Moringa : The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

Abstract

This document is aimed to describing the potential benefits of the Moringa tree as a nutrient. Moringa tree can be utilized in treating the malnutrition in a local and cost-effective manner. Malnutrition causes a great deal of human suffering and is associated with more than half of all deaths of children worldwide. Malnutrition severely affects the socio-economic development of a nation because a work force that is stunted both mentally and physically may have a reduced work capacity. Thus nutrition plays an important role in the reproduction of poverty from one generation to the next. Not only is the Moringa oleifera tree extraordinary in that all parts of the tree are edible, but the most amazing aspect of the tree is its exceptionally high nutritional value. The leaves of the Moringa tree are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B vitamin C and other minerals. The leaves are also an outstanding source of calcium, protein, potassium and iron. The content of amino acids such as methionine and cystine is also high. Carbohydrates, fats and phosphorous content are low making this one of the finest plant foods to be found. Present review focuses on the potential benefits of Moringa oleifera in treatment of malnutrition.

Improving Libido and Sperm Quality of Bali Bulls by Supplementation of Moringa oleifera Leaves

“…In addition, study of Begum et al (2009) showed that some nutrients that contribute to sperm motility were arginine, carnitine, Zn, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, selenium, and Coenzyme Q-10. The nutrients found in Moringa leaf are arginine, Zn, Se, vitamin C, and E. Since Moringa leaf contains amino acid arginine (1.78%), Zn (31.03 mg/kg), Se (363 mg/kg) (Moyo et al, 2011), vitamin C (220 mg/100g) (Dhakar et al, 2011), and vitamin E (77 mg/100 g) (Moyo et al, 2011), the higher sperm motility in bulls fed with Moringa leaves might be due to these nutritional contents. Further studies are needed to clarify the main nutrients that significantly affect the sperm motility.…”

Safety Profile and Effect on Libido of a Combined Bryophyllum pinnatum, Moringa oleifera and Vitamin C Phytotherapeutic Agent

“…Moringa oleifera, the most well-known of the 13 Moringa varieties, 1 is native to the Indian subcontinent, but has since been cultivated worldwide in tropical and sub-tropical regions. 2 Therapeutic uses of this plant, which is composed of all-edible parts, dates back to antiquity, but interest in its vast prospective uses has experienced a recent surge, especially in western countries.…”

“…2 Therapeutic uses of this plant, which is composed of all-edible parts, dates back to antiquity, but interest in its vast prospective uses has experienced a recent surge, especially in western countries. 2 The entire Moringa plant, also known by the regional names drumstick tree or saijan, 1 is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals such as iron and calcium, vitamins, and essential amino acids. 3 A multitude of antioxidants have been isolated from the plant, and it is the rich concentration of these antioxidants, especially those derived from the flavonoids in the leaves that are thought to be responsible for its beneficial effects.…”

In-Vitro Bioaccessibility of Iron and Zinc From Millet Based Convenience Foods

“…Products developed from locally available ingredients cost-effective, sustainable, culturally acceptable and feasible to implement. Moringa leaf powder, rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin A (recently shown to promote the solubility of iron), is used as a supplement to improve the nutritional quality of food in areas affected by malnutrition (Dhakar et al, 2011). Earlier study by Priya and Kowsalya (2015) on formulation of millet based foods revealed that pearl millets are rich in iron, In the light of the above observations, the present study was undertaken with the specific objective to assess the In vitro-bioaccessibility of iron and zinc from pearl millet based convenience foods.…”