Moringa oleifera: Biosynthesis strategies for enhanced metabolites and role in green nanoparticle synthesis

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam., also known as the "drumstick tree" or "miracle tree,'' has a wide range of applications in both traditional and modern medicine due to presence of specific bioactive compounds. This review investigates the chemical composition of the plant, the mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, and strategies for increasing their production. Glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, and other secondary metabolites are among the important bioactive compounds found in Moringa, which have shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. These findings are gaining popularity for their potential applications in medicine, nutrition, and industry. This paper discusses the challenges of commercializing Moringa while focusing on issues related to contamination, propagation methods, environmental factors that influence yield and novel use of M. oleifera for the green synthesis of metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles such as silver, zinc, copper, iron, gold, chitosan and others. These nanoparticles have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and photocatalytic properties, making them useful for applications in healthcare, environmental remediation, and other fields. Finally, M. oleifera is a versatile and resourceful plant with the ability to resolve a wide range of health concerns and provide long-term viable alternatives to a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic applications.