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Scientific
Classification:
- Kingdom:
Plantae
- Clade:
Angiosperms
- Order:
Brassicales
- Family:
Moringaceae
- Genus:
Moringa
- Species:
M. oleifera
Synonyms: Species ID: NMP-290,NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 3735,wfo-0001085051 Common Names: Moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish
tree or malunggay Local Names: Zogale
(Nigeria, Hausa), Ewe ile (Nigeria, Yoruba), Ben aile, Benzolive (French),
Mlonge, Mronge, Mrongo, Mlongo, Mzunze, Mzungu (Kenya, Swahili), Cham’mwanba,
Kangaluni (Malawi, Chichewa), Kalokola (Malawi, Yao), Nsangoa (Malawi, Senna),
Yevu-ti (Ghana, Ewe), Argentiga, Arzam tigha ("The tree of paradise")
(Burkina Faso, More), Guilgandani, Gigandjah (Burkina Faso, Fulfulde), and
Zogala gandi (Niger, Hausa). Basic Description: Moringa oleifera
is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10–12 meters with a trunk
diameter of approximately 45 centimeters. It features a whitish-gray bark
surrounded by thick cork. The tree has an open crown with drooping, fragile
branches and feathery foliage composed of tripinnate leaves. The flowers are
fragrant, hermaphroditic, and have five unequal, thinly veined, yellowish-white
petals. The fruit is a hanging, three-sided brown capsule, 20–45 centimeters
long, containing dark brown, globular seeds with three whitish, papery wings. Distribution and
Habitat: Moringa oleifera
is native to northern India but has been widely cultivated across tropical and
subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the
Caribbean, and South America. It thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers
well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The
tree is drought-resistant and flourishes in areas with annual rainfall ranging
from 250 to 1500 millimeters. Medicinal Properties: Moringa oleifera
is renowned for its extensive medicinal applications: Nutritional
Supplement Moringa oleifera
is an exceptional source of nutrients, making it a dietary supplement for
combating malnutrition:
- Vitamins:
Rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene), B-complex (B1, B2, B3, and B6), C, D,
E, and K.
- Minerals:
Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus.
- Proteins:
The leaves contain essential amino acids, making them a valuable protein
source.
Antimicrobial Properties M. oleifera
contains compounds with antimicrobial effects:
- Antibacterial
Activity: Effective against pathogens like Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa.
- Antifungal Activity:
Active against fungi such as Candida albicans.
- Antiviral
Activity: Extracts have demonstrated
antiviral properties, particularly against herpes simplex virus and
certain enteroviruses.
Antioxidant
Properties The plant is rich in antioxidants,
including:
- Flavonoids:
Quercetin and kaempferol neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative
stress.
- Phenolic Acids:
Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid protect against oxidative damage.
- Vitamin
C and E: Enhance cellular protection from
free radical damage.
Anti-inflammatory
Effects M. oleifera
exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of:
- Isothiocyanates:
Compounds like niazimicin reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
- Flavonoids
and Polyphenols: Suppress inflammatory mediators,
offering relief in arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune conditions.
Antidiabetic
Properties
- Hypoglycemic
Activity: Compounds in the leaves and
seeds, such as chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates, lower blood sugar
levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose absorption in
the gut.
- Reduction
of Postprandial Glucose: Studies show a
significant decrease in blood sugar levels after meals when M. oleifera
is consumed.
Cardioprotective
Effects M. oleifera
helps maintain cardiovascular health through:
- Cholesterol
Reduction: Contains β-sitosterol,
which reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Blood
Pressure Regulation: Isothiocyanates and nitrile
glycosides relax blood vessels and reduce hypertension.
Hepatoprotective
Effects
- Liver
Detoxification: Protects the liver from toxin-induced
damage through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
- Liver Enzyme Regulation:
Normalizes elevated liver enzymes, supporting liver function in conditions
like hepatitis.
Anticancer Properties M. oleifera
demonstrates anticancer potential due to the following compounds:
- Isothiocyanates:
Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
- Quercetin and Chlorogenic Acid:
Prevent cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Niazimicin:
Suppresses tumor formation.
These compounds have shown efficacy in
breast, colon, lung, and skin cancers. Gastroprotective
Effects Moringa oleifera is used to treat
digestive disorders such as ulcers, gastritis, and diarrhea:
- Anti-ulcer Activity:
Leaf extracts protect the gastric lining and promote mucosal healing.
- Antimicrobial
Action: Fights against gut pathogens
causing diarrhea.
Immune Modulation
- Immune
Boosting: High levels of vitamin C and
bioactive compounds enhance the immune response.
- Anti-allergenic
Properties: Helps in managing allergic conditions
by suppressing histamine release.
Wound Healing
- Topical
Applications: The leaves and seed oil are
applied to cuts and wounds to promote faster healing and prevent
infections.
- Collagen
Production: Enhances tissue repair and
reduces scarring.
Water Purification
and Antitoxic Effects
- Coagulant
Activity: Powdered seeds act as a natural
coagulant, purifying water by removing turbidity and bacteria.
- Chelating
Properties: Helps detoxify heavy metals from
the body.
Key Bioactive
Compounds The medicinal properties of Moringa
oleifera are attributed to its diverse phytochemicals:
- Alkaloids:
Moringinine for vascular health.
- Isothiocyanates:
Anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.
- Flavonoids:
Antioxidant and antidiabetic effects.
- Tannins:
Gastroprotective and antimicrobial action.
- Saponins:
Cardioprotective and immune-enhancing properties.
Known Toxicity: While Moringa oleifera is
generally considered safe for consumption, certain parts of the plant,
particularly the roots and bark, contain alkaloids that may cause adverse
effects if consumed in large quantities. Laboratory studies suggest that high
doses of leaf extracts exceeding 3,000 mg/kg of body weight may be toxic,
whereas doses below 1,000 mg/kg are considered safe. Additionally, M.
oleifera may interact with prescription drugs metabolized by cytochrome
P450 enzymes, potentially inhibiting their efficacy. Additional Information: Beyond its medicinal uses, Moringa
oleifera serves various other purposes:
- Agricultural
Uses: The plant is used as a growth
enhancer; extracts from the leaves can increase crop yields when applied
as a foliar spray.
- Water
Purification: Powdered seeds act as a natural
coagulant, aiding in water purification by causing suspended particles to
clump together and settle.
- Oil
Production: The seeds yield ben oil, a
non-drying oil used in cooking and cosmetics due to its stability and
resistance to rancidity.
References: - Moringa
oleifera. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved
January 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera
- Moringa
/ Moringa oleifera. (n.d.). In Infonet Biovision Home.
Retrieved January 19, 2025, from
https://infonet-biovision.org/trees/moringa-moringa-oleifera
- Moringa
Genus: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. (2018). In Frontiers
in Pharmacology. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00108/full
- Esta
planta deja atrás al jengibre y se convierte en el gran regulador del azúcar en
sangre. (2024, October 10). In HuffPost España. Retrieved
January 19, 2025, from https://www.huffingtonpost.es/life/salud/esta-planta-deja-jengibre-convierte-gran-regulador-azucar-sangre.html
- A
Review on Meracle tree: Moringa oleifera - Pharmacognosy. (2016). In Journal
of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Retrieved January 19, 2025,
from https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2016/vol5issue6/PartC/5-5-35-246.pdf
External links - https://www.gbif.org/species/3580243
- https://ceb.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptadenia_hastata
- https://www.gbif.org/species/194842538
- https://identify.plantnet.org/prota/species/Leptadenia%20hastata%20Vatke/data
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera
- https://www.feedipedia.org/node/124
- https://www.ajol.info/index.php/agrosh/article/view/93735
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