ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera, also called zogale, is grown and harvested as a tiny and middle-sized tree in different parts of the world. It has various industrial applications, such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. M. oleifera tree is known as a miracle tree containing essential nutrients that could play a significant role in human nutrition. Based on its chemical composition and nutritional properties, it can be used to overcome malnutrition, particularly in breastfeeding mothers and infants. Different parts (leaves, peels, seeds, and flowers) of the Moringa tree are good sources of phenolic compounds, essential amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and beta carotenes, which can play a regulatory and functional role. The proportion of bioactive components is dependent on the source and variety of the plant. The flowers, seeds, and leaves of this plant have also been used in different food applications. This review highlights the reported knowledge relevant to the use of M. oleifera as a food fortificant and therapeutic agent based on its prominent biological activities and the presence of phytochemicals. In a nut shell, the leaves, peels, seeds, and flowers of the Moringa tree are potential sources of different phenolic compounds, which act as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuro-enhancer, and anticancer. There is a dire need for planned and well-structured experimental designs to deliver possible future applications of this tree.

摘要

Moringa oleifera，也称为 zogale，在世界不同地区作为中小树种植和收获。它具有多种工业应用，例如医药、食品和化妆品。油茶树被称为奇迹树，其中含有可以在人类营养中发挥重要作用的必需营养素。根据其化学成分和营养特性，它可用于克服营养不良，尤其是母乳喂养的母亲和婴儿。辣木树的不同部分（叶子、果皮、种子和花）是酚类化合物、必需氨基酸、维生素、蛋白质和 β 胡萝卜素的良好来源，可以起到调节和功能作用。生物活性成分的比例取决于植物的来源和品种。这种植物的花、种子和叶子也被用于不同的食品应用。本综述重点介绍了与使用M. oleifera相关的知识基于其突出的生物活性和植物化学物质的存在，作为一种食品强化剂和治疗剂。简而言之，辣木树的叶子、果皮、种子和花朵是不同酚类化合物的潜在来源，具有抗炎、抗糖尿病、神经增强和抗癌的作用。迫切需要有计划且结构良好的实验设计，以提供该树未来可能的应用。