Moringa oleifera: A Plant Critical for Food Security, Nutraceutical Values and Climate Change Adaptation in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region: A Review

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as miracle tree, has been suggested to be rich in its nutritional, pharmacological and immunological values in animals and humans globally. The tree is a promising option for farmers, especially in the rural areas in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region, for the sources of food and organic fertilizers and as the tools of climate change adaptation and mitigation. The purpose of the current review is to describe the nutraceutical and immunopharmacologic values of Moringa and its critical role in food security and climate change situation in the Himalayan countries including Nepal, India, Pakistan, China and others. Besides, the article presents few recommendations to upgrade the practical and theoretical approaches of conservation of this plant in these countries.