Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”

Abstract

This paper is a review of Moringa oleifera. It called “The Mother’s Best Friend” for its ability to increase milk production in nursing mother, is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant. Moringa leaves contains 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges, 4 x the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of Yogurt. Due to its highly nutritional value, this review is aimed at creating awareness of its nutritional, medicinal and general usage by consulting current literatures. However, research had shown that virtually all part of the plant contains different types of chemical with great biological functions. Some act as anti-oxidants in free radical scavenging, relieving the body of oxidative stress and cancer. Others possess anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and diuretic properties. The list is inexhaustible. Many thanks to the numerous chemical composition of Moringa. The leaves contain quality protein that can compete with the likes of soybeans due to the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids in the right proportion. Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Fatty acids (essential and non-essential), phytochemicals are in abundance. Many uses of Moringa had been reported. They serve as food for man and forage for animals, improving soil fertility, biogas production, cleaning agent, gum production, production of animal forage, pulp, and water purification among other uses. Moringa is a deciduous, perennial tree of height 10–12 m. It has the ability to survive different climatical conditions ranging from the rain forest zone to areas with little rainfall. They are propagated by seed and stem cuttings. It is a fast growing and evergreen plant.