Status and utilisation of Moringa oleifera Lam: A review

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a medium-size agroforestry tree that originated from south Asia, but has become naturalised in many countries globally. Moringa oleifera has gained importance due to its multipurpose uses and good adaptability to both humid and dry climates. Almost all parts of the plant are used. The species is considered as a neglected and underutilised as its potential is still not well economically known and valued. This review presents the status and factors responsible for underutilisation of this, otherwise important crop as a basis for formulation of viable development strategies of knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, diverse utilisations, nutritional value, socioeconomic importance, morphological and genetic diversity, domestication, propagation and management of M. oleifera. Knowledge gaps, and research and development avenues are suggested and discussed for improved valorisation. To that purpose, articles were searched in Google Scholar, Web of Science and BioMed Central database with relevant keywords on M. oleifera. All the articles found, including reviews and peer-reviewed articles were critically read and analysed for inclusion in this review. Findings revealed that the species is one of the most studied and used species with various uses stretching from food and medicinal uses to water purification, biopesticide and production of biodiesel. Findings also highlight high morphological and genetic diversity of the species, which may become a resource for the conservation and the selection of germplasm. However, many aspects of the species are still waiting for further research. Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) est un arbre de taille moyenne originaire du sud de l'Asie, mais naturalisé dans de nombreux pays d'Afrique, d'Asie, d'Amérique et d'Australie. M. oleifera jouit d'une grande importance en raison de ses multiples usages et de sa bonne adaptabilité aux climats humides et secs. Les feuilles du Moringa sont parmi les légumes à feuilles les plus promus pour assurer la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle des mères et des nourrissons dans les pays en développement. Presque toutes les parties de la plante sont utilisées en médecine. Jusqu'à présent, l'espèce est considérée comme négligée et sous-utilisée car son potentiel n'est toujours pas bien valorisé. Cet article résume l'état actuel des connaissances sur la taxonomie, la distribution, les utilisations diverses, la valeur nutritionnelle, l'importance socioéconomique, la