Present and potential uses of Moringa oleifera as a multipurpose plant in Guinea-Bissau

Abstract A field survey in Guinea-Bissau revealed the present uses of Moringa and the knowledge of rural populations about its properties in this West African country. Also, a market survey in Bissau assessed the moringa products traded there. The species is planted all over the country, mainly as a living fence in homegardens. The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant, primarily as food and in traditional medicine. The seeds are used to treat a few ailments. Only in recent years began the seeds and ground dried leaves to be traded in the markets and the local knowledge on the medicinal and dietary properties of moringa to increase. However, many of the uses reported in other parts of Africa remain unknown or undocumented in Guinea-Bissau. Much further potential use and dissemination of the qualities of this plant seem possible in the country.