A Review of Biological and Therapeutic Activities of Moringa Oleifera Linn

Moringa oleifera L. family Moringaceae has impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value. Different parts of this plant contain a profile of important phytochemicals, minerals and good source of protein, vitamins, amino acids and various phenolics. In Africa, Moringa oleifera is known as „mother's best friend". It is a relatively fast growing tree with small leaves. The moringa is of economic importance in the production of several commodities and also provides rich and rare combinations of zeatin, quercetin, kaempferom and many other phytochemicals. The leaves of M. oleifera have also been known to contain a number of phytochemicals. Several biological activities have been reported in M. oleifrera which include biological coagulation in drinking water by its seeds. Antimicrobial activities of the plant have been reported so also are the immune-modulatory, anti-asthmatic antipyretic activities of the leaves. Moringa oleifera claimed to treat different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. This review focuses on the biological activities of Moringa oleifera particularly on relatively little explored area of their microbiological, nutritional and pharmacological applications.