Moringa Root: Comparative Phytochemical Profile, Bioactive, Medicinal Properties, and Agricultural Applications – A Review

Abstract

The nutritional and medicinal importance of the Moringa oleifera Lam. is long-established; however, the root is relatively unexplored irrespective of its unique anatomical and phytochemical properties. The present systematic review summarizes available literature on the comparative phytochemical profile, structural specialization, pharmacological activity, and agro-industrial prospects of roots of the moringa plant. M. oleifera has an adapted taproot system with increased storage tissues, which provide drought resistance and the ability to accumulate a wide range of metabolites. Phytochemical studies have recognized various bioactive compounds, which comprise alkaloids, i.e., moringin and moringinine, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and
terpenoids. It has been shown to have important antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti- ulcer, anticancer, and insecticidal properties exhibiting low levels of toxicity in pre-clinical models. Root extracts have also shown potential in the case of the use of water purification and sustainable control of pests. Although these results are promising, the lack of uniformity in phytochemical profiles and the scarcity of clinical validation highlight the need to standardize extraction processes, develop more sophisticated metabolomic analysis, and to carry out extensive toxicological and mechanistic analyses. M. oleifera root is anunderutilized but promising bioresource that has a high potential for pharmaceutical and agricultural innovations.