Scientific Basis of Ethno-pharmacological Claims of Moringa Oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera Lam. or munga is one of the most important plants widely cultivated in India. It belongs to family Moringaceae. It is a popular Indian medicinal plant, has long been used commonly in Ayurvedic system of medicine. M. oleifera is rich in various active phyto-constituents (tannins, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, and vitamins) in addition to different minerals in its leaves and seeds. The plant has been found to exhibit diverse number of pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anticancer, antioxidant, nootropic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-ulcer, cardiovascular, anti-obesity, antiepileptic, anti-asthmatic, antidiabetic, anti-urolithiatic, diuretic, local anaesthetic, anti-allergic, anthelmintic, wound healing, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antidiarrheal properties. The present paper gives an account of updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities. So, the aim of the present review is to provide comprehensive information from recognized sources on the ethnobotany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological efficacy and of the medicinal plant, M. oleifera. These reports are very encouraging and indicate that herb should be studied more extensively for its therapeutic benefits. Clinical trials using Moringa for a variety of combinations in different formulations should also be conducted.