Moringa oleifera is a tropical and subtropical plant native to northern India that can also be found in Asia and Africa. For millennia, folk medicine has used the plant’s leaves, petals, seeds, and roots. It has traditionally been used as a treatment for illnesses such as:

• Diabetes
• Prolonged inflammation
• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Joint discomfort
• Cardiovascular health
• Cancer

Are There Any Health Advantages?

Moringa contains numerous vitamins and minerals.  The leaves contain about the same amount of potassium as a banana and the same amount of vitamin C as an orange. It also contains calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which aid in the healing and building of muscle.

It’s also high in antioxidants, which protect cells from harm and may enhance your immune system. Some of these antioxidants have been shown to lower blood pressure and fat levels in the blood and body.

Uses of Moringa 

Until now, the majority of moringa research has been conducted on animals. We’re not sure if the results would be the same in humans. Researchers are investigating how extracts from this tree impact people, but preliminary research indicates that it may help with:

 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Moringa leaf extract may reduce fluid edema, redness, and pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

Diabetes: 

Several preliminary studies indicate that insulin-like proteins contained in moringa may aid with blood sugar control. Plant compounds present in the leaves may help the body absorb sugar more efficiently and may influence how the body releases insulin.

 

Reduce inflammation:

Inflammation is a physiological response that occurs in the body to guard against infection and repair tissue damage. Moringa contains anti-inflammatory nutrients such as phytonutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds. These potent substances work together to prevent inflammation in the body by targeting free radicals (compounds that destroy cells), reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and disease. 

Two compounds of note are quercetin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and isothiocyanates, which aid in detoxification and have anti-inflammatory effects. According to one study, these specific moringa components may help reduce low-grade inflammation linked with chronic conditions.

 

Cancer: 

In lab studies, leaf extracts reduced the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and improved the efficacy of chemotherapy. Other laboratory research reveals that moringa leaves, bark, and roots all have anti-cancer properties that could lead to the development of novel medications.

 

Memory: 

According to some experts, antioxidants and other health-promoting plant compounds may help to cure stress and inflammation in the brain.

Scientists are also investigating whether it can help with:

• Cholesterol
• Arthritis
• Blood pressure that is too high
• Medication-induced liver damage
• Ulcers of the stomach
• Asthma
• Healing of wounds
• Colitis ulcerative
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Weight Loss

 

Is it secure?

According to research, eating the leaves or immature seed pods is normally harmless, and leaf extracts prepared from powder and water may also be acceptable. However, eating bark or pulp might be hazardous, especially for pregnant people. Chemicals in the bark may cause the uterus to contract, resulting in a miscarriage.