Moringa oleifera Lam., commonly known as moringa or drumstick tree, is a multipurpose plant belonging to the family Moringaceae and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the different parts of the plant, the leaves have attracted considerable attention because of their high nutritional density, diverse phytochemical composition, functional properties and potential applications in food and nutraceutical products. Moringa leaves provide proteins, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids and several biologically active compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. However, their nutritional and functional characteristics are strongly influenced by harvesting stage, storage and processing conditions. Conventional processing operations such as blanching, boiling, drying and fermentation can improve shelf life and handling characteristics, although inappropriate thermal treatment may reduce heat-sensitive nutrients and phytochemicals. Drying is particularly important because it enables conversion of fresh leaves into a stable powder that can be incorporated into different food products.

Recent studies indicate that freeze-drying generally provides better retention of several phytochemicals and antioxidant properties than conventional drying, although its higher cost limits large-scale application. Moringa leaf powder has been investigated as a functional ingredient in bakery products, pasta, noodles, beverages, soups, dairy products and other food formulations. Incorporation at moderate levels can improve protein, fibre, mineral and antioxidant content, whereas excessive incorporation may adversely affect colour, flavour, texture and consumer acceptability. Experimental and clinical research also indicates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial and lipid-modulating activities associated with moringa leaves. Nevertheless, much of the medicinal evidence remains based on laboratory and animal studies, and larger, well-controlled human clinical trials are required before therapeutic claims can be established. This review discusses the processing methods, nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, medicinal potential, safety considerations and food applications of moringa leaves, with emphasis on their potential as a sustainable functional food ingredient.