Family

Moringaceae

Genus

Moringa

Common Name

Drumstick Tree

Plant Figure

Description

Moringa oleifera, a member of the family Moringaceae, is a perennial softwood tree native to the sub-Himalayan region of India, growing to a height of 7–12 m with a diameter of 40 cm. These medicinal aspects of the plant are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, including secondary metabolites like quercetin, kaempferol, moringine (benzylamine), ursolic and oleanolic acid. Juice extracted from the leaves has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-diabetic properties. Similarly, the stem possesses analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The flower and pod have cholesterol-lowering effects.