Moringa oleifera Leaf-Based Gummies: Formulation Optimisation and Impact on Health – A Review

Abstract

Abstract

Moringa oleifera leaves are nutrient-dense and rich in phenolics, flavonoids and glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates, yet their bitter, grassycharacter limits acceptance as a dietary supplement. Gummies, a chewable and palatable dosage form, offer a route to deliver moringa to children,adolescents and adults who avoid tablets or capsules. This review examines how moringa leaf powder and extract have been incorporated intogummy-type formulations, how formulation variables have been optimised, and what health evidence supports the intended benefits. Publishedformulation studies indicate that gelling-agent type and concentration are the dominant determinants of texture, swelling, syneresis and dissolutiontime. In a leaf-powder system, 10% gelatin and 1.5% pectin gave the most satisfactory physical characteristics, whereas sucrose and propyleneglycol concentrations modulated elasticity and firmness in extract-based gummies. Factorial and response-surface designs are the most suitableoptimisation tools, but only simple factorial and completely randomised designs have been reported so far. Evidence for antioxidant, glycaemic,lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects derives mainly from in vitro and animal work, with a few small human studies using leaf powder;to our knowledge, no clinical trial of a moringa gummy has been reported. Safety data at dietary doses are reassuring, but standardisation of leafmaterial, retention of bioactives in the finished gummy, sugar content and stability remain unresolved. A quality-by-design framework linkingmaterial attributes, process parameters and quality attributes is proposed, together with priorities for clinical evaluation.