each other, making it difficult for them to aggregate and settle. Thus, to overcome the repulsive charge and ‘‘destabilize’’ the suspension, a coagulant with the opposite charge is added to the water. A large number of active proteins with ûocculating properties have been isolated and extracted and characterized from moringa seeds. This cationic protein is commonly known as Moringa oleifera cationic protein (MOCP, also referred to as Floc), which actively inhibits bacterial cell growth and settles negatively charged particles in a solution. Ravikumar and Sheeja, (2013) conducted an analysis Plate 1: Moringa seed oil. on the heavy metals cadmium, copper, chromium and lead before and after treatment of water with Moringa oleifera seed coagulant. The results showed that Moringa seeds were capable of adsorbing the heavy metals tested in some water samples. The percentage removal by Moringa seeds were 95% for copper, 93% for lead, 76% for cadmium and 70% for chromium. Growth hormone Fresh juice from fresh moringa leaves can be used to produce an effective plant growth hormone, increasing yields by 25-30% for nearly any crop: onions, bell pepper, soya, maize, sorghum, coffee, tea, chili, melon and others. One Plate 2: Moringa seed. of the active substances is zeatin: a plant hormone from the Cytokinines group. Pulp and paper industry The wood provides a pulp that is considered suitable for newsprint, wrapping, printing and writing papers. The bark and gum can be used in tanning hides. The wood yields a blue dye (CSIR, 1962). Moringa capsules Moringa capsules are composed of 100% leaf powder. It is recommended to consume 3 capsules/ day that are equivalent to 1,500 mg daily. This can substitute the Plate 3: Moringa capsules. Volume 45 Issue 1 (March 2024) 41  Moringa- The Miracle Wellness Tree: A Review Plate 4: Tea. Plate 5: Ice cream. Plate 6: Chocolate bar. Plate 7: Cake. Plate 8: Honey. Plate 9: Energy drinks. stress, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. demand for moringa and its value added products are Moringa leaves are a good source of flavonoids. The main increasing which in turn demands for year round supply flavonoids found in Moringa leaves are myrecytin, quercetin further research needs to be focused to develop the moringa and kaempferol, in concentrations of 5.8, 0.207 and 7.57 industry tailoring it to improve livelihood, nutrition and mg/g, respectively. poverty. Moringa oleifera is a tree brought from the mind of Alkaloids are a group of chemical compounds, which God to the hands of man. It was recognized by the National contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. Several of these Institute of Health as the Botanical of the Year for 2007 and compounds, including N, L-rhamnopyranosyl vincosamide, praised again in 2011 and 2012. It is valued worldwide for phenylacetonitrile pyrrolemarumine, hydroxyphenylethanamide- its ability to treat over 300 diseases. Africans have honoured L-rhamnopyranoside and its glucopyranosyl derivative, have it with names that translate to: “Never Die” and “The Only been isolated from Moringa oleifera leaves. Thing that Grows in the Dry Season” and “Mother’s Milk”. It’s safe to say that this plant has saved more lives in 3 rd Glucosinolates are a group of secondary metabolites in plants. Both glucosinolates and isothiocyanates have been world countries than any other. found to have important health-promoting properties. Tannins Conflict of Interest are water-soluble phenolic compounds that precipitate All authors declared that there is no conflict of interest. alkaloids, gelatin and other proteins. Their concentrations in dried leaves range between 13.2 and 20.6 g tannin/kg being REFERENCES a little higher in freeze-dried leaves. Tannins have been Ayerza, R. (2012). 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Moringa Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of oleifera oil: A possible source of biodiesel. Bioresour. Moringa oleifera Lam. Int. J. Res. Biol. Sci. 2(3): 98-102. Technol. 99(17): 8175-8179. Yuni, S., Suwondo, A., Triana, S. H., Soejoenoesl, A., Choiroel, M. Ravikumar, K. and Sheeja, A.K. (2013). Heavy metal removal from and Anwar, I. (2017). Effect of Moringa oleifera on level water using Moringa oleifera seed coagulant and double of prolactin and breast milk production in postpartum filtration. Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res. 4(5): 10-13. mothers. J. Med. Sci. 3(2): 126-133. Volume 45 Issue 1 (March 2024) 43