Environmental, industrial, and health benefits of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

The rise of air, water, and soil pollution poses a significant threat to global health, leading to widespread disease and premature mortality. Soil health is vital, ensuring the production of safe food, but it is compromised by pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, and excessive fertilization, resulting in the depletion of beneficial microorganisms and subsequently groundwater contamination. Water bodies are polluted due to contamination from industrial effluents, domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff, and oil spillage, further intensifying environmental pollution. On the other hand, atmospheric pollution, characterized by high emissions of gases, volatile compounds, greenhouse gases, not only impacts the climate but also poses serious risks to human health, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased cancer risks. Thus, the strategic utilization of traditional plants emerges as a potent tool for environmental restoration and improving human health. The plants possess natural filtering capabilities, absorbing pollutants from air, soil, and water, thus mitigating their adverse effects. Through phytoremediation, plants can be actively used to extract and remove contaminants, contributing to detoxification and improving water and soil quality. Additionally, plants offer various health benefits. Moringa oleifera or the drumstick plant belonging to the Moringaceae family is one such indigenous plant with wide applications, that can be grown in extreme arid conditions. Since ancient times, this plant has been used for treating skin infections, anaemia, and blood impurities. This plant thrives in diverse climates addressing over 300 different aliments. Rich in phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, M. oleifera serve as a superfood, offering high nutritional values and exhibiting potential for drug development with fewer side effects. Extensive research has elucidated the diverse properties and applications of M. oleifera, however, in-depth research is needed to identify bioactive molecules, phytochemicals, and protein compounds involved, which will aid in understanding of the mechanisms of action of the plant's diverse functions. Although studies have reported several of individual M. oleifera attributes, there is no comprehensive study available addressing its diverse applications. This review covers the findings of past three decades and provides a detailed outline of M. oleifera plant and its various parts, its applications in environmental, industrial, food and health aspects documented to date.