Most Recent Research Progress in Moringa oleifera: Bioactive Phytochemicals and Their Correlated Health Promoting Effects

 Food Reviews International, 2023

Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is a fast-growing and esculent plant with high nutritional and medicinal values. Traditionally, M. oleifera has been applied to treat anaemia, asthma, pain in joints, headaches, diarrhoea and so forth. Phytochemical studies have manifested that more than 300 components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, alkaloids, lignans, glucosinolates, carotenoids, proteins, fats, minerals, and so on, are present in different parts of M. oleifera. Simultaneously, M. oleifera has exhibited extensive notable pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, etc. Consequently, on the one hand, this work aims to comprehensively and holistically review the nutritional components, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities on various parts of M. oleifera, as well as its applications in functional food products and medicines. On the other hand, this work also looks forward to the new prospects and the future developments in the research of M. oleifera, and thus provides valuable insights for the follow-up and in-depth studies of this multifunctional tree.

Polyphenols: A first evidence in the synergism and bioactivities

 Food Rev. Int. 2022

Polyphenols are natural compounds and the most plentiful with synergistic properties contributing to potential health benefits. This review describes the synergistic interactions of polyphenolic compounds; as yet, no literature review has been undertaken to consider the experimental evidence of synergistic effects of polyphenols. The polyphenolic compounds claimed to have synergistic activities are highly effective against oxidation, peptic ulcers, myocardial infarction, tumors, and a variety of other conditions. In addition, anticancer activity via apoptosis and antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic behaviors have also been reported. Apart from the synergistic effects of polyphenols, this review also illustrates their specific health benefits too and bioavailability in humans. The toxicity of some polyphenolic agents, including antinutritional effects, chronic nephrotoxicity, reduction in net protein utilization and antiluteinizing hormone, and tumor development, is also evaluated. Synergistic treatment approaches may be effective in the treatment of many diseases. These findings provide information about the benefits of polyphenol compounds in combination, which could be useful for future studies.