Review Article

Moringa: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

Abstract

This document is aimed to describing the potential benefits of the Moringa tree as a nutrient. Moringa tree
can be utilized in treating the malnutrition in a local and cost-effective manner. Malnutrition causes a great
deal of human suffering and is associated with more than half of all deaths of children worldwide. Malnutrition
severely affects the socio-economic development of a nation because a work force that is stunted both
mentally and physically may have a reduced work capacity. Thus nutrition plays an important role in the
reproduction of poverty from one generation to the next. Not only is the Moringa oleifera tree extraordinary in
that all parts of the tree are edible, but the most amazing aspect of the tree is its exceptionally high nutritional
value. The leaves of the Moringa tree are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B vitamin C and other
minerals. The leaves are also an outstanding source of calcium, protein, potassium and iron. The content of
amino acids such as methionine and cystine is also high. Carbohydrates, fats and phosphorous content are
low making this one of the finest plant foods to be found. Present review focuses on the potential benefits of
Moringa oleifera in treatment of malnutrition.

Key words:
Deaths of children, high nutritional value, malnutrition, plant foods

Introduction them of the stress and pain incurred during war. These
brave soldiers were the ones who defeated “Alexander”
There are several herbs of nature which help in restoring the Great.”[1,9,10] There are 13 varieties of Moringa, Moringa
the balance of body and maintaining good health. But a Oleifera is the most well known. Every part of this tree is
single moringa tree can provide leaf for nutrition, oil for edible, from the leaves, trunks, stems, all the way down
cooking and healthy skin, seed cake for water purification to its root. The flowers can be eaten or used to make tea
and wood to build shelter and keep you warm. Moringa and provide good amounts of both calcium and potassium.
oleifera is the most widely cultivated pan-tropical species The young pods can be cooked and reportedly have a taste
of a monogeneric family, the Moringaceae, which is native reminiscent of asparagus. The green peas and surrounding
to the sub-Himalayan tracts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh white material can be removed from larger pods and cooked
and Afghanistan. Moringa oleifera is known by such regional in various ways.
names as benzolive, drumstick tree, kelor, marango, mlonge,
mulangay, nébéday, saijhan, and sajna [Figure 1]. Growing/ecology
The history of Moringa dates back to 150 B.C. Historical Moringa tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions.[4]
proofs reveal that ancient kings and queens used Moringa It will tolerate extremely high temperatures in the shade and
leaves and fruit in their diet to maintain mental alertness
can survive a light frost. The drought-tolerant tree grows
and healthy skin. Ancient Maurian warriors of India were
well in areas that receive annual rainfall amounts ranging
fed with Moringa Leaf Extract in the warfront. The Elixir
drink was believed to add them extra energy and relieve Ram Chand Dhakar, Sheo Datta Maurya, Brijendra K. Pooniya1,
Narendra Bairwa1, Manisha Gupta2, Sanwarmal2
Access this article online
Quick Response Code Department of Pharmacy, IEC-CET, KP-I, G. Noida,
Website:
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MLS University, Udaipur,
http://www.cysonline.org
2
HIMT College of Pharmacy, Greater Noida, India
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Ram C. Dhakar,
DOI:
Department of Pharmacy, IEC Group of Institution,
10.4103/2229-5186.90887 KP-I, Greater Noida – 201 308, India.
E-mail: [email protected]

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 Dhakar, et al.: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

between 250 and 1500 mm. It prefers a well-drained sandy eaten raw or prepared like green peas or green beans, while
loam or loam soil, but tolerates clay. Moringa is planted the mature pods are usually fried and possess a peanut-like
either by direct seeding, transplanting, or using hard stem flavor. The pods also yield 38 to 40% of non-drying, edible
cuttings. oil known as Ben Oil. This oil is clear, sweet and odorless,
and never becomes rancid. Overall, its nutritional value
Harvesting most closely resembles olive oil. The thickened root is
used as a substitute for horseradish although this is now
Leaves can be harvested after plants grow 1.5 to 2.0 m, discouraged as it contains alkaloids, especially moriginine,
which usually takes 3 to 6 months. They are harvested by and a bactericide, spirochin, both of which can prove fatal
snapping leaf stems from branches or by cutting the entire following ingestion. The leaves are eaten as greens, in
branches 20 to 40 cm above the ground. Older leaves need salads, in vegetable curries, as pickles and for seasoning.
to be stripped from their tough and wiry stems. These leaves They can be pounded up and used for scrubbing utensils
are more suited to making dried leaf powder, since stems can and for cleaning walls. Leaves and young branches are
be removed during the sifting process. For fresh vegetables relished by livestock. The Bark can be used for tanning
the leaves must be harvested early in the morning and sold and also yields a coarse fiber. The flowers, which must be
the same day. Flowers and pods are produced during the cooked, are eaten either mixed with other foods or fried in
second year of growth. The pods are harvested when young, batter and have been shown to be rich in potassium and
tender and green. The pulp and immature seeds of older calcium [Tables 1-4].[14-18]
pods remain edible until shortly before the ripening process
begins.[4] Moringa as a source of vitamins and minerals
Not only is the Moringa oleifera tree extraordinary in that
Contribution to rural and social development all parts of the tree are edible, but the most amazing aspect
of the tree is its exceptionally high nutritional value. The
Virtually every part of the tree is beneficial in some way leaves of the Moringa tree are an excellent source of vitamin
and both rural and urban people depend on it for their
livelihood. Depending on the purpose and quantity, Moringa
is grown in nurseries, as a community project, or on a small
scale at the family level. It can function as windbreaks,
for land erosion control, live fences, as an ornamental, or
intercropped to provide semi-shade to species requiring
less direct sunlight. One theme surrounding the cultivation
and use of Moringa is the risk that the species may alter
the land and its living systems. However, according to a
recent study, a crucial transition must take place whereby
destructive farming practices must be replaced by new
and improved cultivation methods which raise Moringa
without destroying natural systems on which agriculture Figure 1: Various parts of Moringa Oleifera[1-8]
ultimately depends. In fact, the effective development
and management of Moringa can indeed contribute to Table 1: Moringa nutrition content[15]
sustainable growth and poverty reduction in developing
countries. But for this to take place, a balance must be Nutrition Pods Fresh leaves Dried leaf
analysis (per 100 g) (per 100 g) (per 100 g)
found between the short-term needs of the people for
their social and economic development and the protection Moisture % 86.9 75 7.5
of the natural resource base.[11] Calories 26 92 205
Protein (g) 2.5 6.7 27.1
Fat (g) 0.1 1.7 2.30
Moringa as a nutrient source
Carbohydrates (g) 3.7 13.4 38.2
In developing tropical countries, Moringa trees have been
Fiber (g) 4.8 0.9 19.2
used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants Minerals (g) 2 2.3 –
and nursing mothers.[12,13] Three non-governmental Calcium (mg) 30 440 2003
organizations in particular - Trees for Life, Church World Magnesium (mg) 24 24 368.0
Service and Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization Phosphorous (mg) 110 70 204.0
- advocate Moringa as “natural nutrition for the tropics.” Potassium (mg) 24 24 1324
The immature pods are the most valued and widely used Copper (mg) 3.1 1.1 0.6
of all the tree parts. The pods are extremely nutritious, Iron (mg) 5.3 0.7 28.2
containing all the essential amino acids along with many Oxalic Acid (mg) 10 101 0.0
vitamins and other nutrients. The immature pod can be Sulfur(mg) 137 137 870

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 Dhakar, et al.: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

A (four times the amount in carrots), the raw leaves are production. As a source of nutrients and vitamins, Moringa
rich in vitamin C (seven times the amount in oranges), and leaves rank among the best of perennial tropical vegetables.
they are also a good source of vitamin B and other minerals.
Vitamins and Minerals are required for everything from Moringa as a source of protein
building our physical bodies to blood coagulation and energy Moringa trees are known to overcome protein deficiency
in developing countries as the leaves and other parts of
Table 2: Vitamin and mineral content of Moringa [16,17] the tree contain high amount of crude proteins and amino
acids compared with soy bean. Moringa is an excellent non-
Vitamin content Fresh leaves Dried leaves
(per 100 g) animal source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.
Moringa leaves contain all of the essential amino acids,
Carotene (Vit. A) mg 6.78 18.9
which are the building blocks of proteins. It is very rare
Thiamin (B1) mg 0.06 2.64
Riboflavin (B2) mg 0.05 20.5
for a vegetable to contain all of these amino acids And
Niacin (B3) mg 0.8 8.2 Moringa contains these amino acids in a good proportion,
Vitamin C mg 220 17.3 so that they are very useful to our bodies. Moringa leaves
Calcium mg 440 2,003 could be a great boon to people who do not get protein
Calories cal 92 205 from meat. Moringa even contains arginine and histidine
Carbohydrates g 12.5 38.2 two amino acids especially important for infants. Arginine
Copper mg 0.07 0.57 and histidine, are especially important for infants who
Fat g 1.70 2.3 are unable to make enough protein for their growth
Fiber g 0.90 19.2 requirements. Experts tell us that 30% of children in sub-
Iron mg 0.85 28.2 Saharan Africa are protein deficient. Moringa could be an
Magnesium mg 42 368
extremely valuable food source.[1,9,19-24]
Phosphorus mg 70 204
Potassium mg 259 1,324
Protein g 6.70 27.1 Moringa as a source of essential fatty acids
Zinc mg 0.16 3.29 The other nutrients required for optimal cellular health are
the essential Fatty Acids. As strange as it may sound, there
are good fats that actively help create good health. These are
Table 3: Moringa protein content[15] the now-famous omeg-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Amino acid content Pods Fresh Dried leaf
(per 100 g) leaves powder Nutritional application of Moringa
Arginine (mg) 360 406.6 1325 A large number of reports on the nutritional qualities of
Histidine (mg) 110 149.8 613 Moringa now exist in both the scientific and the popular
Lysine (mg) 150 342.4 1325 literature. Moringa has been in use since centuries for
Tryptophan (mg) 80 107 425 nutritional as well medicinal purposes. Moringa Leaves are
Phenylalanine (mg) 40 310.3 1388 full of essential disease-preventing nutrients. Moringa is a
Methionine (mg) 140 117.7 350 natural, whole-food source for vitamins, minerals, protein,
Theroine (mg) 390 117.7 1188 antioxidants, and other important compounds that your body
Leucine (mg) 650 492.2 1950 relies on to stay healthy.[3,25-28] Micronutrient deficiencies are
Isoleucine (mg) 440 299.6 825 now recognized as an important contributor to the global
Valine (mg) 540 374.5 1063
burden of disease. Moringa is an alternative to imported
food supplies to treat malnutrition in poor countries.
Table 4: Percentage of the recommended daily Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition,
allowance of various nutrients especially among infants and nursing mothers. Three non-
governmental organizations in particular–Trees for Life,
Nutrition component % RDA
Church World Service and Educational Concerns for Hunger
Parent Child Organization–have advocated Moringa as “natural nutrition
Protein 21 42 for the tropics.” Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored
Calcium 84 125 as dried powder for many months without refrigeration,
Magnesium 54 61 and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. Moringa is
Potassium 22 41 especially promising as a food source in the tropics because
Iron 94 71 the tree is in full leaf at the end of the dry season when other
Vitamin A 143 272 foods are typically scarce. Leaves were also used for food
Vitamin C 9 22
fortification.[1,1-21,29,30]
Supplied to a nursing mother and a 1 to 3 year old child by Moringa
leaf powder (6 tablespoons per day for a nursing mother;
1 tablespoon three times per day for a 1 to 3 year old child)[17], In 1997-98, Alternative Action for African Development
RDA: Recommended daily allowance and Church World Service tested the ability of Moringa

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 Dhakar, et al.: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

leaf powder to prevent or cure malnutrition in pregnant or childhood and maternal mortality. Globally, 21% of children
breast-feeding women and their children in southwestern have VAD and suffer increased rates of death from diarrhea,
Senegal. Malnutrition was a major problem in this area, measles, and malaria. The importance of zinc deficiency is
with more than 600 malnourished infants treated every being increasingly recognized. Trials have shown that zinc
year. During the test, doctors, nurses, and midwives were supplementation results in improved growth in children,
trained in preparing and using Moringa leaf powder for lower rates of diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia, and
treating malnutrition. Village women were also trained in reduced child mortality. In total about 800,000 child deaths
the preparation and use of Moringa leaf powder in foods. per year are attributable to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency
Result had indicated that children maintained or increased is the cause of 1.9% of global burden of disease. According
their weight and improved overall health, pregnant to WHO, 19% of the 10.8 million child deaths globally a
women recovered from anemia and had babies with higher year are attributable to iodine, iron, vitamin A, and zinc
birth weights and breast-feeding women increased their deficiencies. Recent estimates indicate that fortification or
production of milk.[1, 11] Pollution, pesticides and numerous supplementation with iron, vitamin A, and zinc are among
other particles bombard us every day. These are just some of the most cost-effective interventions available, even in
the free radicals which we now know are so destructive. The areas that are poor or have high HIV infection rates.
only protection against free-radical damage comes in the
form of Antioxidants. However, mild or moderate malnutrition before this
terminal stage is reached is a completely different matter:
Treating malnutrition with Moringa the physiological abnormalities are much less severe and
Ideally, good nutrition should be assured by a varied diet successful recovery can be had through a fully balanced
rich in meat, root, grain, fruit and vegetable foods. In reality, diet containing all 40 essential nutrients in the correct
for a majority of the world’s population such variety in food proportions. Moringa, added on a daily basis to a child’s
is unaffordable or seasonally unavailable. Within the arid food, has thoroughly demonstrated its ability to bring
countries of the African Sahel, for example, the dry seasons about rapid recoveries from moderate malnutrition.
are marked by a heavy dependence on the staples of rice, But while successfully treating malnutrition is good,
millet and sorghum; during these months, fruits and greens preventing it is much better. Malnutrition is brought
can be found only in a few irrigated garden plots. And in on by a multitude of causes: lack of education, poverty,
virtually every year there is a lean period when grain stores famine, parasites and impure drinking water are some
have been exhausted one to three months prior to the new of them. A program which focuses on correcting micro-
harvest. Elsewhere in the tropics, meals are generally built nutrient deficiencies alone will not fully eradicate
around one staple food rich in carbohydrates but very poor malnutrition until these other causes are addressed.
nutritionally, such as a pap or fufu made from yam, maize However, as the Moringa project in south-western
or manioc. Malnutrition is frequently characterized by this Senegal has demonstrated, this approach can show
kind of restricted diet wherein a child consumes the same very impressive results in reducing the incidence of
weaning pap every day. In this context, Moringa is a very malnutrition.[33] Moringa is used successfully in combating
simple and readily available solution to the problem of malnourishment in children and for its capacity to boost
malnutrition. The edible leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree the immune system, it can be used to complement
are already an occasional food source throughout West modern medicines in chronically ill people including
Africa and other regions of the tropics and sub-tropics. those suffering from AIDS and HIV related illnesses. It
is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of
Micronutrient deficiencies are now recognized as an various illnesses including recovery from liver damage. It
important contributor to the global burden of disease. is currently being examined as a bio-enhancer of drugs
Iodine deficiency in pregnancy has long been linked to and nutrients because of its production of compounds
intra-uterine brain damage and possible fetal wastage. with antibiotic activity.[11,32]
Currently, although more than two billion people live in
areas that used to be iodine-deficient, it is estimated that These qualities have made the Moringa oleifera tree a
iodine deficiency is the cause of only 0.2% of the global candidate in the fight against malnutrition. A group of health
burden of disease. Iron deficiency also affects about two workers from the Church World Service have been utilizing
billion people. Recent estimates find that iron deficiency this highly nutritious and fast growing tree as a means to
anemia is responsible for one fifth of early neonatal mortality cure and prevent malnutrition in infants, pregnant and
and one tenth of maternal mortality. Iron deficiency also lactating women as an alternative to the classic and expensive
reduces cognitive development and work performance. Iron condiments usually used such as whole milk powder, sugar,
deficiency is the cause of about 800,000 deaths and 2.4% of vegetable oil, and sometimes peanut butter. It takes around
the global burden of disease.[31,32] ten days to see an improvement in malnourished infants
when Moringa leaves are used whereas it takes months for
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) harms the eyes and increases recovery with conventional methods. According to Dr. Lowell

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 Dhakar, et al.: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

Fuglie, the West Africa representative of the Church World pass on strength to the fetus or nursing child. Breastfeeding
Service who used the Moringa tree as a base for a nutrition mothers in India and the Philippines have traditionally been
program, “for a child aged 1-3, a 100 g serving of fresh cooked urged by their elders to add boiled young leaves of Moringa
leaves would provide all his daily requirements of calcium, to their diet. Although the exact mechanism for this is not
about 75% of his iron and half his protein needs, as well as yet fully understood, generations of breastfeeding mothers
important amounts of potassium, B vitamins, copper and have sworn by its lactation-inducing effects. One 100 g
all the essential amino acids. As little as 20 g of leaves would portion of leaves could provide a woman with over one-
provide a child with all the vitamins A and C he needs”.[19,20] third of her daily need of calcium and give her important
quantities of iron, protein, copper, sulfur and B-vitamins.
According to Senegal’s National Center for Nutritional Moringa is especially useful for children and women who are
Alimentation, vitamin A supplementation can reduce the anemic due to their menstrual cycles.[16,17]
incidence of childhood illness and mortality due to measles
by 50%, due to diarrhea by 40% and due to malaria by 30%.[34] Antioxidants in Moringa
On average, vitamin A supplementation programs have A combination of antioxidants is more effective than
been effective in reducing overall childhood mortality by a single antioxidant on an equal weight basis due to
34%.[35] To combat VAD, UNICEF is working in collaboration antioxidant cascade mechanism. Moringa has approximately
with national health authorities in many countries through 46 antioxidants and is one of the most powerful sources
a program to give every under-five child one massive dose of natural anti-oxidants. Daily intake of Moringa Oleifera
of vitamin A, in tablet form, twice annually. At the same will provide the antioxidant which in turn keeps the body
time iron supplements are being distributed to pregnant healthy by preventing the adverse effect caused due to fat
and lactating women against anemia. Given the impressive deposition. Anti-oxidants supply the free atoms needed by
impact on child mortality rates these vitamin A programs the human body and mitigate the effect of free radicals. This
have had, they would appear to be a good idea. However, antioxidant property helps in preventing the formation of
an opposing argument claims that this approach, focusing malignancy. Moringa leaves are rich in Flavonoids, a class
on specific micro-nutrient deficiencies and relying as it does of anti-oxidants. Moringa has essential micronutrients
on imported products and subsidies, is short-sighted and with antioxidant activity or directly linked to this process:
ultimately unsustainable.[36] selenium and zinc. The major anti-oxidants present are
Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic acid
The advantages of using Moringa in malnutrition and Zeatin. Antioxidant plays a major role in controlling the
prevention programs symptoms of aging process and improves the cardiovascular
It is a drought-resistant and fast growing tree which is health. Additionally, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, present in
present in nearly all tropical and sub-tropical countries. Its Moringa, also function as anti-oxidants. Researches confirm
edible leaves are already an occasional food source in West that the anti-oxidants deliver the desired result, if only
Africa regions and appear at the end of the dry season: a taken with the combination of other essential vitamin
time when other greens are in short supply. As a source of and minerals, which makes health enthusiast to seek after
good nutrition, its leaves are considered the best of tropical Moringa.[11,19,20,37]
legumes with its high quantities of vitamin A and significant
quantities of vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, potassium, Moringa and diabetes
magnesium, selenium, zinc and a good balance of all the Moringa Oleifera is a nutrient plant that can help to maintain
essential amino acids. Also, the leaves can be easily dried into normal blood sugar levels. Moringa Oleifera holds so much
powder form for use as a nutritional supplement for sauces promise for those who suffer from diabetes. This is primarily
or as an addition to infant weaning foods. Moringa leaves because of its many amazing, natural benefits. Moringa
can be produced intensively in a family-size small garden. Oleifera has been shown to boost the immune system, which
The seeds can be spaced as closely as 10 cm apart. When the usually becomes compromised in those who suffer from
plants reach a height of a meter, they can be cut down to a type 1 and 2 diabetes. Moringa Oleifera has also been shown
height of 30 cm. The leaves can be stripped from the stems to possess many key anti-inflammatory benefits; diabetes
and used to prepared sauces or dried for long-term storage often causes circulatory problems which can be managed
as a nutritious food additive, and the stems fed to livestock. through anti-inflammatory supplements. There are no
The stumps survive the harvest and will re-sprout, allowing negative side effects associated with Moringa Oleifera use,
another harvest in as little as 50 days. Using this technique, meaning that it is a safe, natural way for people to manage
a Moringa garden can continually produce green matter for their blood sugar and care for their diabetes symptoms. It
several years with very little labor required.[19,20] is just one more option for the many people who have to
cope with this serious condition.[38] Unexpected benefits of
Pregnant/breast-feeding women and Moringa Moringa include an apparent cure for tapeworms and help
For pregnant and breast-feeding women, Moringa leaves in controlling diabetes and high blood pressure.[39] Moringa
and pods can do much to preserve the mother’s health and Oleifera as a rich source of ascorbic acid helps in insulin

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 Dhakar, et al.: The herbal gold to combat malnutrition

secretion. It is interesting to note that certain nutrients like called pterygospermin, a powerful antimicrobial that kills
vitamins B1, B2, B12, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, protein bacteria and fungi. The leaves and roots of Moringa are also
and potassium along with small frequent meals containing rich in a compound called benzyl isothiocyanate that have
some carbohydrate can actually stimulate production of strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. The bark
insulin within the body. Please consult to your doctor first of Moringa has also been found to have antibacterial and
before you begin to consume it.[40,41] antifungal effects. You can make a strong antibiotic wash to
clean wounds from fresh Moringa leaves. To make a strong
Other health benefits of Moringa dressing, pound fresh leaves and mix with coconut oil, then
Relieves arthritis, rheumatism and gout spread over the wound.[42,43,46,47]
The oil extracted from Moringa seeds and flowers, called
Moringa oil or ben oil, has anti-inflammatory compounds[42,43] Relieves sore throat
that help relieve the pain and swelling caused by arthritis, Because of the Maringa’s excellent antibiotic properties, it is
rheumatism and gout. Just apply the oil over the affected also used to kill bacteria that cause sore throat. A decoction
joint, massage lightly, and leave on for 30 minutes. Making a of roots is usually used as a gargle to provide sore throat
decoction from Moringa seeds will also have a similar effect. relief.[29,30]
You can also roast the seeds, pound them and apply the
pulverized powder over the affected area. Pounded Moringa Eases asthma and hiccups
roots can also be used as a poultice for pain and swelling. When mixed with milk, juice from the root of the Moringa
plant can help ease asthma and hiccups.[29,30]
Relaxes the muscles and cures diarrhea
The roots and leaves of Moringa have been found to Wards off cancer
contain antispasmodic compounds that help relax the Studies have shown that several compounds extracted
muscles.[42-45] Besides helping soothe tired and painful from Moringa, namely isothiocyanates, a benzyl carbamate,
muscles, this action also helps control the intestinal spasms niazimicin, and beta-sitosterol have anti-tumor properties
characteristic of diarrhea. Studies have shown that Moringa against lung, breast, skin, esophagus, and pancreatic cancer.
root extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins that These compounds are found in high concentrations in the
have anti-dysenteric and anti-diarrheal properties. leaves and seeds of the plant.[29,30]

Helps with lower back pain Conclusion

When mixed with milk, the juice from the root of the Moringa
tree has been used traditionally to help ease lower back The Moringa Oleifera plant is the most inexpensive and
pain or lumbago. Studies have shown that certain extracts credible alternative to providing good nutrition. Moringa
of the Moringa root contains analgesics called moringine oleifera is the most nutrient-rich plant yet discovered. Not
and moringinine that may play a role in its efficacy against only is the Moringa oleifera tree extraordinary in that all
lumbago.[42,43] parts of the tree are edible, but the most amazing aspect
of the tree is its exceptionally high nutritional value.
Protects the liver Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of nutrients,
The flowers and roots of the Moringa plant contain a amino acids, antioxidants, anti-aging and -inflammatory
compound called quercetin that is known to protect the liver. properties used for nutrition and healing. The leaves of the
Decoctions from dried Moringa flowers and pounded root Moringa tree are an excellent source of vitamin A (four times
have been traditionally used to help with liver disease.[42,43] the amount in carrots), the raw leaves are rich in vitamin
C (seven times the amount in oranges), and they are also
Wards off heart disease a good source of vitamin B and other minerals. The leaves
Juice or tea made from Moringa leaves has been found to are also an outstanding source of calcium (four times the
help lower high blood pressure. This has been discovered to amount in milk), protein (twice the amount in milk), and
be due to the action of compounds called glycosides that are potassium (three time the amount in bananas). The content
found in the Moringa leaf. The seeds of Moringa are also rich of iron is very good as well and the leaves have purportedly
in these compounds. The crude extract of Moringa leaves has been used for treating anemia in the Philippines. The
also been found to significantly lower cholesterol levels due content of amino acids such as methionine and cystine is
to the action of beta-sitosterol. The fruit of the Moringa is also high. Carbohydrates, fats and phosphorous content are
the most powerful when it comes to protecting the heart it low making this one of the finest plant foods to be found.
has been found to lower blood cholesterol as well as reduce
fat in the liver, heart and aorta.[42,43]
References
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2. Fuglie, Lowell J, editor. The miracle tree—Moringa oleifera: Natural 1999;79:815-20.

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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared

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