**Author details**

antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effect and its ability to attenuate the hepatic

Siddhuraju and others [40] reported that leaf extracts (water, aqueous methanol, aqueous ethanol) were capable of scavenging peroxyl and superoxyl radicals. The major bioactive compounds of phenolics were found to be flavonoid groups such as quercetin and kaempferol. *Moringa* leaves are therefore potential source of natural antioxidants. The ethanol leaf extract of *Moringa oleifera* is used for hypertension [64-66]. The leaves are used as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents [64, 67-68]. Additionally, the leaves have been reported for its antitumour [69], antioxidant [46, 54, 70], radio-protective [71-72], anti-inflammatory/diuretic properties [73], antihepatotoxic [74], antifertility [75], antiurolithiatic [76] and analgesic activities [77]. Choudhary and others [78] reported that ethanolic root-bark extract of *M. oleifera* possesses valuable antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective activity in rats and thus

An old report from Southeast Asia says a decoction of bark stimulates menses and is used for "morning after" birth control. In parts of West Africa, *Moringa* leaves or juice are taken for diabetes and high blood pressure [12]. Traditionally, leaves, fruits, roots and seeds of this plant are used for treating abdominal tumors, hysteria, scurvy, paralytic attacks, helminitic, bladder,

*Moringa oleifera* possess genotoxicity at a high dose 3000 mg/kg b.wt of the powdered aqueous

Bambara groundnut is a leguminous crop with great potential of sustaining the dietary needs of many people in both rural and urban communities. This indigenous African legume have been frowned upon as a 'poor man's food', but as more information emerges on the rich nutritional profile of BGN the importance of this crop to human nutrition is becoming more evident. In our laboratory we have demonstrated that Bambara groundnut could be used to produce a probiotic beverage as well as a rich source of soluble and insoluble fibre that can be

*Moringa* could be incorporated into programs on malnutrition. With four times the betacarotene of carrot, *Moringa* has especial potential for programs dealing with avitaminosis, the vitamin A deficiency that causes 70 percent of childhood blindness. Consumption of diet supplemented with *M. oleifera* leaves could protect against diseases induced by oxidative stress. Many *Moringa* nutritional supplements exist in the market including *Moringa* dry leaf powder, capsules, nutrition shake and health booster. Perhaps using the multi mix approach of food product development more food products could be developed especially for programs

**6. Harnessing the rich nutritional and health properties of Bambara**

used to enhance the nutrition and textural properties of white bread [80-81].

stellate cells activation [63].

200 Antioxidant-Antidiabetic Agents and Human Health

can be used as source for an antiulcer drug.

prostate troubles, sores and skin infections [32].

on malnutrition.

extract. However, intake is safe at levels ≤ 1000 mg/kg b.wt. [79].

**groundnut and** *M. oleifera* **for human nutrition**

Victoria Adaora Jideani\* and Claudine Florett Diedericks

\*Address all correspondence to: jideaniv@cput.ac.za

Department of Food Technology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
