Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of leaves of Moringa oleifera: An overview

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is known by a number of names like horse radish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree and Mother’s best friend. It is known as ‘Miracle Vegetable’ as almost all the parts of this plant are used in medicines as well as in functional food. It is a natural and whole source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants. Leaves of Moringa have a great potential for those who are suffering from malnutrition as they contain vitamin A four times of carrot, vitamin C seven times of oranges, calcium four times of milk, potassium three times of banana, iron twenty five times of spinach, proteins two times of milk and a good balance of all the essential amino acids. This review draws attention of researchers towards the numerous phytoconstituents present in this plant and different activities shown by it. Different types of phytochemicals are present in Moringa oleifera leaves are phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, etc.