A Note on the Therapeutic Applications and Commercial Potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae)

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the horseradish tree or drumstick tree, is a perennial tropical plant extensively recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Known by various regional names such as kelor, marango, mlonge, and sajna, M. oleifera has been utilized in traditional folk medicine in South Asia and Africa for centuries. It is employed to treat ailments like helminthiasis, paralysis, sores, skin infections, and other health conditions, including malnourishment, diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, and stress. Nearly all parts of the plant are edible and highly nutritious, making it a valuable dietary supplement. Sattu, a traditional Indian preparation made from roasted chickpeas, is similarly rich in nutrients but has been underexplored in terms of processing for industrial applications. Roasting techniques, aimed at improving the nutritional profile and eliminating antinutritional factors, could enhance Sattu potential in food products. Combining M. oleifera with Sattu has led to the creation of innovative products, such as cookies with enhanced nutritional properties, consumed by a majority of people. Extensive analysis has shown these products to offer significant health benefits. The economic and medicinal versatility of M. oleifera, coupled with its adaptability to adverse conditions, makes it an essential component of both traditional and modern dietary practices. Future research should explore processing techniques to maximize the potential of these nutritious resources while preserving their medicinal qualities. . KEYWORDS :Cookies, Malnutrition, Moringa oleifera, Nutritional properties, Sattu