Mornings Oleifera: A Review of an Underutilized Plant with Therapeutic Values in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is commonly known as ‘drumstick tree’ or ‘horseradish tree’ in Nigeria. Moringa can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions and hence widely cultivated across the world. With its high therapeutic values, every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes. The leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins and other essential phytochemicals. Extracts from the leaves are used to treat malnutrition, augment breast milk in lactating mothers. It is used as potential antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial agent. M. oleifera seed, a natural coagulant is extensively used in water treatment. The scientific effort of this research provides insights on the nutritive, medicinal and commercial values of Moringa Oleifera Plant. This review explores the use of Moringa Oleiefra Plant across disciplines for its medicinal value and deals with cultivation, nutrition, commercial and prominent pharmacological properties of this “Miracle Tree”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATIONi

DEDICATIONii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTiii

ABSTRACTiv

TABLE OF CONTENTSv

LIST OF FIGURESviii

SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION1

History and Description of Moringa Oleifera Plant1

Aims and Objectives of the Study 5

Justification of the Study 5

SECTION TWO

CULTIVATION AND HARVEST OF MORINGA OLEIFERA PLANT6

2.1Methods of Cultivation of Moringa Oleifera Plants in Nigeria6

2.2Climatic and Soil Conditions Favourable for the Growth of Moringa Oleifera Plant in Nigeria 

7

2.3Spacing Requirement for the Cultivation of Moringa Oleifera Plant8

2.4Fertilizer Application to Enhance Productivity of Moringa Oleifera Plant8

2.5Pinching of Terminal Tips and Harvesting of Moringa Oleifera Plant9

SECTION THREE

PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION METHODS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES AND SEEDS11

3.1Processing Methods that Preserves the Nutritional Value of the Moringa Oleifera Leaves 11

3.1.1Sorting and Washing of Moringa Oleifera Leaves11

3.1.2Drying of Moringa Oleifera Leaves11

3.1.3Milling of Moringa Oleifera Leaves and Bagging12

3.2Preservation Methods of Moringa Oleifera Seeds12

SECTION FOUR

THERAPEUTIC VALUES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA PLANT13

4.1Nutritional Profile of a Moringa Oleifera Plant13

4.2Medicinal Properties of an Underutilized Moringa Oleifera Plant15

4.2.1Medicinal Applications of Moringa Oleifera Plants16

4.2.2Potential Moringa Oleifera Side Effects and Concerns19

4.3Commercial Utilization of Moringa Oleifera Plant20

4.3.1Human Consumption of Moringa Oleifera Leaves20

4.3.2Moringa Oleifera Leaves as Plant Growth Enhancers21

4.3.3Industrial Uses of Moringa Oleifera Oil Derived from the Seeds21

4.3.4Environmental Uses of Moringa Oleifera Seeds22

SECTION FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS24

5.1Conclusion24

5.2Recommendations24

REFERENCES25

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURETITLE      PAGE

1.1A Stock of Moringa oleifera Leaves   3

1.2Dried Moringa oleifera Pods   3

1.3Dried Moringa Seeds   4

4.1Moringa oleifera Leaves Fact  14

4.2Health Benefits of Moringa  16