Abstract

Dr. Hakim Nargish Marjhan*

ABSTRACT

Throughout the history nutritionists and herbal medicine specialists have recognized the potential nutritional and medicinal properties and use of Moringa for the prevention and treatment of different diseases as well as nutritional deficiencies. It is commonly known as a „super food? since it is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and numerous medicinally beneficial compounds. It is the tree considered as a most nutrient rich plant discovered to date. Among commoners, it has earned its name as „the miracle tree? due to its amazing healing abilities. Various parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as nutritive, cardiac and circulatory stimulants, antipyretic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, diuretic, antiulcer, antispasmodic antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and antifungal activities and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments all over the world. This review gives a bird?s eye view mainly on the phytochemical, nutritional and medicinal properties of the plant.