Pharmacological activity and chemical composition of the Moringa Oleifera plant: A comprehensive review

Moringa Oleifera, part of the Moringaceae family, has numerous advantages in relation to therapeutic uses and is known for its nutrition value to humans and animals. This fast growing, drought resistant tree with a white/gray, rough (corky) bark and an umbrella shape, is also called a "super food", due to its high content of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, C, E, along with polyphenols and a native base of digestible protein. The bioactive compound content of Moringa is primarily made up of phytochemicals including myricetin, phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, tannins, saponins, quercetin, zeatin and kaempferol. In addition, each component of the moringa plant, i.e., seed, roots, buds, leaves, flowers and bark, have various biological activities which could be utilized to cure many diseases. For example, the biological activity of the moringa plant contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-lipidemic, hepatic protective and neurological protective activities. This review will provide an overall view of the mechanism of action, the medicinal applications and the therapeutic quality of compounds that were isolated from Moringa Oleifera, while providing new perspectives for the future investigation and advancement.