VERSATILE PROFILE OF MORINGA AND ITS ROLE FOR GROWTH AS A FUNCTIONAL FOOD: A REVIEW

Abstract

"Drumstick" tree is native to India, usually mentioned in literature as MORINGA. Moringa oleifera is one of the most useful trees and it has an enormous number of benefits. All the recent research shows its multipurpose use. That is why it is cultivated across the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Moringa has been used as a medicine since 150 B.C. by ancient kings and queens to ameliorate mental alertness and healthy skin. The Horseradish tree is one of the rich sources of vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K and it is also a good source of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It also contains over 40 antioxidants that are naturally synthesized. Moringa is a very important food crop due to its high nutritive value, grows very fast, and it is also drought resistance. More than 80 countries (including India) use the tree's leaves, pods, seeds, bark, and flowers for their medicinal and neutraceutical properties to prevent mineral and vitamin deficiency, maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, regulate normal blood glucose levels, support the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Further, it neutralizes free radicals, which reduces the risk of cancer. It has potent benefits in reducing malnutrition, general weakness, menopause, depression and osteoporosis. It also contains antibacterial and anti-diabetics properties. It also improves eyesight, mental alertness and bone strength. The article with this review paper was keenly reviewed using an adapted version of established criteria to determine the adequate method for justifying the present aim of this study. This review paper will answer the following issues such as production, nutritional, functional property and utilization of moringa for human and animal consumption.