Applications and Uses of Moringa Oleifera Seeds for Water Treatment, Agricultural Fertilization, and Nutraceuticals

Moringa oleifera has been recognized for its adaptability, nutritional richness, and multipurpose potential, particularly in resource-limited regions. While most research has focused on its leaves, moringa seeds remain underutilized despite their broad applicability in the environmental, agricultural, and food sectors. This review systematically and critically examines recent scientific literature on the use of M. oleifera seeds across these fields, emphasizing their functional value, applications, and challenges for sustainable use. The review follows the SALSA methodology (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis), a structured and iterative framework designed to identify, evaluate, and integrate scientific evidence from diverse sources. The analysis encompasses three main areas: (i) water treatment, where moringa seed extracts have achieved turbidity removal efficiencies above 90% and effective adsorption of dyes and potentially toxic elements; (ii) agriculture, where seed-derived fertilizers improve soil fertility, nutrient availability, and crop yield compared to conventional inputs; and (iii) the food industry, where moringa seed derivatives enhance the nutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of bakery, beverage, and oil-based products. Overall, M. oleifera seeds emerge as a versatile and sustainable resource with proven potential as a natural coagulant, biofertilizer, and nutraceutical ingredient. By integrating findings from both English and Spanish language studies, this work highlights their contribution to sustainable water management, agricultural productivity, and food innovation, while emphasizing the need for further safety evaluation and process optimization to support large-scale application.