Drumstick (Moringa oleifera): A Miracle Tree for its Nutritional and Pharmaceutic Properties

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) which is commonly known as Drumstick tree belongs to family Moringaceae. It is also called as the horseradish tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga, mulangay, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree. It is called as "Miracle Tree" because of its high nutritional value and medicinal uses. All parts of this plant are renewable sources of tocopherols (γ and α), phenolic compounds, β-carotene, vitamin C and total proteins, including the essential sulfur amino acids, methionine and cysteine. It is the richest plant source of Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Minerals present in this tree include K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Various parts of Moringa tree possess antitumor, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, circulatory stimulants, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cholesterol lowering, antifungal, antiepileptic, antipyretic, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory activities. This review article provides a brief overview about the nutritional importance and medicinal properties of drumstick.