Moringa oleifera Lam.: A Nutritional Powerhouse with Multifaceted Pharmacological and Functional Applications

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the "miracle tree", has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional profile and broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the plant's botanical characteristics, taxonomy, cultivation practices, and biochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates-which underlie its diverse therapeutic effects. The paper compiles and analyzes evidence from over 200 peer-reviewed studies, documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects, among others. For instance, leaf extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in both animal models and clinical trials, while seed-derived isothiocyanates have shown significant antibacterial and anticancer activity. In addition, clinical and in vivo data support M. oleifera's role in fertility regulation, cardiovascular protection, and neurodegenerative disease mitigation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review highlights its growing use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmeceutical products, reflecting its commercial and industrial relevance. By consolidating findings across disciplines, this review underscores the multifaceted value of M. oleifera as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera; antioxidant activity; cosmeceuticals; functional foods; nutrients; pharmacological properties; phytochemistry; traditional medicine.

Figure 1

The content of individual vitamin E isomers in M. oleifera oil mg/kg.

Figure 2

Relative percentage of the presence of the vitamin C identified in the different M. oleifera samples from different.

Figure 3

The content of vitamins in fresh and dried leaves of M. oleifera plant mg/100 g.

Figure 4

Nutrient content in fresh, dried leaves, and extract of M. oleifera [37].

Figure 5

Percentage ratio of mineral content in different morphological organs of the Moringa oleifera [48].

Figure 6

Percentage content of flavonoids and phenolic acids in M. oleifera leaf extract from different countries.

Figure 7

Compounds in Water extracts of bark, leaves, and pods of M. oleifera.

Figure 8

Compounds in Ethanol extracts of bark, leaves, and pods of M. oleifera.

Figure 9

Compounds in methanol extracts of bark, leaves, and pods of M. oleifera.

Figure 10

Total phenolic and flavonoid content of different parts of M. oleifera.

Figure 11

Beneficial effects of the plant M. oleifera on the human body.