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Bioactive components from Moringa oleifera seeds: production, functionalities and applications - a critical review
Christian K O Dzuvor1, Sharadwata Pan2, Charles Amanze3
1Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Moringa oleifera seeds offer significant health benefits and diverse applications, from functional foods to wastewater treatment. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential and safety.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Moringa oleifera, the drumstick tree, is globally cultivated for its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
- While various plant parts are studied, Moringa oleifera seeds possess significant, yet underexplored, bioactive components.
- These seeds contain proteins, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids, contributing to their health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the bioactive components of Moringa oleifera seeds.
- To explore the pharmacological, cosmetic, and industrial applications of these components.
- To highlight the potential of Moringa oleifera seeds in functional foods and wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on Moringa oleifera seeds.
- Analysis of research on the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds.
- Appraisal of documented pharmacological activities and industrial applications.
Main Results:
- Moringa oleifera seeds exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.
- Seed cakes are effective in water purification due to their coagulant and flocculant properties.
- Bioactive components from seeds show potential for functional foods, cosmetics, and biodiesel.
Conclusions:
- Moringa oleifera seeds are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with broad therapeutic and industrial applications.
- Further human clinical studies are essential to validate health benefits and establish safety profiles.
- Comprehensive safety assessments are required for the conventional therapeutic use of Moringa oleifera seed components.
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