Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a small size tree with approximately 5 to 10 m height. It is cultivated all over the world due to its multiple utilities. Every part of Moringa is used for certain nutritional and/or medicinal propose. Besides being a good source of protein, vitamins, oils, fatty acids, micro-macro minerals elements and various phenolics, it is also reported as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, and antihelmintic. Its multiple pharmaceutical effects are capitalized as therapeutic remedy for various diseases in traditional medicinal system. Further research on this charismatic healer may lead to the development of novel agents for various diseases. This study provides a brief overview about medicinal potential of Moringa and its future as a component of modern medicinal system. This study concludes that Moringa needs legitimate appraisal to establish its pharmaceutical knack in modern medicine.

Key word: Moringa oleifera, medicinal plant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antiulcer, diuretic.

Abbreviation

MO, Moringa oleifera; GK, Goto-Kakizaki; ISP, isoproterenol.