Scribbling the Cat: A Case of the “Miracle” Plant, Moringa oleifera

Abstract

This paper reviews the properties of the most cultivated species of the Moringaceae family, Moringa oleifera Lam. The paper takes a critical look at the positive and the associated negative properties of the plant, with particular emphasis on its chemistry, selected medicinal and nutritional properties, as well as some ecological implications of the plant. The review highlights the importance of glucosinolates (GS) compounds which are relatively unique to the Moringa species family, with glucomoriginin and its acylated derivative being the most abundant. We highlight some new research findings revealing that not all M. oleifera cultivars contain an important flavonoid, rutin. The review also focuses on phenolic acids, tannin, minerals and vitamins, which are in high amounts when compared to most vegetables and fruits. Although there are numerous benefits of using M. oleifera for medicinal purposes, there are reports of contraindications. Nonetheless, we note that there are no major harmful effects of M. oleifera that have been reported by the scientific community. M. oleifera is suspected to be potentially invasive and moderately invasive in some regions of the world because of its ability to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. However, the plant is currently classified as a low potential invasive species and thus there is a need to constantly monitor the species. Despite the numerous benefits associated with the plant, there is still a paucity of data on clinical trials proving both the positive and negative effects of the plant. We recommend further clinical trials to ascertain the properties associated with the plant, especially regarding long term use.

Plant Phenolics and Extracts in Animal Models of Preeclampsia and Clinical Trials—Review of Perspectives for Novel Therapies

“…The next plant is Moringa oleifera Lam., the most cultivated species, which is naturally occurring in various regions of India [ 102 ]. All parts of this plant contain many valuable secondary metabolites such as flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) [ 103 ], phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acids) [ 104 ], glucosinolates (e.g., glucomoringin) [ 105 ], and tannins [ 106 ].…”

“…All parts of this plant contain many valuable secondary metabolites such as flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) [ 103 ], phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acids) [ 104 ], glucosinolates (e.g., glucomoringin) [ 105 ], and tannins [ 106 ]. These compounds show a wide range the pharmacological activities, mainly anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties [ 102 ]. Recently, Batmomolin et al [ 107 ] carried out a study concerning the efficacy of ethanolic extract from the leaves of M. oleifera in a rat model of preeclampsia induced by L-NAME (50 mg/kg b.w.…”

Exploring the anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities and cytotoxicity of two fermented commercial herbal concoctions sold in Limpopo Province of South Africa

“…The main class of compounds gathered from literature are the phenolic compounds which in many studies are have attributed to anti-inflammation, anticancer and a lot other functionalities. Chief amongst these phenolic compounds are quercetin, kaempferol, ellagic acid, gallic acid and ferulic acid which all are known antioxidants [71,72,75]. Herbal mixture number two contains plant species which has rutin, Vitis vinifera L. and Moringa oleifera Lam., which is an important plant metabolite with vast pharmacological properties including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-radiation, antioxidant and anti-myocardial hypoxia activity [73].…”

Estudo toxicológico das sementes de Moringa oleifera Lam. utilizando o teste com Artemia salina Leach

“…Seu fruto tem forma de vagem, e as sementes nela presentes possuem diversas aplicações na área nutricional; na elaboração de biodiesel e também por possuir grande quantidade de compostos fenólicos e antioxidantes, é de grande interesse para indústria farmacológica (Dantas, 2018;Tshabalala et al, 2019;Prabu;Umamaheswari;Puratchikody, 2020). É utilizada na elaboração de medicamentos para osteoporose, diabetes, hipertensão e também sendo amplamente utilizado na medicina popular de um grande número de países (Sermkaew;Plyduang, 2019).…”