Figure 3: Flowers and leaves of Moringa oleifera

Food values

Moringa oleifera is an important food plant because several parts, particularly the leaves, fruits, flowers and immature pods, are traditionally consumed in tropical and subtropical regions (Table 1; Figures 2 & 3). The leaves are nutritionally rich and contain considerable amounts of protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Sultana, (2020) reported that M. oleifera leaves contain approximately 22.99-29.36% protein, 4.03-9.51% fat, 6.00-9.60% fibre and 8.05-10.38% ash. Fresh leaves are also a rich source of vitamin C, with reported values of 187.96-278.50 mg/100 g, while calcium, phosphorus and potassium occur in appreciable quantities. These nutritional characteristics make the leaves a valuable dietary resource, particularly in regions where access to nutrient-rich foods may be limited. The nutritional and antioxidant properties of M. oleifera leaves further support their potential use in functional foods and dietary supplements (Peñalver et al., 2022; Sultana, 2020). The food value of M. oleifera extends beyond its leaves. The fruits, flowers and immature pods are edible and form part of traditional diets in many tropical and subtropical countries (Islam et al., 2021). Regular incorporation of these plant parts into diets can provide essential nutrients and contribute to dietary diversity. Bibi et al., (2024) highlighted the nutritional importance of M. oleifera and its potential role in addressing nutritional deficiencies, particularly among populations with limited access to diverse food sources. Thus, M. oleifera can be regarded as a multipurpose food plant with considerable potential for nutritional security, functional food development and improvement of diet quality.

Table 1:  Food, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological values of different plant parts of M. oleifera

Ethnomedicinal uses

Moringa oleifera has a long history of use in traditional healthcare systems, particularly in Ayurveda, where different parts of the plant have been used for the management of several common ailments (Table 1). Classical Ayurvedic literature provides evidence for its therapeutic importance. According to the Charaka Samhita, M. oleifera is used in the treatment of intestinal worms and headache (Tripathi, 1994). The Ashtanga Hridaya also describes the plant as a therapeutic agent for deafness (Gupta, 2000). Similarly, the Kashyapa Samhita documents its use for managing sleeping problems (Sharma, 2010). These traditional applications indicate the longstanding recognition of M. oleifera as a medicinal plant and provide an important basis for subsequent pharmacological investigations. Further evidence from classical sources indicates that preparations of M. oleifera were used for specific ailments. The Sharangadhara Samhita reports the use of a decoction prepared from the plant for the treatment of conjunctivitis (Srikanthmurthy, 1933), while the Yogaratnakara describes the use of plant-part decoctions against intestinal worms (Laksmipati, 1999). Collectively, these records demonstrate the broad ethnomedicinal significance of M. oleifera and the use of different plant parts and preparations in traditional medicine. Such historical knowledge provides valuable leads for modern phytochemical and pharmacological research; however, traditional claims should be distinguished from clinically established therapeutic efficacy and require systematic scientific validation.

Pharmacological uses

Moringa oleifera has attracted considerable pharmacological interest because different plant parts contain bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities (Table 1). Extracts of the leaves have demonstrated antioxidant and oxidative-damage-protective effects, suggesting a role in reducing cellular damage associated with oxidative stress (Pareek et al., 2023). Leaf-derived preparations have also shown potential neuroprotective effects. González-Burgos et al., (2021) reported that M. oleifera leaf powder extracts may protect neuronal cells through antioxidant and mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms, indicating potential relevance in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, studies have highlighted the antidiabetic potential of M. oleifera, particularly its seeds and other plant-derived preparations, suggesting possible benefits in the prevention or management of diabetes and associated complications (Leone et al., 2015). Other parts of the plant have also demonstrated important biological activities. M. oleifera stem and stem-bark preparations have been associated with antioxidant, anti inflammatory, cardiovascular and immunomodulatory activities (Liao et al., 2018; Pareek et al., 2023). Maurya and Singh, (2014) reported the clinical efficacy of M. oleifera stem bark in urinary tract infections, providing evidence for the medicinal potential of the species beyond its nutritional applications. Collectively, these findings indicate that M. oleifera possesses a broad pharmacological profile involving antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti inflammatory, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and antimicrobial-related activities. Nevertheless, much of the available evidence is based on experimental or preliminary studies and further standardized clinical investigations are required to establish effective doses, mechanisms, safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusion

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a valuable multipurpose plant with considerable food, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological importance. Its leaves, fruits, flowers and immature pods provide important nutrients, including proteins, fibre, vitamins and minerals, making the species a promising resource for improving dietary quality and nutritional security. The documented uses in classical Ayurvedic literature further demonstrate its longstanding role in traditional healthcare, particularly for ailments such as intestinal worms, headache, deafness, sleep disturbances and conjunctivitis. Modern pharmacological studies have provided supporting evidence for several biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. These diverse properties highlight the potential of M. oleifera for functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. However, further standardized studies, toxicological evaluations and well-designed clinical trials are necessary to validate traditional claims and establish its therapeutic efficacy, dosage and safety. Sustainable utilization and conservation of this multipurpose species may contribute simultaneously to nutritional security, traditional healthcare and future drug discovery.

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