Botanical and Pharmacognostic Profile of Moringa oleifera

Pulukuri Divya Bhargavi^1,*, Divya Bhargavi Avala², Pavani Gummadilli³, Siddhartha Lolla⁴

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam., a member of the Moringaceae family, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree recognised by names such as the miracle tree, horseradish tree and drumstick tree. This chapter thoroughly analyses the botanical and pharmacognostic attributes of M. oleifera — its taxonomy, morphology, microscopic features, physicochemical parameters and phytochemical constituents. Pharmacognostic profiling emphasises the abundance of bioactive components (alkaloids, phenolic acids, glycosides, sterols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, terpenes and fatty acids) and supports quality and authenticity assessment of the crude drug. The chapter provides a valuable scientific reference for academicians, researchers and pharmacognosy professionals engaged in the research and development of natural medicine.

Author Affiliations

• ¹ Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacognosy, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522510, India.
• ² Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmaceutics, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522510, India.
• ³ Research Scholar, Dept. of Industrial Pharmacy, Dr. Samuel George Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Markapur, Andhra Pradesh 523316, India.
• ⁴ Associate Professor, Dept. of Pharmacy Practice, Arya College of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India.

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