Extraction, structural properties, and bioactivities of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) isothiocyanates: A review

Moringa, a medicinal and edible plant, is rich in extremely high levels of nutrients and several active ingredients. Moringa isothiocyanates (MITC) are the key bioactive components of Moringa, which could be utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review aims to highlight the research progress in the extraction methods, isolation and purification processes of MITC. The structure properties of MITC and the metabolism of the compounds are described in detail. The bioactivities of MITC are summarized as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, relieve pain, anti-obesity potential, and other activities. In order to bring MITC into the food and pharmaceutical fields as early as possible, bioavailability, safety and toxicity deserve high attention. Therefore, six sections are reviewed in terms of extraction, structural properties, bioactivity, structure-bioactivity and bioavailability relationships of MITC, safety and toxicity, and applications in food and biomedical industries. It is expected that the mass production of MITC, which originated in India and is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America, will be achieved on a larger scale and that new insights will be gained for the development of new resource foods and new clinical drugs.