Moringa: as wellbeing of Livestock
Dr. Smeer Meharania1, Dr. Rakesh Kumar2, Dr. Vipin C. Bairwa3, Dr. Sandeep Kumar4, Dr. Kamal Meena5
Introduction
Moringa, a native plant from Africa and Asia, and the most widely cultivated species in Northwestern India, is the sole genus in the family Moringaceae. It is commonly known as ‘drumstick tree’ or ‘horse radish tree’. The common name of moringa in indian subcontinent is Munaga, Munaga ara, Sahijna, Sarinjna, Segra, Shajmah and Shajna. It consists of thirteen species, from tiny herbs to large trees that are native to tropical and subtropical regions. Moringa oleifera is the species that is most frequently farmed. The nutritious pods, leaves, and flowers of the Moringa oleifera species are grown for food, medicine, cosmetic oil, and animal feeds.
It is a successful treatment for animal malnutrition. Moringa Oleifera is sometimes regarded to as a panacea and has been utilized for centuries by Indians and Africans in herbal medicine to treat more than 300 disorders. Moringa is said to offer a variety of biological activities, including protection against stomach ulcers, antidiabetic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory benefits. These biological actions are described in the plant’s roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit (pods), flowers, seeds, and seed oil. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to enhance renal, hepatic, and thyroid hormone control.
Asthma, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, influenza, heartburn, syphilis, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, headaches, scurvy, skin conditions, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, and headache can all be treated with moringa leaves. Additionally, it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and functions as a neuroprotectant, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-atherosclerotic agent.
Properties of Moringa
The plant’s leaves, that are the most widely utilized component, are a source of numerous nutrients, including vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, lucosinolates, isothiocyanates, tannins, and saponins. The leaves of the moringa oleifera plant are utilized generally for human nourishment, which is frequently lacking among communities living in underdeveloped nations.
- Moringa’s fresh leaves are a good source of vitamin A. It is well known that vitamin A plays crucial roles in cell differentiation, immunological function, embryonic growth and development, and eyesight. Additionally, leaves have vitamin C and vitamin E, which work as antioxidants and shield the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, pollution, and poisons.
- Moringa’s dried leaves are a viable source of polyphenol compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Consumption of flavonoids has been found to protect against chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids are produced by plants in response to microbial infections.
- Moringa contains a potent antioxidant called quercetin, which has a wide range of medicinal uses. It can minimize oxidative stress and apoptosis in insulin-producing pancreatic cells and reduce hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
- Plants contain natural phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Among the main phenolic acids in moringa, chlorogenic acid, is related in the metabolism of glucose. It decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis by inhibiting the liver’s glucose-6-phosphate translocase. Alkaloids, gelatin, and other proteins precipitate from tannins, which are phenolic compounds that are water soluble. As according research, tannins have qualities that treat cancer, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and hepatotoxicity.
- Phenolic acids and flavonoids also influence β-cell mass and function and raise insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, which all have an impact on glucose homeostasis. Additionally, pancreatic amylase and intestinal sucrase activity is to some extent inhibited by phenolic substances, flavonoids, and tannins. The presence of terpenoids, which are involved in the activation of β-cells and the subsequent production of insulin, may be the cause of the moringa leaves’ hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects. Flavonoids have also been demonstrated to have a significant part in the hypoglycemic action.
- The bioactive β-sitosterol found in moringa leaves also has been shown to have cholesterol lowering properties. By attaching to this molecule and to bile acids, saponins, which are also present in leaves, prevented the absorption of cholesterol and have anti-cancer capabilities.
- Leaves can be employed in patients with inflammatory illnesses, such as cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, due to the high quantities of antioxidants they contain. It has been demonstrated that the β-carotene in moringa leaves functions as an antioxidant.
- Studies on moringa leaves have revealed that they can diminish drug-induced liver and kidney damage by lowering plasma levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and creatinine.
- The fibrous pods of the moringa tree are useful for treating colon cancer and digestive issues, and its leaves also have a low caloric content, making them suitable for inclusion in the diets of obese individuals.
- In order to treat anaemia, moringa powder can be used in place of iron supplements. However, a moringa overdose may result in a significant iron accumulation. Digestive distress can be brought on by high iron.
- Considering that it has been demonstrated to enhance spatial memory, moringa is used to treat dementia. The leaf extracts have been found to enhance cholinergic function and memory by reducing acetylcholine esterase activity.
- Moringa seeds can serve as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents and are useful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, viral arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramps, epilepsy, and sexually transmitted illnesses. The moringa seedcakes can be used for green manure or fertiliser, and the seeds can be utilised to make biodiesel and cosmetics.
- Moringa pods are utilized to treat diarrhoea, liver and spleen issues, joint pain, and as a cardiovascular stimulant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory agent.
- The flowers of the moringa tree have hypocholesterolemic, anti-arthritic, and anti-cold properties.
Conclusion
Small and medium-sized farmers can use moringa to strengthen and sustain their livestock systems by overcoming feed shortages of high quality. The moringa plant can consistently produce a significant amount of biomass in tropical dry forests. Large amounts of ensiled moringa can be fed to dairy cows without having any negative effects on their nutrient intake or digestibility. A diet high in moringa silage produces milk with excellent organoleptic qualities. Protein can be added to low-quality fodder by using moringa leaf meal. Dairy cow commercial concentrate ingredients can be successfully replaced, and dairy animal productivity can be improved.
Designations:–
1&5. Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry, M.B. Veterinary College, Dungarpur (Raj).
2 &3. Veterinary Officer,Jaisalmer & Jalore (Raj).
4.Teaching Associate, CVAS Navania Udaipur (Raj).
