Moringa oleifera as a next-generation bio-based material for environmental remediation and circular economy systems

This review paper examines the potential role of Moringa oleifera (MO) in advancing the circular economy by documenting its applications across the food, health, and environmental sectors. Unlike conventional studies that focus on isolated applications, this review presents an integrated perspective that links the environmental, nutritional, and therapeutic domains within a circular economy framework. As a resilient multipurpose crop, MO is attracting global attention with 4582 publications (1960-2025). Botanically adapted to altitudes up to 2000 m and rainfall as low as 250 mm, MO combines high yield (15,000-25,000 seeds per tree/annum) with exceptional carbon sequestration capacity, up to 20× greater than average vegetation. Its seeds contain 30 to 40% oil, and the seed waste can be coupled with SiO2 for bio-lubricant production. Life cycle assessments highlight MO leaf-based value chains as the lowest environmental burden, while by-product valorisation strengthens circular bioeconomy models. The seed's coagulant protein (3-60 kDa) can remove turbidity, pathogens, and heavy metals, achieving WHO-compliant drinking water. However, variations in extraction methods, dosage ranges, and operational conditions significantly influence treatment efficiency, indicating the need for standardisation and optimisation. Nutritionally, dry leaves contain 29% protein, 2185 mg calcium, and 25.6 mg iron per 100 g, enabling their use in fortified foods and livestock feed. Phytochemical richness, including quercetin, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates, underpins antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. In cosmetics, moringa oil, comprising 70-75% oleic acid and tocopherols, supports stable formulations for skin care. By consolidating botanical, biochemical, and applied evidence, this review positions MO as a scientifically validated bioresource at the interface of nutrition, medicine, environmental, and sustainable development, while also identifying future research needs such as life cycle assessment and process integration.