Divya Patel, Yashwant Kumar Patel, Aastha Vithalkar and Keshav Kaiwartya
Moringa Oleifera also known as the ‘Miracle Tree’ is a storehouse of nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds. The importance of this plant has been mentioned in ancient Indian and African literature. In last few decades, public interest in Moringa oleifera has skyrocketed. Every part of this plant can be used for different purposes, but especially leaves and pods are used in India in the form of curry. The powder of dried leaves is reckoned to have higher vitamin C than oranges, higher retinol than carrots, much higher calcium than milk, and higher protein than yogurt. The plant consists of an array of phytochemicals that not only prevent, but also help in curing certain diseases, like sexually transmitted diseases and many skin infections. However, some toxic effects have been noticed after regular consumption of Moringa but the doses far exceeded the amount that people generally use. Many bioactive compounds found in moringa have been found to be helpful in treatment of various maladies. People are now noticing these qualities of moringa and many businesses are thriving. Not only health but Moringa is also improving the financial condition of many people. This work briefs the morphology, nutritional composition, phytochemicals, toxicological parameters, health benefits, and contribution of moringa in Indian economy.
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