Lakshmipriya Gopalakrishnan · Food Science and Human Wellness 2016 · narrative review · n=?

Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application

Cited 1368 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review without systematic methodology or primary human clinical data

OpenAlex W2329064994 · doi:10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001 · record verified 2026-08-30

What was done

This paper is a narrative review synthesizing literature on Moringa oleifera. It summarizes the plant's cultivation, nutritional composition (minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals), traditional applications (treating malnutrition, augmenting breast milk), commercial fortification and water treatment uses, and proposed pharmacological mechanisms (antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial).

What was found

The abstract reports no numerical data, effect estimates, or statistical findings. It provides qualitative summaries stating that Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in essential nutrients, seeds serve as coagulants in water treatment, and plant extracts show potential as therapeutic agents for conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

Why it matters

This review compiles the multidisciplinary agronomic, nutritional, and medicinal literature on Moringa oleifera into a single reference for commercial fortification and research.

Limits

As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search protocol, risk of bias assessments, or study selection criteria. The abstract provides no primary human trial data, quantitative metrics, dosing recommendations, or safety evaluations to substantiate the stated therapeutic benefits.

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