Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Nutrients, Temperament and Safety

Farzollah Gholizadeh and Fariba Bayrami

Moringa: nutrients, temperament and correctives in traditional medicine, Ayurvedic use, research findings and safety.

Moringa is a tree that grows to about 10 to 15 metres and can live for up to 20 years in good conditions. Every part of it is edible, and its leaves, flowers, roots and seeds have all been used medicinally. It has been used for centuries in South Asia, and from the 1940s scientists began studying it, including Indian researchers who found antibacterial properties. Since then many studies have looked at its rich content of nutrients and antioxidants.

Moringa is valued for supporting the immune system, circulation and healthy blood sugar levels, and for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. It is also eaten for energy and general wellbeing.

Research confirms that moringa leaves are highly nutritious. They contain all the essential amino acids, and the seed oil is rich in healthy fatty acids. Gram for gram, dried moringa leaf powder is often quoted as containing more vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more potassium than bananas and more vitamin C than oranges. These comparisons are by weight of dried powder, and a typical serving is only a teaspoon or two, so they show moringa’s density rather than how much you get in one portion.

Compounds in moringa leaves

The leaves are among the most nutritious parts of the plant. Their main components are:

1. Vitamins

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene): for the eyes, skin and immune system
• Vitamin C: a strong antioxidant that supports immunity
• Vitamin E: an antioxidant that protects cells
• Vitamin K: needed for blood clotting and bone health
• B vitamins: B1 (thiamine) for carbohydrate metabolism, B2 (riboflavin) for energy production, B3 (niacin) for fat and protein metabolism, B6 (pyridoxine) for nerve and immune function, and B9 (folate) for DNA and blood cell production

2. Minerals

• Calcium: bones and teeth
• Iron: prevents anaemia and carries oxygen
• Potassium: blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• Magnesium: stress, muscle and nerve function
• Phosphorus: bone health
• Zinc: immunity and tissue repair
• Copper, manganese and selenium: trace elements for antioxidant enzymes

3. Protein and amino acids

• Dried leaves are about 25% protein.
• They contain all nine essential amino acids, which is unusual for a plant: lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, leucine, isoleucine and histidine.

4. Antioxidants and active compounds

• Quercetin: anti-inflammatory, may help lower blood pressure
• Chlorogenic acid: may help with blood sugar control
• Zeaxanthin and lutein: eye health
• Flavonoids and polyphenols: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

5. Fibre

Soluble and insoluble fibre, which help digestion, cholesterol and blood sugar control.

6. Healthy fats (in the seeds)

Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, including oleic acid (as in olive oil).

Moringa in traditional medicine

Known as the “miracle tree”, “horseradish tree” or “drumstick tree”, moringa has an important place in Ayurveda and African traditional medicine.

Temperament

Moringa is hot and dry. This is inferred from its stimulating effect, the way it dries excess moisture, lowers blood sugar, speeds metabolism and helps clear waste. It suits people with a cold and moist temperament. People with a hot temperament are advised to take it with correctives.

Correctives (muslih)

• Diluted grape vinegar: reduces excess dryness
• Sour pomegranate juice: neutralises heat and balances its effect in hot temperaments
• Sekanjabin (vinegar and honey or sugar syrup): balances heat and aids digestion
• Taranjabin (manna): can be used when it causes heat or constipation

Traditional benefits

1. Boosts energy and strengthens the body
2. Liver-friendly and helps clear toxins
3. Helps lower blood sugar and blood fats
4. Anti-inflammatory and eases joint pain
5. Supports libido in people with a cold temperament
6. Supports eyesight and cleanses the blood
7. Eases digestive problems and bloating

Moringa in Ayurveda

Moringa oleifera originates in the Himalayan foothills of north-west India and spread from there across India. Today it is also grown and used in Africa, South-East Asia and some Arab countries. All parts of the tree are used: the pods are cooked like a vegetable, and the leaves are made into tea or dried and powdered for smoothies and blends.

Moringa is considered one of the most nutritious plants in the world. Its antioxidants help protect against free radicals, and it is used to support immunity, circulation and metabolism. Its bitter compounds also stimulate digestive secretions and help prevent fermentation and putrefaction in the gut.

What research says

1. Nutrient-rich: the leaves are high in vitamins C, A and E, iron, potassium and protein.
2. Antioxidant: quercetin, chlorogenic acid and other flavonoids neutralise free radicals.
3. Blood sugar: some studies suggest moringa can lower blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance, though human trials are still small.
4. Cholesterol: animal and some human studies have found lower LDL and higher HDL.
5. Anti-inflammatory: compounds in the leaves and seeds reduce inflammation in laboratory and animal studies.
6. Cancer research: laboratory studies have shown effects against certain cancer cells; this has not been shown in people, and moringa is not a cancer treatment.
7. Antimicrobial: moringa extracts are active against various bacteria and fungi in the laboratory.

Important notes on use

• Typical amount: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf powder a day, or as advised by a specialist.
• Possible side effects: in high doses it can cause diarrhoea, restlessness or insomnia.
• Do not use: in pregnancy (especially the root and bark), or in people with a very hot temperament.
• Medicines: moringa may add to the effect of diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid medicines; ask your doctor if you take them.

Growing moringa

Moringa needs much less care than most medicinal plants. It grows easily and very fast, and needs little water, which makes it a valuable plant in many parts of the world.

Source: Temperament and Benefits of Medicinal Plants, Farzollah Gholizadeh