Moringa oleifera Lam. seed proteins: Extraction, preparation of protein hydrolysates, bioactivities, functional food properties, and industrial application

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) consumed in several tropical and subtropical countries is a highly valued multi-purpose herbal plant with numerous medicinal properties and high nutritional value. Moringa seeds contain high protein content (∼52%) with all the essential amino acids and could act as a potential source of functional protein isolate for application in food and biomedical industries. The objective of the current review is to highlight the recent developments in the various protein extraction methods and preparation of protein hydrolysates from moringa seeds. The recent findings on the bioactivities, functional properties, and industrial applications of moringa seed proteins are noteworthy. Therefore, the study was framed to discuss relevant research reports in six sections viz-moringa seed protein extraction, moringa seed protein isolates/hydrolysates, amino acid profile, functional properties, bioactivities, and food or biomedical industrial applications. Moringa seed proteins exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and cardio-protective activity. Moringa seed protein isolates revealed good foaming capacity and stability, emulsification capacity, water, and oil absorption capacity. Industrially moringa seed protein isolates could be potentially used as milk coagulant, thickening agent, food and feed ingredient, and drug delivery agent. Besides, moringa seed protein isolate is reported to heal diabetes, control inflammation and hypertension. • First review on functional attributes and bioactivities of the moringa seed proteins. • Extraction of moringa seed protein and preparation of its hydrolysate are discussed. • Moringa seed protein possess anti-diabetic, organ-protective and antiviral activities. • Characterization and application of moringa seed protein are highlighted in the review.