Review Article
    Pharmacognosy Reviews
    Vol. 17
    Issue 34
    2023
    pp. 426-438
    Open Access

    Exploring Genetic Variation and Therapeutic Properties of Moringa oleifera: Progress and Future Potential for Crop Improvements

    Adina Frank Peter1,Alina Wagiran1,Zaidah Rahmat1,Mohd Rafii Yusop2,Raihana Ridzuan1,3
    1Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Skudai, Johor, MALAYSIA.
    2Laboratory of Climate- Smart Food Crop Production, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
    1Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Skudai, Johor, MALAYSIA., 3 Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Pagoh, Johor, MALAYSIA.
    Correspondence:

    *Raihana Ridzuan

    Department of Biosciences Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Skudai, Johor, MALAYSIA.

    raihana.r@utm.my

    Copyright:

    2023 Author(s)

    Check for updates
    Published:27/11/2023
    Received: 06/07/2023
    Accepted: 17/10/2023

    Abstract

    Among 13 species of Moringa, Moringa oleifera is the most extensively explored and cultivated species around the world. This species is considered a miracle plant due to some impressive properties that are worth mentioning, apart from their drought-resistant and fast-growing characteristics. Nevertheless, the rapidly growing population has raised concerns for global food security for improved yield and nutritious crops. In this review, we describe the varieties and ecotypes of M. oleifera evidence from different countries associated with their genetic variability and phytochemical properties. Genetic variation happens due to several factors but is mainly caused by a variety of geographical factors resulting in the formation of subspecies, races, and ecotypes. The variation pattern of Moringa can be acknowledged through molecular screening and not limited to morphological and phytochemical features instead. Molecular markers such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR), Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP) can be a useful tool in genetic diversity to indicate the presence of intraspecific variation of M. oleifera at molecular level. The phytochemical variability of M. oleifera according to their potent compounds has also been conversing with respect to their plant parts. Both molecular and phytochemical evidence provided can be utilized for the future development of this crop with improved yield and quality characters.

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    Keywords

    Genetic variability
    Miracle tree
    Molecular markers
    Moringa oleifera
    Phytochemicals
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