By: Dr. Shweta, Deptt. of Genetics & Plant Breeding C.S. Azad Univ. of Agril. & Tech. Kanpur & Sr. Associate Editor-ICN
KANPUR: Drumstick (from the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), botanically known as Moringa oleifera. It is also known as the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree belongs to the family Moringaceae. Its native place is tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. It is a perennial multipurpose tree and commonly grown in home gardens in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. It can be grown in a wide range of soils with varied fertility status.
Almost all parts of the tree such as leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are used as food and for medicinal purposes. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium and amino acids. As moringa contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its medicinal drug properties moringa extract would possibly facilitate to treat conditions like inflammatory disease and will conjointly heal broken bones. It has been used for centuries to treat and prevent diseases, including: cancer, constipation, diabetes, chronic headaches, thyroid disorders, inflammation, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, epilepsy, respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders.
The plants produce pods throughout the year which are used very popularly as vegetable. Several dishes are prepared either exclusively or in combination with other vegetables. Leaves are a good source of iron and fiber and are considered to be very good for anemic women and children. Moringa powder has been prompt to push weight loss. Because of its many nutrients, it is dubbed a super food. It helps you to lose weight by speeding up your body metabolism same time curbing your craving for carbs.
Moringa seed oil is useful for safeguarding hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa additionally contains macromolecule, which implies it’s useful in protective skin cells from harm. It additionally contains hydrating and detoxifying components, that additionally boost the skin and hair. It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
All the genetic variability available in the species is being collected and planted. Different parts of the plants, leaves, flowers, pods and seeds are being subjected to comparative nutritional profile.
| Food components | Amount | Food components | Amount |
| Water (g) | 69.9 | Phosphorus (mg) | 110.0 |
| Protein (g) | 2.5 | Iron (mg) | 5.3 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 | Vitamin A (IU) | 184.0 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 3.7-8.5 | Thiamine (mg) | 0.05 |
| Fibre (g) | 4.8 | Riboflavin (mg) | 0.07 |
| Calcium (mg) | 30.0 | Ascorbic acid (mg) | 120.0 |
Moringa is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth and used appropriately. The leaves, fruit, and seeds might be safe when eaten as food. However, it’s important to avoid eating the root and its extracts as these parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance.
