ABSTRACT
Moringa plants are a rich source of phytochemicals and natural compounds with potential health-promoting effects in humans. Moringa has been used in folk medicine for many years, mostly as infusions from its leaves and stem barks. Nowadays, ethnopharmacological studies have shown the antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential of moringa chemicals. The main natural compounds found throughout the moringa plants are phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. These molecules have anti-obesity and antidiabetic capacity through action mechanisms, whether isolated or as raw moringa extracts. Some of them are summarized in this chapter. So far, available information needs further evidence on the precise mechanisms of action of moringa phytochemicals. We still do not know effective doses, pharmacokinetics are scarce, and toxicological reports for its safe use in humans are also needed.
