Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree, is a highly valued and versatile plant which belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is a fast growing, deciduous tree that is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas all over Asia, Africa and South America. It is widely known with many other names, including Horseradish tree and Ben oil tree.

Although modern science has only recently discovered its value, it has been imparting a multitude of benefits across various cultures since ancient times. It was valued by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks for its medicinal impact on a range of ailments. Today, its usage has been encouraged by various humanitarian organizations to combat malnutrition and its effects in poverty-stricken regions, mainly due to its economic viability and rapid growth.

This tree has thick, whitish bark with droopy, fragile branches and long, green, oval-shaped leaflets. In Ayurvedic therapy, it is valued for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas, it is simply known as ‘shigru’.

Its leaves and pods are a nutritional powerhouse and provide a great range and amount of essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Its mineral wealth includes calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc. It contains very low amount of fats and offers no harmful cholesterol.

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Health Benefits of Moringa

The health benefits of moringa include relief from stomach disorders, allergies and edema. The antioxidant power of this tree aids in liver protection, diabetes, eye protection, cardiovascular health, bone health, uroliathiasis, wound, healing, healthy hair and skin. It is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties that  help to fight various infections, including herpes.

It is rich in phytonutrients, which are effective for preventing various medical conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, bronchial asthma, sickle cell disease, nephrotoxicity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anemic, and obesity, as well as helping to build a strong immune system.

Its contains an immense wealth of healthy components and phytonutrients. Due to its extraordinary and unmatched range of medicinal benefits, it was named the “miracle tree” during the food crisis in Africa. In the Philippines, it is revered as mother’s best friend because of its galactogogic properties. Moringa plant offers a rich blend of powerful antioxidants such as kaempferol, caffeoylquinic acid, zeatin, quercetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-sitosterol. These powerful antioxidants found in possess high free radical scavenging capacity and have shown its therapeutic value in curing the damage cause by oxidative stress.

Edema: It extracts are beneficial in the treatment of edema. Research studies have confirmed that treatment with moringa oleifera root extract, which possesess anti-inflammatory qualities, has been significantly effective in inhibiting the development of edema. Moreover, the studies suggest that the efficacy of  this tree herb stands equal with the potent anti-inflammatory medicine indomethacin in the treatment of such painful conditions.

Liver Protection: It extracts exert a hepatoprotective effects on the liver. Research studies have validated the effectiveness of moringa leaves against the liver damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs as well as its stimulating effects in speeding up the recovery process. It helps to restore the levels of glutathione content in the body and prevents radiation-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation. This protective effect is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid and vitamin C found in the tree.

Stomach Disorders: The isothiocyanates present in the tree are effective in the treatment of abdominal disorders such as constipation, gastritis and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that moringa extracts can be considered as an effective herbal alternative to a range of commercially available antacids and antihistamines.

Research studies have shown that treatment with moringa oleifera leads to reduced ulceration and its efficacy in curing ulcerative colitis is comparable with the commercially available drug prednisolone. It contains antibiotic and antibacterial properties, and it exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of various pathogens. This includes helicobacter pylori bacteria and coliform bacteria, which can trigger conditions like diarrhea. Also, it helps in combating obesity thanks to its highly nutritional and low-fat qualities. The impressive content of vitamin B in its leaves aids in digestion and converts the food into energy rather than storing it as fat.

Healthy Skin and Hair: This tree seed oil is beneficial for the skin and hair. And it is effective against the infection caused by herpes simplex virus.  The healing effects of this tree herb prevent the development of skin lesions and inhibit the formation of plaque caused by the infecting virus. The hydrating and detoxifying effects of this tree extracts help in neutralizing the effects of harmful pollutants, prevents wrinkles, and slows premature aging. The high protein content of the tree aids in protecting the dermal cells from damage caused by heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. For the same reason, it is used in the production of cosmetics and skin care products.

The favorable effects of the tree seed oil for healthy hair have been appreciated since ancient times. It is highly effectual in cleansing and purifying the hair and protects it from environmental damage, including ultra violet radiation. It serves as a valuable conditioner for the scalp, strengthens the roots, and stimulates hair growth.

Antibacterial  and Antifungal Properties: It possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is effective against the growth of disease-causing microbes. Scientific research has proven that the tree extracts exert a wide spectrum of protective activity against food-borne microorganisms such as Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E. Coli, Enterobacter aerogenus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This defensive activity makes the tree extracts perfect for sanitation and preservation purposes. Leaves of moringa oleifera possess anti-fungal qualities. The inhibitory effects of moringa help in preventing the growth of diseases causing contaminant fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.

Cancer: It is an anticancer agent and is highly valued in tumor therapy. Scientific research has demonstrated that the tree extracts possess chemopreventive properties attributed to the presence of the phenolic components quercetin and kaempferol. Another study has demonstrated the role of the bioactive compound niazimicin in restraining the development of cancer cells.The tree extracts impart chemomodulatory effects towards curing various types of cancers such as  and skin papillomagenesis by inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cancer cells and inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: The effectiveness of moringa has been very valuable in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Research studies have shown that treatment with the tree extracts have the potential to alter brain monoamines like norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, and it even extends its protection against monoaminergic deficiencies related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Bone Health: The tree extracts are beneficial for maintaining healthy bones, which is attributed to the presence of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous. Its extracts possesses anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in the treatment of painful conditions such as arthritis, while also helping to heal various bone ailments such as mandibular or jaw bone fracture.

Immune Stimulator: The ethanolic extracts of the tree leaf helps in stimulating the immune system of the body. It also helps in enhancing the cellular immune response and exerts positive effects on various other immune system values such as total leucocyte count, antibodies and hypersensitivity reaction.

Immuno suppressive Effects: The seeds of moringa oleifera possess immunosuppressive properties. Deliberate immuno suppression is required to inhibit the activation of body’s immune system in order to prevent the rejection of certain treatments, particularly organ transplants and autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have demonstrated that the immunosuppressive action of tree seeds helps in ameliorating the production of antibodies to allow for the new organs and transplanted material to settle safely in the body.

Cardiovascular Protection and Diabetes: The tree extracts are helpful in the prevention of myocardial or cardiac damage, due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. They exert anti-diabetic effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Research studies conducted on this subject have provided supporting evidence that proves the antiperoxidative and cardio-protective effects of moringa therapy. Treatment with it helps in inhibiting the increase in lipid perioxidation in the myocardial tissue and aids in maintaining a healthy heart.

Research studies have demonstrated that treatment with the tree works positively towards the reduction of blood glucose, urine sugar and urine proteins in diabetic test subjects. According to the studies, it has also shown marked improvement in hemoglobin levels and total protein content of the diabetic subjects.

Asthma and Anti-allergenic Behavior: The benefits of this plant extracts also include relief from bronchial asthma and inflammation caused in the airways. And extracts of moringa seeds possess anti-allergenic qualities. Scientific research has validated the inhibitory action of the tree on the hypersensitive reactions involved in various allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis. According to research, treatment with the tree helps to reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and various symptoms such as wheezing, cough, dyspnea and tightness of the chest. It extends its protective effects against bronchial constrictions and encourages better lung function and respiration.

Urolithiasis and Nephrotoxicity: The tree extracts are effective against the formation of stones in the kidney, bladder and uterus. According to research studies, the administration of the tree root exerted anti-urolithiatic activity and resulted in a noteworthy reduction in the urinary oxalate levels. The curative effect of this tree has also shown a reduction in the formation of stone deposits and aids in regulating endogenous oxalate synthesis.

The tree extracts exert a protective effect against nephrotoxicity, which refers to the kidney problems caused as a consequence of exposure to certain drugs or toxins. Studies have revealed that the nephroprotective effect of the tree helps in attenuating renal injuries due to its high antioxidant content. It serves as an effective bio-absorbent and helps in the removal of heavy metals and harmful toxins.

Abortifacient: Moringa oleifera possesses anti-fertility qualities. Aqueous extracts of this tree exert estrogenic activity and are beneficial in the prevention of sexual implantation in the body.

Wound Healing: Aqueous leaves extract of moringa oleifera possess significant wound healing properties. Research studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the healing effects of the tree in the treatment of wounds with respect to skin-breaking strength, wound closure rate and reduction in the scar area.

Hypertension and Cholesterol: This tree is effective in maintaining optimal levels of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Bioactive components such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin that are present in it prevents from thickening of arteries and reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension. Studies have confirmed the hypocholesterolemic effects of the tree, which help in reducing high-fat diet-induced rise the liver, kidney and serum cholesterol levels.

Uses of Moringa

Culinary Use: Moringa is a “miracle tree” and most of its parts, including the leaves, bark, fruits and roots are used as food items. Leaves of its tree can be added to salads and are also used in the preparation of sauces and soups. Cold pressed this tree oil is used for cooking and is appreciated for its long shelf life. The immature seed pods of this tree, popularly known as drumsticks in India, are used in various dishes.

This tree leaves are a great alternative to meat, because of the high protein content, especially for vegetarians. It contains the amino acids aregenine and histidine which are essential for infants and it is also a boon to combat malnutrition in the under-privileged regions of the world.

Water Purification: Moringa olefeira extracts possess anti-cyanobacterial qualities and have been praised for their use in primitive water filtration systems. Its seeds work as a coagulant and exert flocculating effects on the clay and microorganisms present in water, thereby aiding in the removal of harmful pollutants and algae. It is a natural way of purifying and treating water, in contrast to other industrial coagulants such as alumina.

Seed Oil: The tree seed oil has a low tendency to become rancid and is effectively used as a lubricant for fine apparatus such as watches.

Feed for Farm Animals: Leaves of the trees possess excellent nutritional characteristics and are beneficial for cattle feed, both economically and nutritionally. It promotes better milk production and helps to improve the quality of meat.

Plant Growth Stimulator: Extracts from the tree leaves contain growth-enhancing properties and promote a better yield of the crop. Use of the tree growth hormone helps in improving the resistance of plants towards pests and diseases.

Its extracts have been extensively used in the manufacturing of creams, ointments, oils and moisturizers. The tree seed cake after the extraction of the oil is commonly used as a fertilizer.