Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a tree native to India and cultivated in all the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is considered the “miracle tree” because all its parts (leaves, flowers, fruits, wood, and seeds) are used mainly for their pharmacological and nutritional properties. As an example, crushed seeds are known for their very high capacity to purify drinking water and are used to obtain important quantities of drinking water from rivers.
Moringa Oleifera seed extract is a yellow liquid with a characteristic odor, soluble in water, and insoluble in oils and fats. It purifies the skin and improves other cleansing agents' effectiveness in the formulation.
Moringa seeds extract also protects the skin against the harmful effects of cigarette smoke and heavy metals like cadmium and mercury common in urban environments. It improves dermal fibroblasts' vitality, preserving the skin's natural beauty, youth, and resilience.
Thanks to its anti-pollution and purifying effects Moringa Oleifera seed extract is used in many skincare applications including creams, gels, make-up, face masks, make-up removers, tonics, liquid soaps, and wet wipes.What is Moringa?
The Latin name of the “miracle tree” is Moringa oleifera or Moringa pterygosperma. In regions of Africa, it is called Nebeday, the tree that never dies. It is also called horse-radish tree, for a condiment prepared from its roots, or drumstick tree, because of its long, slender seed pods. Moringa is a fast-growing tree: it can reach 5 to 12 meters in one year. Native to India, it is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world, on three continents, and in more than 50 countries.
Why is Moringa considered a “miracle tree?”
Because all its parts are used, especially for their pharmacological and nutritional properties. Leaves are edible and can be processed and used in traditional medicine to treat many health issues. The fruits are mainly used as a spice or cooked with vegetables. Flowers produce nectar and have anti-inflammation properties. The wood provides a blue dye and is used as fuel.
The well-known healing and purification properties of Moringa fit well with the current market interest in holistic and Ayurvedic approaches to personal care products. Moringa seeds are rich in proteins and oil.
Moringa seeds are also used in tropical regions for water purification. After crushing, the seeds are mixed with river water and allowed to stand. The flocculation of particles and bacteria (e.g. E. coli) in suspension is spectacular, producing clear, pure drinking water.
The use of Moringa seeds in water treatment facilities for entire villages has been investigated in pilot studies. Thus, this tree offers very interesting opportunities for the development of skin and hair care active ingredients. The seeds were selected as a starting point because they contain both valuable oil and proteins.Related ingredients
