Gourav Sabharwal
Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) also called horseradish tree or drumstick tree, small deciduous tree (family Moringaceae) native to tropical Asia but also naturalized in Africa and tropical America. Flowers, pods, leaves, and even twigs are cooked and eaten. The leaves, which can also be eaten raw when young, are especially nutritious and are high in iron, potassium, and vitamin C. A horseradish-flavoured condiment is prepared from the crushed roots. Ben oil, extracted from the seeds, is used by watchmakers and in cosmetics; perfume makers value it for its retention of scents.
Area & Production: India is the largest producer of moringa, with an annual production of 1.2 million tonnes of fruits from an area of 380 km2. Moringa is grown in home gardens and as living fences in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where it is commonly sold in local markets.
Soil & Climate: moringa likes a well-drained soil which is slightly acidic (pH 6.2-7). In the garden, a loamy soil with plenty of added compost and well-weathered manure is ideal. In high rainfall areas, plant it on a mound to ensure excess water drains away from the roots. Moringa thrives in full sun and loves heat. It does best in tropical, sub-tropical and even arid areas. In southern states give it a warm, sheltered position with plenty of sun for warmth in winter. A north-facing courtyard is perfect. In cool to cold climates, Moringa is deciduous, dropping its leaves in autumn. It won’t tolerate deep cold, but will survive in Victoria and Tasmania, to re-shoot again in spring.
Trees should be pruned in the cool season to about 2m high. Pot-grown moringa should also be cut back in winter to encourage new growth in spring.
Medicinal Properties: Moringa oleifera plays an important role in protecting the liver from damage, oxidation and toxicity due to the high concentrations of polyphenols in its leaves and flowers. Moringa oleifera oil can also restore liver enzymes to normal levels, reducing oxidative stress and increasing protein content in the liver. The flowers and roots of the Moringa oleifera plant contain a compound called quercetin, which is known to protect the liver. Other compounds contained in the plant with this activity are ?-sitosterol, quercetin and some of its glycosides, rutin and flavonoids, which also prevent lipid oxidation. Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds have been found to help lower blood pressure; this is due to compounds called glycosides ,and in the leaves it is also due to N-?-L-rhamnophyranosyl vincosamide . Moringa oleifera leaf extract has also been found to significantly reduce cholesterol levels due to the action of ?-sitosterol. Various parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepata-protective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine, particularly in South Asia. The tree has several uses and its derived products such as tea, leaves and leaf powder, oil, and moringa seeds have numerous applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and animal feed industries. Evidence has shown that moringa extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain in mice. Its high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat. Moringa is considered as a nutrient-rich plant especially in its leaves. Such leaves might be used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers.
