MORINGA OLEIFERA: A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE “TREE OF LIFE” & IT’S MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Shruti Agaskar*, Shikha Shukla and Dr. Sunita Ogale

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera is a tree cultivated originally in northern India and many tropical and subtropical countries. It is grown widely in several countries such as India, Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, Hawaii, Asia and Southeast Asia. Various different parts of Moringa oleifera such as leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers are widely for medicinal purpose, and the leaves and immature seed pods are used as food products in human nutrition and show magical effects. It’s leaves, pods, seeds, gums, bark and flowers of Moringa are used in more than 80 countries to relieve various mineral and vitamin deficiencies, support cardiovascular system, maintain blood-glucose levels, neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidation, provide support to anit-inflammatory mechanisms, enrich anaemic blood and support immune system. The sole purpose of this review is to highlight and spread awareness about the nutritional and medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, nutritive properties, medicinal properties, toxicity.