Moringa: A multipurpose potential crop – A review

Abstract, Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad, 2019

Moringa oleifera Lam., historically, is regarded as nutrient rich food supplement with immense medicinal and therapeutic values. Literature reveals multipurpose applications of different parts of Moringa such as leaves, flowers, pods, seeds and roots. Fruits of Moringa are a major source of vitamin C, i.e., 120 mg per 100 g fresh sliced pods. It is used in functional and traditional foods, e.g., in making soups, weaning foods, amala, biscuits, bread, cake and yoghurt as well as cheese and has the ability to preserve foods. In various medicinal applications, it works as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic and antimicrobial agent and in agricultural uses as animal feed, forage crop, natural plant growth enhancer and bio-pesticide. This review article presents the various uses, of Moringa discovered through past years of research in animal and human subjects as well as in other experimental studies, besides, the possibility of including the species for diversity and sustainability.

Keywords: Moringa; Drumstick; Nutritional Value; Nutraceutical; Human Health; Agricultural Uses; Food Processing Industry