The medicinal information on <i>Moringa oleifera lam</i> (<i>Moringaceae</i>)

Abstract

This study investigated the medicinal information on Moringa oleifera lam (moringaceae). An investigation into the medicinal information on Moringa oliefera showed that the entire plant has not only antibacterial and antiviral properties but al so possess es analgesic potentials. Although, the differentiation between food and medicinal uses of the plant (e.g. bark, fruit, leaf, nut, seed, root and flower) is very difficult because the plant uses span both  categories, the extract from the bark of the root is effective in healing wounds, boils and skin diseases. The crude water extract of the bark is used to cure high blood pressure, headaches, bronchitis, digestive disorder, jaundice, beriberi and rheumatism. A combination of the root, leaf and fruit is not only used to cure epilepsy but has  antispasmodic properties. The leaf is very effective in dropsy, scurvy, constipation and convulsion. The seed is used not only to cure diarrhea and dysentry but as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and for prolonging sexual activity in women. The ashes from the root is effective in splenosis. This investigation revealed that Moringa oleifera is therefore endowed with potential plant resources hence there is the need for its commercial cultivation, conservation and processing especially in Nigeria where the majority are now seeking health remedies from phytomedicine.

Key Words: Medicinal, Information, Moringa, oleifera, Moringaceae, Plant, resources.