Cultivation, Genetic, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Leaves: An Overview

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is an interesting plant for its use in bioactive compounds. In this manuscript, we review studies concerning the cultivation and production of moringa along with genetic diversity among different accessions and populations. Different methods of propagation, establishment and cultivation are discussed. Moringa oleifera shows diversity in many characters and extensive morphological variability, which may provide a resource for its improvement. Great genetic variability is present in the natural and cultivated accessions, but no collection of cultivated and wild accessions currently exists. A germplasm bank encompassing the genetic variability present in Moringa is needed to perform breeding programmes and develop elite varieties adapted to local conditions. Alimentary and medicinal uses of moringa are reviewed, alongside the production of biodiesel. Finally, being that the leaves are the most used part of the plant, their contents in terms of bioactive compounds and their pharmacological properties are discussed. Many studies conducted on cell lines and animals seem concordant in their support for these properties. However, there are still too few studies on humans to recommend Moringa leaves as medication in the prevention or treatment of diseases. Therefore, further studies on humans are recommended.

Proximate Composition, Amino and Fatty Acid Profiles and Element Compositions of Four Different Moringa Species

“…Due to this highly interesting and beneficial property, which was described in the 1980s by the German developmental aid service GTZ (Jahn, 1986), the tree has been introduced and established in almost every tropical and subtropical country (Anwar, Latif, Ashraf, & Gilani, 2007;Leone et al, 2015). Dissemination has been facilitated by Moringa oleifera growing in almost all types of soils, except stiff, heavy clays, although it does not tolerate stagnate water or frequent flooding.…”

“…The frequently reported nutritional benefits of leaf powder include that it has a relatively high protein content, ranging between 250 g/kg dry matter (DM) (Richter et al, 2003) and 321 g/kg of DM (Hlophe & Moyo, 2014); optimal amino acid make up; and high amounts of vitamins, such as vitamin C and α-tocopherol. Pro-vitamin A, in the form of ß-carotenes, can reach up to, and sometimes exceed, 1000 mg/kg DM in M. oleifera (Babu, 2000;Nambiar & Seshadri, 2001;Leone et al, 2015). Furthermore, it is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron (Makkar & Becker, 1996;Afuang et al, 2003).…”

“…The family Moringaceae is monogeneric, with medium sized trees belonging to 13 species of the genus Moringa (Leone et al, 2015). Most of those species are indigenous to Africa (11 species: Moringa arborea (Verdc.…”

“…Most of those species are indigenous to Africa (11 species: Moringa arborea (Verdc. (Leone et al, 2015). The most widely known and studied species is M. oleifera, which has more records of various kinds of research (e.g.…”

Determination of Heavy Metals, Aflatoxins, Microbial Loads and Pesticides Residue in Sehjana (Moringa Oleifera Lam) Fruits/Pods

“…Botanically known as Moringa oleifera Lamor Moringa Pterygosperma, Gaertn (Moringaceae), is a fast growing softwood tree indigenous to sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern India 1 . It is one of 13 species within the same genus, and has become the most diffuse in tropical and subtropical areas at altitudes up to 2000 m 14 . It has been grown and naturalized in other countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, East and West Africa, throughout West Indies 15 .…”