Preprint / Version 1

Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree)—nutraceutical, cosmetological and medicinal importance: a review

Authors

  • Marta Klimek-Szczykutowicz Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
  • Katarzyna Gaweł-Bęben Department of Cosmetology, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
  • Angelika Rutka Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
  • Eliza Blicharska Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
  • Małgorzata Tatarczak-Michalewska Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
  • Katarzyna Kulik-Siarek Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
  • Wirginia Kukula-Koch Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
  • Magdalena Malinowska Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Cracow, Poland
  • Agnieszka Szopa Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland

Keywords:

Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree, chemical composition, nutritional properties, pharmacological activities, cosmetology applications, agronomic importance

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a species of tree with an increasing utility, occurring naturally mainly in Pakistan and northern India. M. oleifera is currently cultivated in Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The usage of its leaves, seed oil, bark, fruits, flowers and roots has positive opinions of FDA (American Food and Drug Administration), EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredients database). The chemical composition of M. oleifera is dominated by: proteins (consisting mainly of amino acids such as arginine or serine), fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins (vitamin A, B and C and tocopherols), mineral salts (including several bioelements, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium), valuable polyphenolic compounds from the group of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid, ferulic acid) and flavonoids (e.g., myricetin, rutoside, and kaempferol). The raw materials show antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dietary supplements and alimentary products containing M. oleifera are recommended as health-promoting and “novel food” preparations. The main purpose of this work was a review of the latest scientific literature on M. oleifera, with particular emphasis on the studies focusing on its chemical composition, biological activity and safety. Moreover, the review tends to discuss the results of biotechnological studies using this material and the agronomical significance. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree, chemical composition, nutritional properties, pharmacological activities, cosmetology applications, agronomic importance