Moringa is a plant native to India and other countries. It contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it useful to fight malnutrition.
Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. It can be grown cheaply and easily, and retains much of its nutritional value when dried. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, breast-feeding, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness
Asthma. Early research shows that taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for 3 weeks reduces the severity of asthma symptoms and improves lung function in adults with mild to moderate asthma.
Diabetes. The effect of moringa on diabetes control is unclear. Some early research shows that taking moringa tablets along with a type medicine called sulfonylureas does not improve blood sugar control as measured by hemoglobin A1C levels. But it does seem to reduce fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels compared to taking sulfonylureas alone in people with diabetes. Other research also shows that ttaking moringa drumstick leaves with meals might also reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes not taking medications for diabetes.
HIV/AIDS. Early research shows that taking moringa leaf powder with each meal for 6 months might increase body mass index (BMI) but does not appear to improve immune function.
High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). The effect of moringa on lowering cholesterol levels is not clear. Early research of poor quality shows mixed results. Additional research is needed.
Breast-feeding. Research regarding the effects of moringa for increasing breast milk production is mixed. Some early research shows that moringa increases milk production after one week of use, while other early research shows no benefit. It's also not clear if moringa is beneficial when used for longer periods of time.
A condition caused by a poor diet or the body's inability to absorb nutrients. Early research shows that adding moringa powder to food for 2 months helps improve weight in malnourished children.
Symptoms of menopause. Early research shows that adding fresh moringa leaves to food for 3 months improves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleeping problems in healthy, postmenopausal women.
Vitamin A deficiency. Early research shows that adding moringa powder to infant cereal doesn't improve vitamin A levels in infants with low levels of vitamin A.
A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis).
Birth control.
Cancer.
Certain infections (opportunistic infections) in people with HIV/AIDS.
Constipation.
Dandruff.
Diarrhea.
Headache.
Heart disease.
Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF).
High blood pressure.
Increasing sexual desire in healthy people.
Infection of the intestines by parasites.
Kidney stones.
Low levels of red blood cells in people with a long-term illness.
Obesity.
Osteoarthritis.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Seizure disorder (epilepsy).
Skin infections.
Snakebites.
Stomach ulcers.
Swelling (inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis).
Warts.
Wound healing.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate moringa for these uses.
