Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF MIRACLE TREE Moringa oleifera: PRESENCE OF NUTRITIONAL & BIO-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Mutthuraj D. and Kanthesh B. M.*

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Abstract

Naturally occurring compounds are high in demand these days for their less side-effects with high disease curing capability. Moringa oleifera being a miracle tree which has a high source of essential minerals, amino acids, macro, and micronutrients. Along with these properties studies have revealed that moringa’s antioxidant, anti-cancerous, antidiabetic, malnutrition, anti-inflammatory, etc. can significantly affect the onset of chronic or acute disorders/diseases. Numerous phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, etc. have been identified in the extract of moringa’s plant parts which having the capability to fight against diseases. A new polysaccharide (MOP-2) has been identified which can be used in foods to eradicate malnutrition in population. Herbal medicines play a major role in developing a suitable candidate for the discovery of new drugs hence, moringa have a very high impact on pharmaceutical industries in modern world. Numerous compounds extracted from different parts of the plant give different bioactive compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, caffeoxylquinic acids, feruloylquinic acids, -carotene, luteoxanthin etc. are actively helps in fight against the diseases.

Keywords: Moringa, oleifera, Herbal Medicine, Bioactive Compounds, Malnutrition.