Bioactive components and anti-diabetic properties of Moringa oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a perennial tropical deciduous tree with high economic and pharmaceutical value. As an edible plant, M. oleifera Lam. is rich in nutrients, such as proteins, amino acids, mineral elements and vitamins. Besides, it also contains an important number of bioactive phytochemicals, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. M. oleifera for long has been used as a natural anti-diabetic herb in India and other Asian countries. Thus, the anti-diabetic properties of Moringa plant have evolved highly attention to the researchers. In the last twenty years, a huge number of new chemical structures and their pharmacological activities have been reported in particularly the anti-diabetic properties. The current review highlighted the bioactive phytochemicals from M. Oleifera. Moreover, evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera for diabetes including experimental and clinical data was presented and the underlying mechanisms were revealed in order to provide insights for the development of novel drugs.

Automated summary

Moringa oleifera, a tropical deciduous tree, has high economic and pharmaceutical value. It is rich in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals, attracting attention for its anti-diabetic properties. Recent studies have reported numerous new chemical structures and pharmacological activities related to Moringa oleifera's anti-diabetic properties. This review summarizes the bioactive phytochemicals present in M. oleifera and provides experimental and clinical evidence, along with underlying mechanisms, for its therapeutic potential in diabetes. Insights gained from this review can contribute to the development of novel drugs.