Phytochemistry, nutritional composition and pharmacological potential of Moringa oleifera: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a medicinally important plant of the family Moringaceae, which is highly valued because of its enormous nutritional and therapeutic potential. Each part of M. oleifera is said to contain medicinal properties, which contributes to its diversity and value as a medicinal herb. Literature has revealed that the plant possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, and other important pharmacological attributes. Most of these biological activities of the plant are due to its high content of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, glucosides, glucosinolates, anthocyanins, and steroids. Aside from the plant’s exceptional phytochemicals and therapeutic potentials, it is also rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, beta-carotene, fiber, and fatty acids. This systematic review aims at providing updated and categorized scientific data on phytochemicals, nutritional composition, and pharmacological potentials of M. oleifera. The information compiled in this present review would be crucial for developing novel therapeutic medicines and pharmaceutical formulations, which are more effective with great curative actions.