Moringa oleifera: An edible medicinal plant

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (Family–Moringaceae) is a native plant of India but also seen in tropical and sub-tropical region of the world. It is commonly known as “drumstick tree” but in Bengali it is known as “Sajne.” Every part of the plant is rich in nutritive components. The leaves, bark, roots, pods and flowers are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. The flowers are used in West Bengal, India as antiviral agent. Apart from this it is used as promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and antidiabetic agent. The leaves, roots and barks not only possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and antidiabetic but also shows antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiulcer, diuretic, antispasmodic, cholesterol lowering activity. This review focuses on the medical properties of the plant with special focus on the flower.