Review on biological and immunomodulatory properties of Moringa oleifera in animal and human nutrition

Moringa oleifera, also called "miracle tree" or "tree for life" is a tree native from India. Highly resistant to drought, M. oleifera grows very well in tropical regions, including Benin. It is a plant with very high nutritional values. The different parts of the plant (leaves, fruiots, seeds, roots, bark and flowers) have multiple uses, both therapeutic and nutritional, with uses in human and animals. The leaves for example, are rich in minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds like phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and alkaloids. It is reported that M. oleifera had anaphylactic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties. The present study focuses on the biological properties of Moringa so that it can be used in the treatment of viral diseases in chicken. Key words: Moringa oleifera, bioactive compounds, biological properties.