3662-3672
PHYTOCHEMICALSTUDIESAND MULTIPURPOSEUSESOF SEED OIL OF MORINGA OLEIFERA
Authors: Sanhita Padhi
Number of views: 619
Moringa is the single genus under the family Moringaceae. The colour of the refined Moringa Seed
Oil is clear, light yellow and odorless. The powerful and exceptional anti-aging properties of this oil
provide nutrition to the skin and relieve ageing signs. Moringa Oil contains four times as much
collagen as carrot oil, thus helping to rebuild the skin’s collagen fibers, which reduces wrinkling and
removes skin blemishes. Many antioxidants and nutrients present in Moringa oil inhibit activities of
free radicals on the skin causing damage to skin tissue paving the way for skin wrinkles. It cleans
acne-prone skin, reduces signs of aging, firms’ skin and promotes elasticity. Moringa contains a
range of unique phytochemicals containing simple sugars, rhamnose and rich in compounds called
glucosinolates and iso-thiocyanates. The seeds of Moringa oleifera contain phytochemicals like
glycolides, alkaloids, flavonoids and carbohydrates. Seed coat of Moringa oleifera contains alkaloids,
triterpenoids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, cardiac glycoside, phytosterols and tannins. Anthraquinones,
a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds, showing laxative propertiesare plentily available
in M. oleifera leaves. The seeds contain Moringyne, 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanate &
several amino acids. Moringa oleifera oil is considered as potential feed stock for biodiesel. Moringa
seed oil is well suited for cosmetics production as it is exceptionally stable at high temperatures. The
oil contain a percentage yield of 26.9%, specific gravity of 1.1827, saponification value 187.5,
indicatingthe presence of long carbon chain and can be used in making soap.Due to its resistance to
rancidity and enfleurage property, it is highly valuedin the perfume industry and hair dressings. 74%
oleic acid content in Moringaoil enables it for improved oxidation stability and thus act as a good
base fluids. Moringa oleifera also has numerous medicinal uses, which have long been recognized in
the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. The presence of flavonoids in the oil is recognized to
have antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects which may protect the body from various diseases and
disorders. M. oleifera also have many pharmacological activities such as: anti-cancer, antiinflammatory,
antidiabetic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, strongly inhibiting the growth of
Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella species and Candida albicans. It is also
hepatoprotective.
Key words: Moringa Oil, anti-aging properties, collagen, antioxidants, phytochemicals, sugars,
rhamnose, glucosinolates, iso-thiocyanates, glycolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, cardiac