Moringa oleifera and its Secondary Metabolites: Chemistry, Properties and Antidiabetic Potentiality

Abstract

Abstract: Secondary metabolites present in different natural resources possess multiple biological activities. Diabetes is one of the leading disease all over the world in current time, and higher in numbersthan the deadliest cancer disease. According to the WHO about 422 million people are suffering from diabetes and most of them are even unaware that they are living with the condition. In recent times research in natural medicinal plants has achieved a great success in the management of different diseases and disorders. Moringa oleifera is one of the most common medicinal and nutritious plant among the family of moringaceae, found in almost all over India. The tree with it's almost every edible part makes it a versatile natural medicinal source. The secondary metabolites present within it make this plant a rich biological resource. Among various classes of secondary metabolites alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, sterols etc. are present in moringa tree. The principle potent compound responsible for emerging antidiabetic property of Moringa is 4-(α-Lrhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate. In this review we summarise specifically the antidiabetic activity of this multipurpose natural plant and it's phytochemistry. Since ancient times this plant has been used as anti-diabetic agent in sub continental regions. Mostly phytoconstituents obtained from leaves are responsible for its outstanding antidiabetic property. Research on antidiabetic property of M. oleifera by different scientists proved that Moringa is one of the finest natural medicinal plants in the management of diabetes with least toxicity.