A comprehensive review on the biotechnological intervention for deciphering the pharmacological and other multifarious properties of miracle tree Moringa oleifera

Abstract Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), a fast-growing medium-sized tree, is extensively grown in many countries in Asia, North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia/Oceania with a semi-arid climate. The miracle MO has a wide range of culinary, nutraceutical, pharmacological and phytochemical properties and is one of the most extensively researched tree species. Largely, the pharmacological applications of various bioactive phytochemicals from M. oleifera have been based on anecdotes and the mechanistic details governing their activities have been elusive. Therefore, there has been a much-needed paradigm shift from anecdotes to empirical evidence. The draft genome sequence of MO in 2015 was a significant development and a prelude for various basic and applied studies by employing state-of-the-art biotechnological interventions. This review presents a critical analysis of the emerging biotechnological advances made in MO comprising studies on the whole genome and chloroplast genome, identification of transcription factors (TFs), genes involved in metabolic pathways, miRNAs, and novel proteins. These studies provided a fillip for the improvement of commercially viable traits and elucidation of the intricate molecular mechanisms governing a vast repertoire of pharmacological and other attributes in MO.