Natural Medicine: In-Depth Exploration of Moringa oleifera’s Bioactive Compounds and Antimicrobial Effects

Abstract

The antimicrobial capabilities of Moringa oleifera have garnered significant scientific attention due to its rich array of bioactive compounds. This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of the antimicrobial activities exhibited by various components of the Moringa oleifera plant, including seeds, leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers. Notably, Moringa seeds, containing potent 4-(alpha-L-rhamanosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanates, demonstrate strong antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains, including Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungi. Furthermore, lectins within Moringa seeds interact with bacterial membranes, impeding growth and viability. Moringa leaves exhibit pronounced antimicrobial actions against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, facilitated by phenolic compounds that disrupt essential bacterial functions. Similarly, Moringa roots demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties, attributed to compounds like N-benzylethyl thioformate, presenting promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Additionally, Moringa fruits and flowers display significant antimicrobial efficacy, with bioactive compounds such as phenols and flavonoids demonstrating activity against common pathogens like Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. This in-depth analysis underscores the multifaceted antimicrobial potential of Moringa oleifera, highlighting pathways for further research and the development of novel antimicrobial agents and nutraceuticals.