- Reduced IBS symptoms
- Possibly fighting against some infections due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties
- Improved Wound Healing
- Improved Eye Health
Moringa has medicinal properties and contains many healthy compounds including polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, such as quercetin and blood-pressure-lowering chlorogenic acid [1].
What is Moringa and where does it come from?
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a tropical tree native to the Himalayan mountains and India. It’s known by various names around the world, such as, Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree, Munga or Malunggay [2].
Moringa leaf powder has become increasingly popular since it gained the status of a superfood.
Moringa contains isothiocyanates, molecules similar to the very healthy sulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables [3].
Traditional Use
Moringa plays an important part in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. According to Ayurvedic tradition, moringa can be used to prevent 300 diseases. In Ancient Egypt, it was used as a cosmetic product to nourish the skin [4].
Almost all parts of the plant such as the bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and immature pods, can be consumed in one form or another.
Most commonly it is the leaves that are consumed and used in traditional medicine because they are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and carry many nutritional and health benefits. They are traditionally used to boost nutrition and prevent nutrient deficiencies, for malaria, typhoid fever, high blood pressure, and diabetes [5].
The seeds and roots of moringa are also believed to help fight bacteria and fungi, and they can also aid in the purification process of water [6].
Nutritious oil (“ben oil”) can also be made from the seeds, which is rich in oleic acid similar to olive oil but it is stable at higher temperatures [7].
Now hailed as the “miracle tree” [8], it wasn’t until recently that its use started to spread outside of Asia and scientists began to get curious about the various benefits that Moringa possesses.
Story of Discovery
Moringa was first discovered in northern India, around 2000 BC. Traditional doctors quickly discovered its medicinal qualities.
Aristocracy and members of royal families took Moringa for its beneficial effects on mental alertness and healthy skin and it became an essential part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
In ancient India Moringa extract was given to Mauryan fighters on war fronts. They believed it would give them the necessary strength and energy during fights, while also helping with the stress of battle and pain from injuries.
The ancient Egyptians highly valued Moringa oil, which was used instead of sunscreen.
In Europe, it was the ancient Greeks who discovered various other valuable effects Moringa had on human health. In the later period they introduced Moringa to the Romans, who dispersed the knowledge throughout their empire.
In 1817, the Jamaican chamber (at that time still a British colony) discussed Moringa. At the hearing they introduced Moringa oil as a healthy ingredient for salads and other culinary purposes. Within the British Empire Moringa expanded into many other countries around the world.
How does it work?
Moringa has many benefits, depending on what part of the plant is consumed - it has many active components, the mechanisms of which have been investigated largely in cell and animal studies [9]:
