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.
Prevents Stone Formation
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 anti-epileptic 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.
Uses
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.
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