Nutritional food, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Medicinal Benefits of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, is a fast-growing, perennial plant that can reach heights of 10-12 m. It is highly adaptable and thrives in diverse climates, from rainforest zones to dry, arid regions with minimal rainfall. The tree can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Often called the “Miracle tree”, Moringa oleifera is renowned for its exceptional nutritional value, which plays a crucial role in human health. The tree’s chemical composition varies across its different parts and is influenced by environmental conditions, cultivar, and geographical location. Moringa oleifera is versatile, serving multiple purposes such as food for humans and livestock, improving soil fertility, producing biogas, and being used in water purification, gum, and pulp production. Various parts of the tree-including the leaves, roots, seeds, bark, flowers, fruit, and immature pods-offer numerous medicinal benefits. These include promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, treating fevers, preventing tumors, controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol, and offering antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. These health benefits have made Moringa a key component of traditional medicine, especially in South Asia. Additionally, Moringa oleifera demonstrates significant morphological and genetic diversity, making it a valuable resource for conservation efforts and the development of superior varieties. This article delves into the many uses and benefits of Moringa oleifera across various sectors.