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Moringa oleifera Lam. can survive extreme growth conditions by adjusting its metabolism. Among the potential metabolites produced during adaptation are glucosinolates, which possess potential cancer chemoprotective attributes.Recent climate events, such as increased temperatures and prolonged drought, impact crop yield and quality significantly. Therefore, climate-resilient plants such as M. oleifera can be utilized in areas where crop production is adversely affected.Understanding how terroir factors and cultural practices affect the glucosinolate profile in M. oleifera is important for optimizing cultivation strategies. To achieve this, the leaves from cultivated and wild-grown mature M. oleifera plants were harvested for intact glucosinolates analysis. Prior to the analysis, preserving the plant materials to prevent the breakdown of glucosinolates was important. Given that the use of dehydration methods such as freeze drying for the leaves is expensive and laborious in developing countries like Ghana, a locally well-suited dehydration method, namely oven-drying at 40 °C for 48 h, was identified and utilized.Results showed that during the rainy season, climate parameters did not significantly influence the total glucosinolates content in all leaf materials harvested. In contrast, accession selection, harvest time, and agro-ecological zones significantly influenced the total glucosinolate content. Fertilization significantly altered the vegetative growth parameters of the cultivated accessions, but not the total glucosinolates content.In conclusion, M. oleifera proved to be well adapted to the climate in Ghana. The continued collection, storage, and use of the genetic resources of M. oleifera accessions well-adapted to stress conditions are envisaged to ensure the species' contribution towards improved food security and nutrition among vulnerable groups.

Moringa is the sole genus in the family Moringaceae used for medicinal and nutrient purposes. Morphological features, phytochemical attributes, and molecular characterization were used for the genetic association and classification among Moringa oleifera , M. peregrina , and M. stenopetala . Moringa peregrina recorded a similarity of 84% lonely and placed M. stenopetala with M. oleifera into a cluster score with a similarity of 95.3%. M. peregrina is characterized by phenolic content (243 mg/100 g), flavonoids (7 mg/100 g), and antioxidant activity (1226.85 mg/100 g). GC-MS analysis revealed that M. oleifera contained twenty compounds with 2-decenal (E) (39.14%), 2-undecenal (15.51%), nonanal (3.60%), and 2-octenal, (E) (2.48%), while M. peregrina identified eighteen compounds with 2-decenal (Z) (25.42%), 2-docecen-1-al (9.35%), and 13-Docosenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z) (4.16%). M. stenopetala identified fifteen compounds containing 2-decenal (E) (26.67%), 2-undecenal (24.10%), and nonanal (4.40%). A broad sense of similarity has been scored between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala by the phytochemical compositions, especially the similarity in the main compounds such as 2-decenal (E), 2-undecenal, and nonanal. It can be concluded that efforts need to be expanded to pay attention to study Moringa taxa, due to the rarity of Moringa peregrina , and the focus should be on sustainable utilization and conservation. The potential of these taxa would greatly benefit indigenous species in terms of their maintenance, and there is a need for more comprehensive bio-prospecting studies. Therefore, this study evaluates the variability among Moringa and highlights the significance of leaf and seed ultrastructure to provide more information and evaluate potential approaches.

This study demonstrates that Moringa oleifera Lam. exhibits morphophysiological adjustments to excess zinc, maintaining photosynthesis and cell membrane integrity through antioxidant responses and resilience to oxidative stress. The ecophysiology of tree growth under excess zinc (Zn) provides insight into tolerance and resistance mechanisms essential for survival in contaminated soils and for the restoration of areas degraded by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). We hypothesized that increasing soil Zn concentrations induce dose-dependent oxidative stress, triggering physiological and antioxidant acclimation mechanisms in Moringa oleifera Lam. This study evaluated the morphophysiological responses of M. oleifera during six months of cultivation under increasing soil Zn concentrations supplied as zinc chloride (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 ) under greenhouse conditions. Photosynthetic performance, gas exchange, stomatal traits, antioxidant metabolism, and membrane integrity were assessed. Zinc exposure increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 69% at 300 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 and raised electrolyte leakage by 122% and 141% at 200 and 300 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 , respectively, indicating oxidative damage. The number of leaflets declined by up to 58% at the highest Zn concentration, whereas stomatal structure and pheophytin indices remained preserved. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased by 33% and 28%, respectively, at 300 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 , without significant impairment of chlorophyll fluorescence or photosynthetic capacity. Functional stability was associated with compensatory responses, including a 65% increase in water-use efficiency at 200 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 and modulation of antioxidant metabolism. At moderate Zn concentrations (100 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 ), carotenoids helped mitigate oxidative damage, whereas, at higher concentrations, antioxidant defense relied predominantly on enzymatic mechanisms, with significant increases in SOD, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activities at 300 mg Zn dm⁻ 3 (965%, 883%, and 445%, respectively, compared to the control). Overall, M. oleifera demonstrates physiological acclimation and tolerance to soil Zn concentrations up to 300 mg dm⁻ 3 ; however, this tolerance is accompanied by oxidative damage and structural changes, indicating measurable physiological costs under high Zn stress. Graphical Abstract Highlights Exposure to 200–300 mg Zn dm⁻³ increases malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage in M. oleifera. Higher Zn reduces the number of leaflets, while stomatal traits, chlorophyll, and pheophytin indices remain stable. Photosynthesis is maintained through enhanced water-use efficiency, carotenoid function, and coordinated enzymatic activity. Carotenoids mitigate oxidative stress at 100 mg Zn dm⁻³, whereas SOD, CAT, and POX activities increase at 300 mg Zn dm⁻³. Reduced epicuticular wax is compensated by higher WUE and adjustment of the A/gs balance, supporting morphophysiological resilience.

Glucosinolates (GS) are metabolized to isothiocyanates that may enhance human healthspan by protecting against a variety of chronic diseases. Moringa oleifera , the drumstick tree, produces unique GS but little is known about GS variation within M . oleifera , and even less in the 12 other Moringa species, some of which are very rare. We assess leaf, seed, stem, and leaf gland exudate GS content of 12 of the 13 known Moringa species. We describe 2 previously unidentified GS as major components of 6 species, reporting on the presence of simple alkyl GS in 4 species, which are dominant in M . longituba . We document potent chemoprotective potential in 11 of 12 species, and measure the cytoprotective activity of 6 purified GS in several cell lines. Some of the unique GS rank with the most powerful known inducers of the phase 2 cytoprotective response. Although extracts of most species induced a robust phase 2 cytoprotective response in cultured cells, one was very low ( M . longituba ), and by far the highest was M . arborea , a very rare and poorly known species. Our results underscore the importance of Moringa as a chemoprotective resource and the need to survey and conserve its interspecific diversity.

Moringa stenopetala is a nutrient-dense tree crucial for combating micronutrient deficiencies in arid regions. This study investigated the effects of supplemental irrigation on leaf biomass yield and nutritional composition of M. stenopetala in the Kobo district, eastern Ethiopia. A randomized complete block design was employed with irrigation intervals of 10, 15, and 30 days, plus a rain-fed control. Leaf harvests occurred at 21 and 26 months after planting. Irrigation at 10- and 15-day intervals significantly increased dry leaf biomass yield compared to the control, with the 10-day interval yielding the highest (0.77 and 0.56 t/ha in first and second harvests, respectively). These intervals also improved growth parameters like plant height and branch number. Proximate and mineral analysis revealed that the leaves were rich in fat (11.7–13.8%), ash (5.9–6%), and fiber (9.7–10.6%), and contained substantial amounts of iron and zinc. Notably, the nutritional composition remained consistent across irrigation treatments and aligned with WHO standards, despite variations in biomass. Anti-nutritional factors (phytate and tannin) were present but did not vary significantly with irrigation. We conclude that while supplemental irrigation significantly enhances leaf biomass production, it does not alter the fundamental nutrient profile of M. stenopetala leaves. For optimal leaf production, irrigation every 10 days is recommended where water is abundant; otherwise, a 15-day interval is a viable, water-efficient alternative.

Climate change, food scarcity, salt stress, and a rapidly growing population are just a few of the significant global challenges. In arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, salt stress is a significant negative factor that can reduce seed germination and seedling growth, ultimately leading to decreased plant growth and crop productivity. Seaweed extracts are used as nutrient supplements or biofertilizers in agriculture to increase plant growth and yield. In this study, we examined the beneficial effects of foliar applications of seaweed extracts from Turbinaria ornata and Actinotrichia fragilis on the growth and performance of Moringa oleifera under salt stress (up to 300 mM) in a greenhouse. Exposure of Moringa to salinity stress resulted in an overall decrease in growth and the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and soluble sugars, versus an increase in phenolic content. However, foliar application of A. fragilis and T. ornata extracts significantly improved the growth and physiology of Moringa under salt stress, with T. ornata exhibiting greater effectiveness. This study demonstrates that seaweed-based biofertilizers can enhance plant productivity while reducing reliance on chemical inputs, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for agriculture.

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing alfalfa hay with whole plants of Moringa oleifera (MO) and Moringa peregrina (MP) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) for growing Hari lambs under arid conditions. Sixty male lambs were allocated to five dietary treatments: T1) alfalfa-based control(, T2) MO-based(, T3 ) MP-based(, T4) alfalfa + MO( and T5) alfalfa + MP) over an 84-day feeding trial. Growth performance (ADG, final BW, and FCR) was not significantly affected ( P  > 0.05) by dietary inclusion of MO or MP, despite a significant reduction ( P  < 0.05) in average daily feed intake in MO treatments. Apparent nutrient digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF was unaffected ( P  > 0.05), except for a significant decrease ( P  < 0.05) in ether extract digestibility in Moringa diets. Rumen fermentation parameters revealed stable pH and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations across treatments; however, individual VFA profiles varied significantly ( P  < 0.05), with MP elevating acetic acid and branched-chain VFAs (isobutyrate, isovalerate), and MO increasing butyric acid concentrations. Colorimetric analysis of rumen epithelium demonstrated and association between increased lightness (L*) in Moringa-fed lambs and higher concentration of branched-chain VFAs ( r  = 0.551 and 0.487 for isobutyrate and isovalerate, respectively) and negatively correlated was observed with propionate ( r = -0.793, P  < 0.001). These data indicate that whole Moringa plants are effective alternative fibre sources capable of replacing alfalfa hay in pelleted lamb diets without detrimental effects on growth or major nutrient digestibility, while modulating ruminal fermentation pathways and epithelial tissue pigmentation. Further histopathological and biochemical investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning rumen epithelial color changes associated with dietary Moringa inclusion.

Trees of Moringa oleifera are the most widely exploited species of Moringa and proteins extracted from its seeds have been identified as the most efficient natural coagulant for water purification. Largely for climatic reasons, other Moringa species are more accessible in some regions and this paper presents a comparative study of the adsorption to different materials of the proteins extracted from seeds of Moringa peregrina and Moringa oleifera to explore their use as flocculating agents in regions where each is more readily accessible. Results showed that Moringa peregrina seed proteins had higher adsorption to alumina compared to silica, in contrast to opposite behavior for Moringa oleifera . Both species provide cationic proteins that can act as effective coagulants for the various impurities with different surface potential. Despite the considerable similarity of the amino acid composition, the seed proteins have significantly different adsorption and this presents the opportunity to improve processes by choosing the optimal species or combination of species depending on the type of impurity or possible development of separation processes.

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular functional foods that has been tremendously exploited for synthesis of a vast majority of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The diverse secondary metabolites present in this plant turn it into a green tool for synthesis of different NPs with various biological activities. In this review, we discussed different types of NPs including silver, gold, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide NPs produced from the extract of different parts of M. oleifera. Different parts of M. oleifera take a role as the reducing, stabilizing, capping agent, and depending on the source of extract, the color of solution changes within NP synthesis. We highlighted the role of polyphenols in the synthesis of NPs among major constituents of M. oleifera extract. The different synthesis methods that could lead to the formation of various sizes and shapes of NPs and play crucial role in biomedical application were critically discussed. We further debated the mechanism of interaction of NPs with various sizes and shapes with the cells, and further their clearance from the body. The application of NPs made from M. oleifera extract as anticancer, antimicrobial, wound healing, and water treatment agent were also discussed. Small NPs show better antimicrobial activity, while they can be easily cleared from the body through the kidney. In contrast, large NPs are taken by the mono nuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells. In case of shape, the NPs with spherical shape penetrate into the bacteria, and show stronger antibacterial activity compared to the NPs with other shapes. Finally, this review aims to correlate the key characteristics of NPs made from M. oleifera extract, such as size and shape, to their interactions with the cells for designing and engineering them for bio-applications and especially for therapeutic purposes. Graphical Abstract

Moringa oleifera, also known as the “tree of life” or “miracle tree,” is classified as an important herbal plant due to its immense medicinal and non-medicinal benefits. Traditionally, the plant is used to cure wounds, pain, ulcers, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. This review aims to compile an analysis of worldwide research, pharmacological activities, phytochemical, toxicological, and ethnomedicinal updates of Moringa oleifera and also provide insight into its commercial and phytopharmaceutical applications with a motive to help further research. The scientific information on this plant was obtained from various sites and search engines such as Scopus, Pub Med, Science Direct, BMC, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases. Articles available in the English language have only been referred for review. The pharmacological studies confirm the hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts from the various plant parts. It was found that bioactive constituents are present in every part of the plant. So far, more than one hundred compounds from different parts of Moringa oleifera have been characterized, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, vitamins, glycosides, and terpenes. In addition, novel isolates such as muramoside A&B and niazimin A&B have been identified in the plant and have potent antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and nutritional effects. The traditional and nontraditional use of Moringa, its pharmacological effects and their phytopharmaceutical formulations, clinical studies, toxicity profile, and various other uses are recognized in the present review. However, several traditional uses have yet to be scientifically explored. Therefore, further studies are proposed to explore the mechanistic approach of the plant to identify and isolate active or synergistic compounds behind its therapeutic potential.