PHYTOCHEMICALSTUDIESAND MULTIPURPOSEUSESOF SEED OIL OF MORINGA OLEIFERA

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.