Mahmood, KT; Mugal, T; Haq, IU
Moringa oleifera, Lam {Syn M.pterygosperma Gaertn} usually mentioned in literature as Moringa, is a natural as well as cultivated variety of the genus Moringa belonging to family Moringaceae.It is one of the richest plant sources of Vitamins A,B {1,2,3,6,7}, C,D,E and K. The vital minerals present in Moringa include Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. It has more than 40 natural anti-oxidants. Moringa has been used since 150B.C. by ancient kings and queens in their diet for mental alertness and healthy skin. The leaves, pods, seeds, gums, bark and flowers of Moringa are used in more than 80 countries {including Pakistan} to relieve mineral and vitamin deficiencies, support a healthy cardiovascular system, promote normal blood-glucose levels, neutralize free radicals {thereby reducing malignancy}, provide excellent support of the body's anit-flammatory mechanisms, enrich anemic blood and support immune system. It also improves eyesight, mental alertness and bone strength. It has potential benefit in malnutrition, general weakness, lactating mothers, menopause, depression and osteoporosis. It is also used to make an efficient fuel, fertilizer and livestock feed. Moringa is an edible extremely safe plant. Its tree could easily and cheaply be cultivated and grown in Pakistan. We need to explore therapeutic, nutritional and benefit of this gift of nature reported to be one of the world's most useful trees.