Drumstick (Moringa Oleifera Lam.): A Universal Agent against Micronutrient Malnutrition

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency is the major cause of concern towards children and women health in all across the world, particularly in poor communities. Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.), native of Indian subcontinent, has been proposed as one of the potential tools against micronutrient associated deficiencies in marginal communities. It is a hardy tree and common in home gardens, avenues and farm bunds in tropical regions. Leaves, fruits, tender twigs, bark and roots are used as vegetable, medicine and functional foods. It is a rich source of easily bioavailable micronutrients, vitamin A and C, amino acids and antioxidants. But, lot of ambiguity in reports on nutrient content in drumstick leaves across the countries need to be reviewed for supporting the claim of drumstick as universal tool against micronutrient deficiencies. The review highlights the calorie, calcium, iron and vitamin A and C in drumstick leaves across different countries and also presents the health uses for devising food based strategies with drumstick for alleviating micronutrient deficiencies.