Moringa is locally known as Nevedie (wollof) or Nebedieyo (Mandinka). It is widely cultivated for its young seed pods and leaves, used as vegetables and for traditional herbal medicine. It is also used for water purification.
Nutrition
Various parts of moringa are edible:
- Immature seed pods, called “drumsticks”
- Leaves
- Mature seeds
- Oil pressed from seeds
- Flowers
- Roots
The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and protein.
Traditional medicine and research
The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers are used in traditional medicine. Research has examined how it might affect blood lipid profiles and insulin secretion. Extracts from leaves contain various polyphenols, which are under basic research to determine their potential effects in humans.
Hypertension The seeds of the moringa plant exert its protective effect by decreasing liverlipid peroxides, antihypertensive compounds thiocarbamate and isothiocyanate glycosids have been isolated from the acetate phase of the ethanolic extract of Moringa pods (Farooq Anwar, Said Latif, Muhammed Ashraf and Anwarul Hassan Gilani). The seeds of Moringa are considered to be anti-pyretic, acrid, bitter (Oliveira et al., 1999) and reported to show antimicrobial activity (The Wealth of India, 1962).
The seed can be consumed fresh as peas; or pounded, roasted, or pressed into sweet, non-desiccating oil. The unique property is the ability of its dry, crushed seed and seedpress cake, which contain polypeptides, to serve as natural coagulants for water treatment (Ndabigengesere and Narasiah, 1998).
The widespread combination of diuretic along with lipid and blood pressure lowering constituents make this plant highly useful in cardiovascular disorders. Moringa leaf juice is known to have a stabilizing effect on blood pressure (The Wealth of India, 1962; Dahot, 1988). Nitrile, Mustard oil glycosides and thiocarbamate glycosides have been isolated from Moringa leaves, which were found to be responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect (Faizi et al., 1994a;1994b; 1995)
Malaria Africans and Asians make large use of Moringa oleifera for the treatment of malaria. The leaves of this plant are the main parts used in the preparation of herbal medicines. The in vivo antimalarial activity of M. oleifera was confirmed through several studies using polar and nonpolar extracts, fractions obtained from the extracts, infusion, pellets, and oils obtained from this plant and tested in rodents infected plasmodium species.
Despite the scarcity of studies on the antimalarial potential of compounds isolated from M. oleifera, the positive effects against malaria-causing parasites observed in previous studies are likely to correlate with the flavonoids that occur in this species. José Jailson Lima Bezerra, 2023.
Protecting and Nourishing Skin & Hair Research involving animals has suggested moringa seed oil may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it might do this is by reducing oxidative stress. Moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health, according to some experts.
Treating Edema Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection. In one study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, although more research is needed.
Protecting the Liver Moringa might help protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In one study, researchers fed guinea pigs a diet containing moringa leaves. Those that consumed a higher concentration of moringa had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and less inflammation in their liver.
Preventing & Treatment of Cancer Moringa contains properties that might help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells. According to some scientists, extracts of moringa leaf, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells. If further research confirms this, they could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
Stomach Upset Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders. For instance: The fibrous pods can benefit digestive health and may help prevent colon cancer. Moringa leaves have shown a laxative effect, making moringa a possible option for constipation. In one study, moringa reduced stomach acidity by around 85%, suggesting it could prevent peptic ulcers. Moringa’s antibiotic and antibacterial properties may help prevent the growth of pathogens that can cause infections. Moringa may help prevent ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system from damage.
Foodborne Infections Moringa contains substances that may act against some foodborne pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), research suggests. S. aureus may be present in sliced meats, sandwiches, and other foods not cooked between handling and eating, while E.coli can pass through contaminated water or food. Both types of bacteria can cause diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
Preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis Moringa extract has anti-inflammatory properties that might help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, according to the authors of a rodent study.
Mood & Nervous System Disorders The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression. Scientists believe it may have neuroprotective properties, but they have not yet identified how they work.
Protecting the Cardiovascular system Moringa contains a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health. Quercetin may help prevent lipid formation and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease. Moringa may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Diabetes Extracts of moringa leaves may benefit people with diabetes, such as assisting with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protecting against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
Asthma Moringa contains molecules that may help manage or prevent asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation. One study found that the lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
Preventing Kidney Stones Some traditional remedies recommend taking moringa to prevent kidney stones. Laboratory tests have found evidence that moringa extracts may stop minerals from building up and causing stones in the kidneys.
Eye Health Moringa contains the antioxidant beta carotene, which is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing eye diseases.
Treating Anemia & Sickle cell Disease People in some parts of the world have traditionally used moringa to treat and prevent anemia. Results from laboratory tests have suggested that taking moringa as food or medication could also help manage sickle cell disease. This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity — which means it can help remove excess iron — and other factors.