Potencialidades da moringa oleífera Lam. no semiárido nordestino brasileiro: uma revisão

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing perennial arboreal species that was introduced in Brazil in the Northeast region around 1950 and has since been cultivated in other regions of the country due to its potential to generate income. through the various applications of uses. A review of the literature on Moringa is essential to obtain an accurate view of the current status in the scientific, political and social sphere of this species, thus contributing to, complement, in future investigations, in addition to disclosing and summarizing the potential and regulations for its cultivation. is subject. The main objective of the present work was to obtain scientific information about the potential of the cultivation, production and use of the species in the semi-arid northeast of Brazil. The study was carried out through a bibliographic search in scientific databases focusing on study materials already published on the subject. From this, it was possible to obtain various information on the uses that the species can provide, starting with the leaves, which are excellent nutritional sources, providing a large amount of vitamin A, calcium, iron, vitamin C and potassium. It also has several applications as an alternative medicine and stands out as a source of forage, being an alternative for human and animal food. Its seeds can be used in water treatment and are an excellent source of oil, which has been used for the lubrication of machines, in the cosmetic industry, obtaining biodiesel, antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. In addition, Moringa is an alternative for reforestation in the Northeast, mainly in degraded and desertified areas, as it is a perennial plant resistant to drought, undemanding to the soil and tolerant to pests and diseases, and can also be used in systems with crop integration-livestock-forestry (ILPF), diversified agroforestry systems (SAF's) and forestry. In general, the species needs public and private encouragement for its cultivation and propagation, in addition to scientific and extension studies to disseminate its benefits to rural communities and the general public, considering that the potential of the species is not yet widely explored.