A Review on Pharmacological properties of Moringa Oligofera

Abstract

Moringa is the most widely cultivated plant in many tropical areas and it is commonly referred to as “drumstick” or “horseradish” tree and in Tamil it is known as “murungai”. All parts of the Moringa tree–leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots are edible and have been consumed as vegetables for a long time.  Moringa believed to be a 'super plant' due to its unique properties that combat different ailments.  Moringa oleifera, has been used in traditional medicinal system for centuries in diverse therapeutic applications. Pharmacological action such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-convulsant /neuro protective, anti-fertility, hepato and renal protective, antiurolithiatic and diuretic, anti-microbial, antihelimintic, anti-anemic, and wound healing activities are restrained by Moringa oleifera. It includes a rich source of vitamin A and C and milk protein. Different types of active phytoconstituents like alkaloids, protein, quinine, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, steroids, fixed oil, and fats are present. Glycosides, (eg. niazirin, niaziridin, niazimicins etc.), glucosinolates (glucomoringin) flavanol glycoside (quercetin) flavonols (kaempferol), Isothiocyanates and sterol glycoside (campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, avenasterol) are some important constituents. Though Moringa oleifera possess several remedial properties the present review summarized certain important pharmacological activities. Thus our present topic conceivably encourages many prospects for future research to explore the potential compound from a plant source and its pharmacological values on various biological responses.