Moreover, the phytonutrients present in moringa are effective for preventing various medical conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, bronchial asthma, sickle cell disease, nephrotoxicity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anemia, and obesity, as well as helping to build a strong immune system. Moringa seems to be really incredible for health, doesn’t it
What Is Moringa – The “Miracle Tree”?
Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree, is a highly valued and versatile plant which belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas all over Asia, Africa, and South America. It is widely known by many other names, including Horseradish tree and Ben oil tree.
Although modern science has recently discovered its value, moringa has been imparting a multitude of benefits across various cultures since ancient times. It was valued by the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks for its medicinal impact on a range of ailments. Today, its usage has been encouraged by various humanitarian organizations to combat malnutrition and its effects in poverty-stricken regions, mainly due to its economic viability and rapid growth.
Its tree has a thick, whitish bark with droopy, fragile branches and long, green, oval-shaped leaflets. In Ayurvedic therapy, it is valued for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas, it is simply known as ‘shigru’.
Nutrition Facts
Moringa leaves and pods are a nutritional powerhouse that provides a great range and amount of essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, folate, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Its mineral wealth includes calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. It contains a very low amount of fats and offers no harmful cholesterol.
Health Benefits Of Moringa
Moringa contains an immense wealth of healthy components and phytonutrients. Due to its extraordinary and unmatched range of medicinal benefits, it was named the “miracle tree” during the food crisis in Africa. In the Philippines, it is referred to a mother’s best friend because of its galactagogic properties. The plant offers a rich blend of powerful antioxidants such as kaempferol, caffeoylquinic acid, zeatin, quercetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-sitosterol. These powerful antioxidants found in moringa possess free radical scavenging capacity and have shown its therapeutic value in curing the damage caused by oxidative stress.
The benefits of moringa include the following:
Treats Edema
Moringa extracts are beneficial in the treatment of edema. Research studies have confirmed that treatment with drumstick root extract, which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, has been significantly effective in inhibiting the development of edema. Moreover, these studies suggest that the efficacy of this herb stands equal with the potent anti-inflammatory medicine indomethacin in the treatment of such painful conditions.
Protects Liver
Moringa extracts exert a hepatoprotective effect on the liver. Research studies have validated the effectiveness of its leaves against the liver damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs as well as its stimulating effects in speeding up the recovery process. It helps to restore the levels of glutathione content in the body and prevents radiation-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation. This protective effect is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and vitamin C found in drumstick.
Treats Stomach Disorders
The isothiocyanates present in moringa are effective in the treatment of abdominal disorders such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that its extracts can be considered as an effective herbal alternative to a range of commercially available antacids and antihistamines.
Research studies have shown that treatment with moringa leads to reduced ulceration and its efficacy in curing ulcerative colitis is comparable with the commercially available drug prednisolone. It contains antibiotic and antibacterial properties and exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of various pathogens. This includes helicobacter pylori bacteria and coliform bacteria, which can trigger diarrhea. It also helps in combating obesity thanks to its high nutritional and low-fat properties. The impressive content of vitamin B in its leaves aids in digestion and converts the food into energy rather than storing it as fat.
Skin Care & Hair Care
Moringa seed oil is beneficial for the skin and hair and is effective against the infection caused by herpes simplex virus. The healing effects of this herb prevent the development of skin lesions and inhibit the formation of plaque caused by the infecting virus. The hydrating and detoxifying effects of moringa extracts help in neutralizing the effects of harmful pollutants, prevent wrinkles and slowdowns aging. The high protein content of drumstick aids in protecting the dermal cells from damage caused by heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. For the same reason, it is used in the production of cosmetics and skin care products as well. The favorable effects of moringa seed oil for hair care have been appreciated since ancient times. It is highly beneficial in protecting the hair from environmental damage, including ultraviolet radiation. It serves as a valuable conditioner for the scalp, strengthens the roots, and stimulates hair growth too.
Acts as Antibacterial Agent
It possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, and is effective against the growth of disease-causing microbes. Scientific research has proven that moringa extracts exert a wide spectrum of protective activity against food-borne microorganisms such as Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E. Coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This defensive activity makes its extracts perfect for sanitation and preservation purposes. Leaves of this plant possess anti-fungal qualities. The inhibitory effects of moringa help in preventing the growth of diseases causing contaminant fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.
Cures Cancer
Moringa is an anticancer agent and is highly valued in tumor therapy. Scientific research has demonstrated that its extracts possess chemopreventive properties attributed to the presence of the phenolic components quercetin and kaempferol. Another study has demonstrated the role of the bioactive compound niazimicin in restraining the development of cancer cells. Drumstick extracts impart chemo-modulatory effects towards curing various types of cancers such as ovarian cancer, hepatic carcinogenesis, and skin papillomagenesis by inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cancer cells and inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.
Treats Neurodegenerative Diseases
The effectiveness of moringa has been very valuable in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Research studies have shown that treatment with its extracts has the potential to alter brain monoamines like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, and it extends its protection against monoaminergic deficiencies related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves Bone Health
Moringa extracts are beneficial for maintaining healthy bones, which is attributed to the presence of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous. Its extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in the treatment of painful conditions such as arthritis, while also helping to heal various bone ailments such as mandibular or jaw bone fracture.
Boosts Immunity
The ethanolic extracts of moringa leaf help in stimulating the immune system of the body. It also helps in enhancing the cellular immune response and exerts positive effects on various other immune system values such as total leucocyte count, antibodies, and hypersensitivity reaction.
Has Immunosuppressive Properties
The seeds of moringa possess immunosuppressive properties. Deliberate immunosuppression is required to inhibit the activation of the body’s immune system in order to prevent the rejection of certain treatments, particularly organ transplants and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have demonstrated that the immunosuppressive action of drumstick seeds helps in ameliorating the production of antibodies to allow new organs and transplanted material to settle safely in the body.
Protects Cardiovascular System
Moringa extracts are helpful in the prevention of myocardial or cardiac damage, due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. They exert antidiabetic effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Research studies conducted on this subject have provided supporting evidence that proves the antiperoxidative and cardioprotective effects of moringa therapy. Treatment with it helps in inhibiting the increase in lipid peroxidation in the myocardial tissue and aids in maintaining a healthy heart.
Treats Diabetes
Research studies have demonstrated that treatment with moringa works positively towards the reduction of blood glucose, urine sugar, and urine proteins in diabetic test subjects. According to the studies, it has also shown a remarkable improvement in the hemoglobin levels and total protein content of the diabetic subjects.
Treats Asthma
The benefits of moringa plant extracts include relief from bronchial asthma and inflammation caused in the airways. The extracts of moringa seeds possess anti-allergenic qualities. Scientific research has validated the inhibitory action of moringa on the hypersensitive reactions involved in various allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis. According to research, treatment with moringa helps reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and various symptoms such as wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and contraction of the chest. It extends its protective effects against bronchial constrictions and encourages better lung function and respiration.
Moringa extracts are effective against the formation of stones in the kidney, bladder, and uterus. According to research studies, the administration of moringa root exerted anti-urolithiatic activity and resulted in a noteworthy reduction in the urinary oxalate levels. The curative effect of moringa has also shown a reduction in the formation of stone deposits and aids in regulating endogenous oxalate synthesis.
Protects against Kidney Problems
Moringa extracts exert a protective effect against nephrotoxicity, which refers to the kidney problems caused as a consequence of exposure to certain drugs or toxins. Studies have revealed that the nephroprotective effect of moringa helps in attenuating renal injuries due to its high antioxidant content. It serves as an effective bio-absorbent and helps in the removal of heavy metals and harmful toxins.
Has Anti-fertility Effects
Moringa possesses anti-fertility qualities as well. Aqueous extracts of moringa exert estrogenic activity and are beneficial in the prevention of sexual implantation in the body.
Heals Wounds
Aqueous extract of moringa possesses significant wound healing properties. Research studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the healing effects of moringa in the treatment of wounds with respect to skin-breaking strength, wound closure rate, and reduction in the scar area.
Reduces Hypertension
Moringa is effective in maintaining optimal levels of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Bioactive components such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin present in it prevent the thickening of arteries and reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension. Studies have confirmed the hypocholesterolemic effects of moringa that help in reducing a high-fat rise in the liver, kidney, and serum cholesterol levels.
Improves Eye Health
Antioxidant-rich moringa is beneficial for providing protection against retinal damage. Scientific studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the retino-protective effects of moringa in test subjects. Treatment with it helps in preventing the dilatation of retinal vessels and keeps the retinal vasculature intact. It also inhibits the thickening of capillary membranes and prevents retinal dysfunction.
Treats Anemia & Sickle Cell Disease
Moringa extracts are beneficial in the treatment of anemia and sickle cell diseases. Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the fact that treatment with moringa aids in facilitating the absorption of iron, increasing the red blood cell count and helping to maintain normal blood parameters. Recent studies have also validated the anti-sickling potential of moringa plant extracts, which is attributed to the presence of zinc and flavonols such as kaempferol, quercetin, and acacetin, as well as phenolic acids such as melilotic acid and vanillic acid.
Other Benefits
Moringa helps in improving sensory perception and memory. It possesses antiepileptic properties and helps in combating depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The anti-inflammatory properties and high vitamin content of moringa are valuable for treating scurvy and catarrhal conditions. It is useful for the regulation of thyroid hormones and is effective in curing skin infections and sores.
Culinary Use: Moringa is a “miracle tree” and most of its parts, including the leaves, bark, fruits, and roots are used as food items. Leaves of its tree can be added to salads and are also used in the preparation of sauces and soups. Cold pressed drumstick oil is used for cooking and is appreciated for its long shelf life. The immature seed pods of the moringa tree, popularly known as drumsticks in India, are used in various dishes.
Moringa leaves are a great alternative to meat, because of the high protein content, especially for vegetarians. It contains the amino acids arginine and histidine which are essential for infants and it is also a boon in combating malnutrition in the underprivileged regions of the world.
Water Purification:
Moringa extracts possess anti-cyanobacterial qualities and have been praised for their use in primitive water filtration systems. Its seeds work as a coagulant and exert flocculating effects on the clay and microorganisms present in water, thereby aiding in the removal of harmful pollutants and algae. It is a natural way of purifying and treating water, in contrast to other industrial coagulants such as alumina.
Seed Oil: Moringa seed oil has a low tendency to become rancid and is effectively used as a lubricant for fine apparatus such as watches.
Feed for Farm Animals:
Leaves of moringa trees possess excellent nutritional characteristics and are beneficial for cattle feed, both economically and nutritionally. It promotes better milk production and helps improve the quality of meat.
Plant Growth Stimulator:
Extracts from moringa leaves contain growth-enhancing properties and promote a better yield of the crop. Use of moringa helps in improving the resistance of plants towards pests and diseases.
Its extracts have been extensively used in the manufacturing of creams, ointments, oils, and moisturizers. Moringa seed cake after the extraction of the oil is also commonly used as a fertilizer.
Word of Caution
It is a highly nutritious plant and is generally safe for consumption. However, its usage for therapeutic relief should only be considered after consultation with a medical professional.
Also, the roots and bark of moringa have an abortive effect and are not recommended during pregnancy.
