© MAY 2020 | IRE Journals | Volume 3 Issue 11 | ISSN: 2456-8880 IRE 1702285 ICONIC RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING JOURNALS 382 Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Potential of Moringa oleifera: An Integrated Review of Therapeutic Applications and Bioactive Constituents GAURAV PANDEY 1 , VINAY KUMAR VARSHNEY 2 , MANDEEP KUMAR 3 , TANMAY SINGH 4 1, 2 Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand 3 Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 4 Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Abstract- Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree, horse-radish tree, is a plant that is highly sought after and it is indigenous to the North western part of India, but is currently being grown in various parts of the world. Notable for its edible components, especially the young pods and leaves, Moringa is now harnessed in traditional medicine for its extensive benefits. Its pharmacological potentials are as diverse as its history; from infections and inflammation to diabetes, hypertension, even some cancers, this plant does it all. Recent studies have supported these folkloric uses by showing its antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti- inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. The leaves, roots, seeds, and other parts of this plant are abundant sources of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, isothiocyanates, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients are thought to explain the medicinal effects of Moringa involving its immunomodulation, tissue protection, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, laboratory tests for potential treatments of Moringa extracts on chronic diseases including cancer and diabetes in vitro and in vivo are reported to possess positive results. This chapter systematically summarizes botanical characteristics, regional distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and medicinal potential of the plant. Indexed Terms- Moringa oleifera, Phytochemicals, Antioxidant activity, Anticancer potential, Traditional medicine, Bioactive compounds I. INTRODUCTION Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species in the family Moringaceae and is also known as drumstick tree, horseradish tree, ben oil tree or simply drumstick. This hardy plant is native to the northwestern part of India and has been broadly disseminated across tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world for over 2,000 years [1]. Almost every part of the Moringa plant -leaves, pods, seeds, flowers, stems, and roots can be consumed and has been utilized in traditional diets and herbal medicine medicinal systems by different cultures [2]. Moringa has long been used to treat many health problems, such as skin diseases, respiratory and digestive problems, infections, blood-related diseases, and reproductive problems. It is commonly used for the treatment of asthma, anemia, anxiety, bronchitis, chest congestion, High BP, even tuberculosis, diabetes etc [3–5]. In many African villages, Moringa is embraced as an essential self-care remedy for individuals living with chronic diseases like diabetes, HIV/AIDS and hypertension [6]. Moringa seed oil is especially valued in the cosmetic industry for its moisturizing and skin conditioning properties. Pharmacological prospects The Moringa, extracts including water-soluble, alcohol-soluble, and hydroalcoholic have demonstrated various bioactivities. These effects encompasses antioxidant, analgesic, antihypertensive, antiulcer, tissue- protective (liver, kidney, heart), immunomodulatory and radioprotective properties [7].