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Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”

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This paper is a review of Moringa oleifera . It called “The Mother’s Best Friend” for its ability to increase milk production in nursing mother, is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant. Moringa leaves contains 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges, 4 x the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of Yogurt. Due to its highly nutritional value, this review is aimed at creating awareness of its nutritional, medicinal and general usage by consulting current literatures. However, research had shown that virtually all part of the plant contains different types of chemical with great biological functions. Some act as anti-oxidants in free radical scavenging, relieving the body of oxidative stress and cancer. Others possess anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and diuretic properties. The list is inexhaustible. Many thanks to the numerous chemical composition of Moringa. The leaves contain quality protein that can compete with the likes of soybeans due to the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids in the right proportion. Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Fatty acids (essential and non-essential), phytochemicals are in abundance. Many uses of Moringa had been reported. They serve as food for man and forage for animals, improving soil fertility, biogas production, cleaning agent, gum production, production of animal forage, pulp, and water purification among other uses. Moringa is a deciduous, perennial tree of height 10–12 m. It has the ability to survive different climatical conditions ranging from the rain forest zone to areas with little rainfall. They are propagated by seed and stem cuttings. It is a fast growing and evergreen plant. Keywords: Moringa oleifera , Mother’s Best Friend, Anti-microbial, Phytochemical, Nutritional and Medicinal Uses
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International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
2015; 4(6): 624-630
Published online October 20, 2015 (http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijnfs)
doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20150406.14
ISSN: 2327-2694 (Print); ISSN: 2327-2716 (Online)
Review Article
Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”
Egbuna Chukwuebuka
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria
Email address:
egbunachukwuebuka@gmail.com
To cite this article:
Egbuna Chukwuebuka. Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences.
Vol. 4, No. 6, 2015, pp. 624-630. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20150406.14
Abstract:
This paper is a review of Moringa oleifera. It called “The Mother ’s Best Friend” for its ability to increase milk
production in nursing mother, is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant. Moringa leaves contains 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges,
4 x the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of Yogurt. Due to its
highly nutritional value, this review is aimed at creating awareness of its nutritional, medicinal and general usage by consulting
current literatures. However, research had shown that virtually all part of the plant contains different types of chemical with great
biological functions. Some act as anti-oxidants in free radical scavenging, relieving the body of oxidative stress and cancer.
Others possess anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and diuretic properties. The list is
inexhaustible. Many thanks to the numerous chemical composition of Moringa. The leaves contain quality protein that can
compete with the likes of soybeans due to the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids in the right proportion.
Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Fatty acids (essential and non-essential), phytochemicals are in abundance. Many uses of
Moringa had been reported. They serve as food for man and forage for animals, improving soil fertility, biogas production,
cleaning agent, gum production, production of animal forage, pulp, and water purification among other uses. Moringa is a
deciduous, perennial tree of height 10–12 m. It has the ability to survive different climatical conditions ranging from the rain
forest zone to areas with little rainfall. They are propagated by seed and stem cuttings. It is a fast growing and evergreen plant.
Keywords:
Moringa oleifera, Mother’s Best Friend, Anti-microbial, Phytochemical, Nutritional and Medicinal Uses
1. Introduction
Moringa oleifera is one of the World’s most useful trees,
as almost every part of the tree can be used for food,
medication and industrial purposes [1]. Moringa leaves had
been reported to contain 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges, 4 x
the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the
Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of Yogurt (Table 1)
[2,3,4]. The leaves are highly nutritious and as such are
highly recommended for infants and nursing mothers
especially those from developing countries or area prone to
cases of malnutrition. This is because both classes are at most
risk of nutritional deficiencies. Infants are in the critical stage
of their development while pregnant women and
breast-feeding mothers are in need of constant supply of
nutrient. Moringa, referred to as the “Mother’s Best Friend”
because of its utilization to increase woman’s milk
production [5,6,7], is in indeed a “Natural Gift of Nature”.
M. oleifera belongs to the Genus Moringa, which is the
only Genus in the Family Moringaceae. M. oleifera however,
is one of the 14 species of the Moringaceae Family, native to
Africa, Arabia, India, Southeast Asia, South America, the
Pacific and Caribbean Islands [8].
Table 1. Nutritional comparison of Moringa fresh and dry leaves with
common foods per 100 grams [2].
Nutrient Common foods Fresh Leaves Dried Leaves
Vitamin A 1.8 mg Carrots 6.8 mg 18.9 mg
Calcium 120 mg Milk 440 mg 2003 mg
Potassium 88 mg Bananas 259 mg 1324 mg
Protein 3.1 g Yogurt 6.7 g 27.1 g
Vitamin C 30 mg Oranges 220 mg 17.3 mg
Because of its environmentally friendly nature of wide
climatical adaptability in many tropic and sub-tropic regions
of the world, the plant had gained lots of names such as
Horseradish tree, Drumstick tree, Ben oil tree, Miracle tree,
and “Mother’s Best Friend” [8]. In Nigeria, It is locally
625 Egbuna Chukwuebuka: Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”
called “Okwe Oyibo” in Igbo language, Zogale” among the
Hausa speaking people of Nigeria and Ewe Ile” in Yoruba.
Other names are “Nuggekaiin Canada, “Sonjnain Marathi,
Murungai in Tamil, Mashinga Sangain Malayalan and
Muringa” in Konkani [9].
Moringa thrives well in a variety of soil conditions
preferring well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is slightly
alkaline. It can grow well in the humid tropics or hot dry
lands and can survive in less fertile soils and drought
condition [7]. It is found in all the geographical zones in
Nigeria, from rain forest zone, savannah to the semi-desert
zones. Although susceptible to wind damage, it is a good
source of forage for livestock [10, 11]. This tree has the
potential to improve nutrition, boost food security and foster
rural development [12].
In many developing countries like Nigeria, it is evident
that a large percentage of the population relies on herbal
medicine which are prepared solely or in combination in the
form of concoction and administered for the treatment, and
prevention of various diseases. Although modern medicines
may exist side-by-side with such traditional practices, herbal
medicines have often maintained their popularity for
historical and cultural reasons [13]. Moringa although
underutilized in many rural dwellings due to lack of
knowledge of its use, is one of such plants that has proved
useful for such traditional practices. The present review
intends to create awareness regarding the benefits of Moringa,
the “Mothers Best Friend” or the “Miracle Tree”.
2. Description of Moringa
Moringa (Fig. 1) is a fast growing, evergreen, deciduous
tree of height 10–12 m [14]. The leaves (Fig. 2) are bipinnate
or more commonly tripinnate, up to 45 cm long, and are
alternate and spirally arranged on the twigs [15]. The flowers
are fragrant and bisexual, surrounded by five unequal thinly
veined yellowish-white petals [14]. Flowering begins within
the first six months after planting. In seasonally cool regions,
flowering will only occur once a year between April and June.
In more constant seasonal temperature and with constant
rainfall, flowering can happen twice or even all year-round
[14].
The fruits are pendulous (i.e. hanging) (Fig. 1), linear,
three-sided pods with nine longitudinal ridges, usually 20 to
50 cm long, but occasionally up to 1 m or longer, and 2.0 to 2.5
cm broad [15]. The pods, each usually containing up to 26
seeds (Fig. 3), are dark green during their development, and
take approximately 3 months to mature after flowering [16].
They turn brown on maturity, and split open longitudinally
along the three angles, releasing the dark brown, trigonous
seeds. An average-sized Moringa tree of fifteen to twenty feet
in height can produce hundreds or even thousands of seed
pods, yielding countless seeds each and every year [9]. The
bark exudes a gum when wounded which is initially white in
color but changes to reddish brown or brownish black on
exposure [15]. Trees grown from seeds develop a deep, stout
taproot with a wide-spreading system of thick, tuberous lateral
roots. Taproots do not develop on trees propagated from
cuttings [17].
Figure 1. Moringa tree [18].
Figure 2. The leaf stalk of Moringa 19].
International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences 2015; 4(6): 624-630 626
Figure 3. The seeds of Moringa [2].
Scientific Classification of Moringa
Moringa is one of the 14 species of the Moringaceae family.
It can be classified as follows:
Kingdom Plantae
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Brassicales
Family Moringaceae
Genus Moringa
Species Oleifera
3. Cultivation of Moringa
3.1. Requirements
The optimal annual rainfall for Moringa range from 700 to
2200 mm, but it’s capable of growing in areas with an annual
rainfall of between 250 and 3000 mm [20, 21, 22]. As a sun
and heat-loving plant which does not tolerate freeze or frost, it
grows best where the average maximum daily temperate is
within the range of 25 and 35 °C, although it can survive
summer temperatures of up to 48 °C for a limited period of
time and can tolerate frosts in winter [20]. This tree grows in a
wide variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, sandy or
loamy soils. Moringa will grow in clay soils but cannot
tolerate water logging for any extended period of time [20]. It
grows well in alkaline conditions of up to a pH of 9 [20].
However, it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils [21, 23].
Moringa may also tolerate relatively saline soils [24].
3.2. Propagation
Moringa can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Direct
seeding is possible because the germination rate is high. Air
layering propagation method is possible but difficult [25].
Propagation by cuttings is often preferred to plants raised
from seeds, which are reportedly slower to flower and fruit
and produce fruit of inferior quality [26]. Some studies
suggest that trees grown from seeds produce longer roots
than those from cuttings and may be preferable for planting
in semiarid and arid regions where water table depth is a
potential growth-limiting factor [27]. The tree regenerate
vigorously after cutting, producing four to eight shoots per
stump [28]. Cuttings of 1 meter length and a diameter of at
least 4 cm can be also used for propagation [29]. At least one
third of the cutting must be buried in the soil.
3.3. Harvesting and Preparation of Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves are harvested from tree and washed
thoroughly to remove dust and soil. Leaves are dried in shade
to avoid destruction of its phytonutrients. The dried leaves
are pulverize, sieved and stored in air tight container for
future use. Moringa powder (Fig. 4) can be added to food to
supplement its vitamin, mineral and protein content. A few
spoonful of the leaf powder can be added to any meal to
make it more nutritious. The powder can be taken by mixing
with the Orange juice or any other beverages [30].
Figure 4. The powdered Moringa leaves [30].
4. Chemical Composition of Moringa
Since the chemical content of plants are affected by the type
of soil or climatical condition they grow [31], it would be
expected that there will be variation in the chemical
composition reported by different researchers. Also the
method adopted for analysis and the state of the leaves i.e.
whether fresh or dried could contribute to variation in values
obtained.
4.1. Proximate Composition
Moringa leaves is highly nutritious. It is rare to find a
plant leaf that will compete with Moringa. Its dry leaves had
been reported to contain Carbohydrates (23.6 %) which
serves as a source of energy, Crude fibre (35.0 %) which help
in bowel movement, Moisture (10.0 %) which constitute
about 80% of the blood, a vital medium for oxygen transport,
Ash (10.0 %) which is taken to be a measure of mineral
content in food which is required by the body for proper
physiological functioning [32]. The Crude protein (30.29 %)
of dry leaves [33], gives the measure of the total protein
content and protein helps in growth and repair of body
tissues among numerous other functions. The Crude fat of
627 Egbuna Chukwuebuka: Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”
the dry leaves is 6.50 %. Fat serves as an alternate source of
energy when there is shortage of glucose for the production
of ATP.
4.2. Amino Acids Composition
Amino acids are essential component of all living
organisms. They are the monomeric units of proteins. And a
particular protein has a unique sequence of its own amino
acid. This implies that the deficiency of a particular amino
acid could result to medical health complication because the
synthesis of that particular protein would not be complete.
Thus, the good news is that the “Mother’s Best Friend” offers
incredible opportunities for animals that won’t be able to
synthesize essential amino acids on its own to tap from. Also,
they contribute to the formation of glucose, acting as a buffer
when other precursors are of short supply [34].
A recent study carried out on the amino acid composition
of M. oleifera leaves by Sobhy et al. [35] revealed different
concentration of amino acids including the essential and
non-essential amino acids (Table 2). Moyo et al., [33] in their
studies reported that it also contained Cysteine (0.01 %).
Tryptophan is also present. Glutamine and asparagine could
however be synthesized from glutamate and aspartate.
Makkar and Becker, [36] stated that the amount of all the
essential amino acids contained in the leaves of Moringa
were higher than the amino acid pattern of the FAO reference
protein, soyabeans. Also, the sulphur-containing amino acids
in kernel proteins were present at higher concentrations than
those specified in the amino acid pattern of the FAO
reference protein but other essential amino acids were
deficient [36]. It is important to note that apart from serving
as a precursor for the synthesis of protein which could be
enzymes, each amino acid has a specific function in the
animal’s body [33]. In general, amino acids are required for
the production of enzymes, immunoglobins, hormones,
growth, and repair of body tissues and form the structure of
red blood cell [37].
Table 2. The Amino acid composition of the dried leaves of Moringa [35].
Amino Acids Composition (mg/100g)
Leucine 94.36
Lysine 69.13
Valine 62.34
Threonine 48.35
Isoleucine 46.98
Histidine 29.56
Glutamic Acid 18.03
Aspartic Acid 13.76
Arginine 7.65
Alanine 4.93
Phenyl Alanine 3.42
Serine 3.13
Glycine 2.31
Cysteine 2.15
Tyrosine 2.03
Proline 1.86
Methionine 0.43
4.3. Mineral Composition
Minerals are very vital for the growth and development of
living organisms. Some are needed in quantum (macro) and
some in minute quantity (trace). The deficiency of any of these
mineral elements could be detrimental. Their mechanism of
actions differs from each other. Some serve as cofactors of
enzymes, while others function in different ways. A notable
example is haemoglobin with a cofactor called heme with iron
in its center. The deficiency of iron in the blood automatically
results to anaemia. This is just one example. A study by Moyo
et al., [33] on the macro-element composition, revealed that it
leaves are composed of 3.65 % Calcium, 1.50 % Potassium,
0.63 % Sulphur, 0.50 % Magnesium, 0.30 % Phosphorus and
0.164 % Sodium. Mayo and co-workers also investigated the
micro-element composition and found it composed of Zinc
(31.03 mg/kg), Copper (8.25 mg/kg), Manganese (86.8 mg/kg),
Iron 490 (mg/kg), Selenium (363.00 mg/kg) and Boron (49.93
mg/kg).
4.4. Vitamin Composition
Vitamins are very essential for the growth and
maintenance of life and are highly needed in the diet of man
and other animals because the body cannot synthesize most
of them. Some acts as anti-oxidants others perform specific
functions. For instance, Vitamin A is necessary for many
functions in the ruminants including vision, bone growth,
immunity and maintenance of epithelial tissue [33]. Other
vitamins including the water soluble (Vitamin B and C) and
the fat soluble (Vitamin A, D, E and K) are very essential for
the smooth functioning of the body system. Fuglie [2]
reported that the dried powdered leaves contained 16.3
mg/100g of Vitamin A (β-Carotene), 2.64 mg/100g of
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), 20.5 mg/100g of Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin), 8.2 mg/100g of Vitamin B3 (Nicotinic acid),
17.3 mg/100g of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and 113 mg/100g
of Vitamin E (Tocopherol acetate).
4.5. Fatty Acid Composition
Fatty acids are the basic units of lipids or triglycerides. Fatty
acids are alternate sources of energy because, when
metabolized, yields large amount of ATP compared to glucose
although with negative end product ketone. Fatty acids can
either be saturated or unsaturated. They can also be classified
as essential or non-essential. The essential ones are the ones
that must be included in the diet because the body cannot
synthesize them. Examples are Linoleic acid (an Omega-6
fatty acid) and α-Linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid). They
are so named Omega-6 and Omega-3 respectively because the
first double bonds are located in carbon 6 and 3 away from the
Methyl end (Fig. 5 and 6).
Figure 5. Linoleic acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid) [38].
International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences 2015; 4(6): 624-630 628
Figure 6. α-linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid) [39].
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce blood clothing,
lower the risk of heart disease while the omega-6 fatty acids
increase blood clothing [40]. The deficiency of essential fatty
acids usually results to physiological consequences such as
skin disorders, delayed wound healing, sores in the scalps of
infants and diarrhoea [40].
However, Moringa contained both the essential and
non-essential fatty acids. Analysis carried out on the dry
leaves of Moringa by Moyo et al. [33], revealed different
compositions of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (Table
3).
Table 3. Saturated Fatty Acids compositions [33].
Saturated Fatty Acids Composition (%)
Capric (C10) 0.07
Lauric (C12) 0.58
Myristic (C14) 3.66
Palmitic (C16) 11.76
Margaric (C17) 3.19
Stearic (C18) 2.13
Arachidic (C20) 1.61
Heneicosylic (C21) 14.41
Behenic (C22) 1.24
Tricossylic (C23) 0.66
Lignoceric (C24) 2.91
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Palmitoleic (16:1) 0.17
Oleic (18:1) 3.96
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Linoleic (18:2) 7.44
α-Linolenic (18:3) 44.57
γ-Linolenic (18:3) 0.20
4.6. Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that
offer protection and prevention against diseases. More than
40 natural anti-oxidants have been reported to be present in
Moringa [41]. The Presence of various types of antioxidant
compounds make this plant leaves a valuable source of
natural antioxidants [7] and a good source of nutraceuticals
and functional components as well [36]. These include
phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids,
saponins, glucosides and numerous others [42]. These
phytochemical contribute to the medicinal potential of
Moringa.
However, some substance that reduces bioavailability of
nutrients referred to as anti-nutrients had been identified
especially in the seed. These includes Phytate (Fig. 7),
Oxalates, Glucosinolates and Haemagglutinin [9, 36]. It
contained a potentially fatal nerve paralyzing alkaloid called
spirochin [43]. The presence of these compounds is not
worrying, because large amounts are required to elicit
deleterious effects, and spirochin even displays antibacterial
properties when consumed in smaller amount [44].
Figure 7. Structure of Phytate Chelating Metals at Neutral pH [45].
5. Uses of Moringa
5.1. General Uses
According to Fuglie [2] the many uses for Moringa could
be summarized thus: alley cropping (biomass production),
animal forage (leaves and treated seed-cake), biogas (from
leaves), domestic cleaning agent (crushed leaves), blue dye
(wood), fencing (living trees), fertilizer (seed-cake), foliar
nutrient (juice expressed from the leaves), green manure
(from leaves), gum (from tree trunks), honey- and sugar cane
juice-clarifier (powdered seeds), honey (flower nectar),
medicine (all plant parts), ornamental plantings, biopesticide
(soil incorporation of leaves to prevent seedling damping off),
pulp (wood), rope (bark), tannin for tanning hides (bark and
gum). Moringa seed oil also known as Ben oil has been used
in making salads, fine machine lubrication, and in the
manufacture of perfume and hair care products [46].
Powdered seeds of Moringa had been used to flocculate
contaminants and purify drinking water [47, 48, 49]. The
seeds are also eaten green, roasted, powdered and steeped for
tea or used in curries [49].
5.2. Medicinal Uses
The medicinal uses/benefits of Moringa cannot be
exhausted. This is because almost all parts of the tree have
been utilized within traditional medical settings. The
flowers, leaves and roots are used for the treatment of
ascites, rheumatism and venomous bites and as cardiac and
circulatory stimulants in folk remedies [9]. The oil is
applied externally for skin diseases [50]. The roots of the
young tree and also root bark are rubefacient and vesicant
[51, 52]. Leaf juice is used in hiccough (emetic in high
doses); cooked leaves are given in influenza. The root-bark
is used as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic [13].
Stem-bark and flowers are hypoglycaemic [13]. Infusion of
seed is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic, also
629 Egbuna Chukwuebuka: Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”
given in venereal diseases [13]. Moringa support a healthy
cardiovascular system, promote normal blood-glucose
levels, neutralize free radicals that causes cancer, provide
excellent support of the body's anti-inflammatory
mechanisms, enrich anaemic blood and support immune
system [41]. It also improves eyesight, mental alertness and
bone strength. It has potential benefit in malnutrition,
general weakness, lactating mothers, menopause,
depression and osteoporosis [41].
6. Conclusion
Moringa is one plant that virtually contains all the whole
nutrients needed by man. They contain both the most
essential and non-essential nutrients. Increase awareness on
the nutritional and medicinal potential of Moringa should
form the priority of all health institutions especially those in
the rural area where cases of malnutrition is prevalent. One
way to achieve this is to encourage the cultivation of
Moringa in family compounds as such making it the “Family
Companion”.
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... Te Moringa tree is a signifcant cultivar in a promising area of Ethiopia to expand its production, increasing the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. Moringa stenopetala can produce natural products used as food additives and substitutes for artifcial antioxidants with carcinogenic effects [7,8]. In Ethiopia, Moringa stenopetala is the most abundant indigenous species, and it is receiving more interest to validate scientifcally the wider traditional use than Moringa oleifera, the species studied most extensively. ...
... In Ethiopia, Moringa stenopetala is the most abundant indigenous species, and it is receiving more interest to validate scientifcally the wider traditional use than Moringa oleifera, the species studied most extensively. Terefore, it might be essential to develop nutraceutical products to maximize this plant's utilization of bioactive compounds [8]. Bioactive compounds exist naturally in many edible plants consumed by humans. ...
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Moringa stenopetala is a medicinal tree that originated in Africa and Asia. It has been used as a traditional medicine over centuries to treat diseases. Recent studies have shown that Moringa stenopetala is a rich source of antioxidants and other phytochemicals. This study investigated the extraction, phytochemical screening, and DPPH antioxidant assay of Moringa stenopetala leaf (MSL) extract. The study optimizes the process conditions to extract phytochemicals from the MSL. Using Design-Expert software, the experiments were designed and optimized the extract from MSL using the response surface methodology approach. The best optimal parameters for extracting MSL extract were established as the concentration of ethanol: 50%, time: 48 h, and pH 6.5, which resulted in the highest responses: the MSL extract yield (67.95%) and the total phenol content (4.47 mg GAE/mL) with a higher desirability value of 1.0000. The crude extract was then subjected to phytochemical screening to identify the presence of various secondary metabolites. The DPPH antioxidant assay was used to estimate the antioxidant activity of MSL extract. Phytochemical screening results proved that MSL extract contains flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. DPPH antioxidant assay showed that the 0.15 mg/L of MSL crude extract had a robust antioxidant activity with a maximum percent inhibition of 85.08 ± 0.49. Thus, the results of this study suggested that MSL extract is a better source of antioxidants to use as natural preservatives in food and pharmaceutical industries.
... Despite the success of M. oleifera cultivation in India, its global production remains limited, primarily to warm tropical regions with variable yields and a lack of high-quality cultivars. Additionally, M. oleifera is susceptible to cold stress, hindering its expansion into cooler climates (Chukwuebuka, 2015) [66] . To address these challenges, breeding programs focused on developing stress-resistant varieties are crucial. ...
... Despite the success of M. oleifera cultivation in India, its global production remains limited, primarily to warm tropical regions with variable yields and a lack of high-quality cultivars. Additionally, M. oleifera is susceptible to cold stress, hindering its expansion into cooler climates (Chukwuebuka, 2015) [66] . To address these challenges, breeding programs focused on developing stress-resistant varieties are crucial. ...
... M. oleifera, sometimes known as 'the drumstick tree' , is known for its quick development and accessibility in tropical and subtropical climates (Falowo et al. 2018). Additionally, M. oleifera is often referred to as 'the miracle tree' due to its many advantageous therapeutic characteristics, including anti-inflammatory (Chukwuebuka 2015), antioxidant (Abd Rani et al. 2018), and hepatoprotective effects (Padayachee and Baijnath 2020), and antibacterial activities (Rajbhar et al. 2018). ...
... Moringa blossoms contain a high number of amino acids, as well as a significant amount of calcium and potassium. Therefore, it is recommended as a dietary supplement for nursing women (Chukwuebuka 2015). Additionally, the flowers provide high-quality honey and can be used as a clarifier for honey. ...
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A member of the Moringaceae family, Moringa Oleifera Lam is aperennial deciduous tropical tree known as the ‘Miracle Tree’ for itsmedicinal and nutritional benefits. Food and nutrition are crucialaspects of the development and maintenance of healthy health.Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal bush that is used asboth human food and a medical alternative all over the world.Various parts of the tree are used to treat chronic diseases such ashypertension, heart disease, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabe-tes, and cancer. Moringa is an excellent source of essential nutri-ents and has been found to have a significant impact on improvingnutritional deficiencies in populations with limited access to food.Moringa oleifera contains essential amino acids, carotenoids, min -erals, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, phytochemicals, vitamins, andfibre. Moringa offers nutritional and economic advantages, medici -nal and therapeutic uses, and future biological potential for humanwell-being.
... The calculations utilized the PBE exchange-correlation energy functional underneath the framework of the GGA. A 19 × 19x3 k-point sample mesh that was automatically created using the Monkhorst-Pack method was used to perform Brillouin zone integrations [33,34]. ...
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This study presents the development of a green-synthesized NaTiO₂/activated carbon (AC) nanocomposite as a high-performance electrode material for next-generation sodium-ion capacitors. Using Moringa oleifera extract, the NaTiO₂/AC nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized for its electrochemical properties. The material demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 230 F/g at 5 mV/s, with excellent cycling stability, retaining 78% of its capacitance after 4000 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed a low electrolyte resistance (Re) of 13.3 Ω and a working electrode resistance (Rw) of 0.7 Ω, suggesting efficient charge transfer and ion diffusion. The nanocomposite also exhibited notable energy and power densities of 69 Wh/kg and 144 W/kg, respectively, making it a strong candidate for energy storage applications. Theoretical calculations using density functional theory further supported the experimental findings by revealing that Ti d and O p orbitals contribute to a reduced band gap of 3.134 eV, enhancing the material’s electronic properties. The synergy between NaTiO₂ and activated carbon significantly improves the composite’s electrochemical performance, resulting in superior energy storage capabilities. These combined experimental and theoretical insights position the NaTiO₂/AC nanocomposite as a promising electrode material for durable and efficient sodium-ion capacitors, contributing to the development of sustainable energy storage technologies.
... The calculations utilized the PBE exchange-correlation energy functional underneath the framework of the GGA. A 19 × 19x3 k-point sample mesh that was automatically created using the Monkhorst-Pack method was used to perform Brillouin zone integrations [33,34]. ...
... Increased Mental Clarity Arozal et al., 2022Anti-inflammatory Martínez-González et al., 2017Enhances Skin Health Athikomkulchai et al., 2020Cretella et al., 2020Normalizes Blood Sugar Anwer et al., 2021Wang et al., 2022UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) Abdalla et al., 2016Arodes et al., 2022 Improves lipid metabolism Barbagallo et al., 2016Appetite Suppressant Uwaifo et al., 2020Anti-Fungal Moyo et al., 2012El-Mohamedy & Abdalla, 2014;Yoshimatsu et al., 2023;Sharma et al., 2024Immune booster Fajri et al., 2021Bhattacharjee et al., 2020;Mehwish et al., 2022;Li et al., 2020Improves Wound Healing Al-Ghanayem et al., 2022Muzammil et al., 2023;Mehwish et al., 2021;Muhammad et al., 2013Anti-aging Lim et al., 2024Xu et al., 2022Vision Improvement Joshua et al., 2017Alanazi et al., 2024Detoxification Ogbunugafor et al., 2012Förster et al., 2016;Nisar et al., 2024Stimulates Hair Growth Junlatat & Sripanidkulchai, 2022Bhargavi et al., 2023Normalizes Blood Pressure Acuram et al., 2019Kumolosasi et al., 2021Anti-Ulcer Choudhary et al., 2013El Mahdy et al., 2020;Latif et al., 2020;Ijioma et al., 2018 Nutrition for Infants 6 Months & Older and Pregnant and Nursing Mothers Nnam et al., 2009;Chukwuebuka et al., 2015;Sumiatya et al., 2020;Fitriana et al., 2024;Dantas et al., 2024Anti-depressant Abadar et al., 2023Fidelis et al., 2024Eliminates Constipation Jiang et al., 2020Islam et al., 2020;Li et al., 2024 Studies have demonstrated Moringa seed oil's efficacy in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (Cretella et al., 2020). Clinical trials have also shown its benefits in reducing cholesterol levels (Aborhyem et al., 2016 pain (Anwar et al., 2007). ...
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Moringa oleifera, an arboreal member of the Moringaceae family native to the Indian subcontinent, has emerged recently as a promising source of bioactive metabolites with diverse functional activities. M. oleifera is not only a rich source of protein and many of the trace elements like calcium, iron and Vitamin A and C and the bioactive metabolites present in M. oleifera include flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Additionally, the secondary metabolites of M. oleifera, exhibit various therapeutic potentials like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. These findings underscore the importance of further research to fully harness the medicinal potential of these bioactive compounds, emphasizing the need to explore their molecular pathways and synergistic effects.
... Numerous names of MO can be found in numerous locations. It is referred to as "The Mother's Best Friend" in Yoruba, "Nuggekai" in Igbo, "Zogale" by Hausa-speaking Nigerians, and "Ewe Ile" in Nigeria, where it is also referred to as "Murungai" in Tamil, "Mashinga Sanga" in Malayalam (Chukwuebuka, 2015). ...
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Background: Moringa oleifera, which is a rich plant with diverse active components, shows promising potential in cancer research, especially concerning colorectal cancer which is a major global cause of mortality. Its phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a compelling subject of investigation in various fields, including its potential role in combating colorectal cancer. Methods: This narrative review was conducted by starting with determining the targeted topics for our research. This was then used as keywords which focused on Moringa oleifera's effect on colorectal cancer. The keywords used were: cancer, colorectal cancer, angiogenesis, natural products in cancer and angiogenesis, MO plant, MO as a medicinal plant, MO active component, MO therapeutic potential, and MO effectiveness against colorectal cancer including its leaves, seeds, fruit, and root. After that data was collected from more than 99 articles to identify, summarize, and reflect the target of the research to approve the multiple unique and promising effectiveness of MO against colorectal cancer. Results: Research indicates that extracts from different parts of the Moringa plant, such as seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots, exhibit anticancer effects on various colorectal cancer cell lines through diverse mechanisms. The ability of Moringa oleifera as anticancer relies on its phytochemicals, especially antioxidant phenols such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, apigenin, astragalin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Conclusion: This review thoroughly explores the impact of different parts of Moringa oleifera (leaves, fruits, seeds, roots) on various colorectal cancer cell lines. It confirms the effects of Moringa in regulating cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, generating reactive oxygen species, and/or modulating the cell cycle. However, the review has not yet definitively confirmed the specific anti-angiogenesis mechanism of Moringa in combatting colorectal cancer. Further research is required to fully elucidate this aspect of its potential in cancer treatment.
... In addition, some trees flower twice a year, while others flower all year [146]. Moringa is susceptible to cold stress, particularly in regions subjected to rapid freezing temperatures and frequent or prolonged winter frost [147]. Poor resilience to cold stress is most likely the limiting factor hindering this crop's northward spread. ...
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This article draws on La Paperson’s (2010) notion of the “violence of mercy” to demonstrate how the service-learning response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake fits into an ongoing neocolonial mission that harms communities served (p. 25). This is done by investigating the best practices of the Haiti Compact, a cohort of American colleges and universities operating service-learning initiatives in Haiti after the earthquake in thoughtful ways intending to help with the recovery efforts while meaningfully contributing service via the ritual presence of international volunteers. Despite good intentions, their material practices of service-learning risk harm for community partners and fail to meet established best practice goals. By examining the work of service-learning educators who commit to best practices, place ethics, community, and social justice, we can understand the limits of possibility for a pedagogy that is predicated upon students entering communities as outsiders intent upon meeting community needs.
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OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a significant difference in the volume of breastmilk on postpartum days 3 to 5 among mothers with preterm infants who were randomized to take malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves compared to those who were given placebo. SETTING: Tertiary government hospital STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 68 postpartum mothers admitted in a tertiary government hospital and whose infants had pediatric ages of less than 37 weeks and admitted to the NICU for tube feedings were included in the study. The mothers were randomized to receive Moringa oleifera(encapsulated in a commercial preparation containing 250 mg of leaves) or an identical capsule containing flour as placebo. Participants were asked to express milk using a standardized breastpump from day 1 to day 5 postpartum. The mothers were given capsules on postpartum days 3 to 5 . The contents of the capsules were unknown to both Investigator and subjects. T-test was used to determine differences in quantitative baseline variables. Chi-square was used to determine difference in baseline proportions. One- way ANOVA was used to determine if there were significant differences in the volume of breastmilk between treatment and control groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was a trend towards increased milk production among those on Moringa oleifera leaves (Day 3: 114.1 ml ± 62.9 vs. 87.2 ± 49.1; Day 4: 190 ml ± 103.5 vs. 128.8 ± 84.9; Day 5: 319.7 ml ± 154.10 vs. 120.2 ±54.7). This was statistically significant on Day 4 (p =0.007) and on Day 5 (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Moringa oleifera leaves increase milk production on postpartum days 4 to 5 among mothers who delivered preterm infants. KEYWORDS: breastmilk, malunggay
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Moringa oleifera, an important medicinal plant is one of the most widely cultivated species of the family Moringaceae. It is highly valued from time immemorial because of its vast medicinal properties. The present article provides all necessary information regarding its phytochemical investigations, pharmacological actions and medicinal properties like anemia, anxiety, asthma, blackheads, blood impurities, bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, cholera, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhoea, eye and ear infections, fever, abnormal blood pressure, pain in joints, scurvy, semen deficiency, headaches and tuberculosis. It gives an account of all the data and reports which have been appeared to prove its medicinal and nutritional importance. Its utility as a nonfood product has also been extensively described. Every part of Moringa is said to have beneficial properties that can serve humanity so the whole plant can be extensively studied for further research aspects.
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s The proximate, mineral analyses and anti-nutrient compositions of Moringa oleifera (Drumstick) which are commonly used as nutritional and medicinal plant in Nigeria were carried out on both raw and defatted seeds. The nutrient and the anti-nutrients determination were done using various standards. Mean and standard error of means of the triplicate determinations were calculated. The result showed that defatting Moringa oleifera seeds increased the fibre, carbohydrate, vitamins B and C, iron and zinc content and significantly reduced the calcium, potassium and phosphate contents. The result also showed that defatting Moringa oleifera significantly decreased the tannin, alkaloids, saponin, phytate, oxalate levels but increased the cyanogenic glycosides level to a level lower than what is considered toxic to human beings and livestock. Hence, the defatted cake could be used in fortification of other food materials.
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Abstract BACKGROUND: Moringa is a tree of a not well-understood plant since it has not been fully studied all over the world. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the chemical as well as functional properties of the Egyptian Moringa oleifera leaves. Such leaves can be used as a functional food ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical applications. RESULTS: The proximateanalysis showed that moringa leaves are rich in: fiber, protein, carbohydrate and energy contents (11.23±0.16, 9.38±0.23, 56.33±0.27 g.100g-1 and 332.68±0.06 KCal, respectively). Moringa is a good source for essential amino acids especially Lysine (69.13±0.13mg.100g-1), essential minerals such as Na (289.34±0.35), K (33.63±0.24), Mg (25.64±0.25) Ca (486.23±0.11), P (105.23±0.32) and Fe (9.45±0.16) mg.100g -1 respectively and vitamins (A=13.48±0.51, B1=0.05±0.28, B2= 0.8±0.25, B3= 220±0.42, C= 245.13±0.46 and E= 16.80±0.24 mg.100g respectively). It is appeared using HPLC that methanol 70% is the most suitable solvent for extraction of phenolic compounds from moringa leaves (. Scavenging activity results confirmed that Moringa leaves extract might be a potent source of natural antioxidants with a high human health benefits. Antimicrobial activity results indicate that Moringa leaves extracts may be used as an antimicrobial agent with reasonable safety margins to inhibit bacterial growth in pharmaceutical and food applications. CONCLUSION: Moringa is considered as a nutrient-rich plant especially in its leaves. Such leaves might be used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers.
Article
Full-text available
BACKGROUND: Moringa is a tree of a not well-understood plant since it has not been fully studied all over the world. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the chemical as well as functional properties of the Egyptian Moringa oleifera leaves. Such leaves can be used as a functional food ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical applications. RESULTS: The proximateanalysis showed that moringa leaves are rich in: fiber, protein, carbohydrate and energy contents (11.23±0.16, 9.38±0.23, 56.33±0.27 g.100g-1 and 332.68±0.06 KCal, respectively). Moringa is a good source for essential amino acids especially Lysine (69.13±0.13mg.100g-1), essential minerals such as Na (289.34±0.35), K (33.63±0.24), Mg (25.64±0.25) Ca (486.23±0.11), P (105.23±0.32) and Fe (9.45±0.16) mg.100g -1 respectively and vitamins (A=13.48±0.51, B1=0.05±0.28, B2= 0.8±0.25, B3= 220±0.42, C= 245.13±0.46 and E= 16.80±0.24 mg.100g respectively). It is appeared using HPLC that methanol 70% is the most suitable solvent for extraction of phenolic compounds from moringa leaves (. Scavenging activity results confirmed that Moringa leaves extract might be a potent source of natural antioxidants with a high human health benefits. Antimicrobial activity results indicate that Moringa leaves extracts may be used as an antimicrobial agent with reasonable safety margins to inhibit bacterial growth in pharmaceutical and food applications. CONCLUSION: Moringa is considered as a nutrient-rich plant especially in its leaves. Such leaves might be used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers.
Article
Moringa oleifera, Lam {Syn M.pterygosperma Gaertn} usually mentioned in literature as Moringa, is a natural as well as cultivated variety of the genus Moringa belonging to family Moringaceae.It is one of the richest plant sources of Vitamins A,B {1,2,3,6,7}, C,D,E and K. The vital minerals present in Moringa include Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. It has more than 40 natural anti-oxidants. Moringa has been used since 150B.C. by ancient kings and queens in their diet for mental alertness and healthy skin. The leaves, pods, seeds, gums, bark and flowers of Moringa are used in more than 80 countries {including Pakistan} to relieve mineral and vitamin deficiencies, support a healthy cardiovascular system, promote normal blood-glucose levels, neutralize free radicals {thereby reducing malignancy}, provide excellent support of the body's anit-flammatory mechanisms, enrich anemic blood and support immune system. It also improves eyesight, mental alertness and bone strength. It has potential benefit in malnutrition, general weakness, lactating mothers, menopause, depression and osteoporosis. It is also used to make an efficient fuel, fertilizer and livestock feed. Moringa is an edible extremely safe plant. Its tree could easily and cheaply be cultivated and grown in Pakistan. We need to explore therapeutic, nutritional and benefit of this gift of nature reported to be one of the world's most useful trees.