Moringa olifera: Nutrient Dense Food Source and World’s Most Useful Plant to Ensure Nutritional Security, Good Health and Eradication of Malnutrition

Moringa (Moringa olifera Lam.), belonging to the family Moringaceae, is a plant native to the Indian sub-continent and has become naturalised in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. Traditionally, the leaves, fruits, flowers, and immature pods of this tree are eaten in many countries. It is an economically important, multipurpose tree with immense nutritional value, containing all essential vitamins and minerals. In view of the high nutritional and nutraceutical values the aim of this study was to compile a comprehensive review on the functional nutrients of Moringa with their respective health benefits and its significant potential to address malnutrition. The majority of the research articles reviewed showed that Moringa leaves have very dense nutritional values, with highest number of antioxidants, and is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Apart from vitamins, the plant is also very rich in mineral content and contains Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. Every part of Moringa tree is nutritious. Taking Moringa leaf as a vegetable, juice or in the form of dried powder can help in curing a number of deficiencies and diseases. Regular consumption of its leaf, in various forms, can control blood pressure, blood sugar and anemia, enhance mental alertness and bone strength. Further studies on recommended daily intake and scientific consensus on therapeutic benefits are needed.

Comparative Role of X-ray Mammography and Sonography with Sonoelastography in Palpable Breast Lesions

Background: Palpable abnormalities in the breast are a major cause of concern in females from their adolescence topostmenopausal state. Majority of the palpable lesions are benign but malignant lesions are always dreadful. Imaging provides a wide spectrum of noninvasive choices for evaluating these lesions ranging from x-ray mammography to magnetic resonance mammography. Ultrasonography of breast (sonomammography) is most suitable in majority of cases and is not only noninvasive but also radiation-free. Introduction: Due to wide availability, sonomammography is the most popular imaging tool for noninvasive evaluation of palpable breast lesions. Sonoelastography, a recent advancement in the field of ultrasound imaging has added a new dimension to sonomammography allowing differentiation of benign and malignant lesions based on their stiffness. Malignant lesions are usually harder than benign lesions. Methods: Fifty female patients with palpable breast lesions were evaluated with x-ray mammography and sonomammography with sonoelastography in tandem on the same day. The results obtained were compared with final histological diagnosis in terms of benign & malignant lesions followed by statistical evaluation and conclusions. Results &Conclusions:Observations when analysed revealed higher sensitivity, specificity, positive & negative predictive values and accuracy of sonomammography than x-ray mammography. The figures further improved when sonoelastography was added to sonomammography. Based on these results, we conclude that sonoelastography should be added in the sonomammography protocol of evaluating any breast lesion not only to prevent invasive procedure but also to provide image guidance when such invasive features are indicated.