Moringa - Moringa oleifera

PLANT
IMAGES

For moringa products we have available click Here

Family: Moringaceae
Genus: Moringa
Species: M. oleifera
Common names:
Part Used: seeds, leaves, flowers and bark

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Documented Properties & Actions:	Moringa Oleifera, also referred to as the horseradish tree or the drumstick tree is a wonder plant. The tree is known for its nutritional value and this are found in its pods which are rich in minerals, its flowers and green leaves. The Moringa Oleifera is the most nurtured Moringa tree and it is said that the plant has over 46 different antioxidants and 92 nutrients. The plant also contains 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, over 20 amino acids. The plant is a good source of vitamins and in fact provides seven times the amount of vitamin C you would find in an orange. Moringa leaves contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B7 as well as vitamins C, D, E and K.
Plant Chemicals Include:	The preliminary phytochemical screening of the crude aqueous extract of fresh and dried Moringa oleifera leaves, of the organic solvent and residual fractions of the extract was carried out according to the standard methods. Chemical constituents of the crude aqueous extract of the fresh leaves were found to be tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, steroids and terpenes. The crude aqueous extract of the dried leaves contain the same chemical components like that of the fresh leaves except for the absence of steroids and terpenes. Based on the organic solvent extract analysis, the chloroform portion of the extract contains saponins, carbohydrate, flavonoid, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The ethyl acetate fraction contains similar chemical constituents and in addtion tannins. Also the n-butanol fraction of the extract contains tannins, saponin, carbohydrate, flavonoid, and alkaloid. The residual aqueous fraction of the extract contained tannins, carbohydrate, flavonoid, and phlobatannin. Anthraquinones were completely absent from the analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. The observed chemical constituents have been discussed in relation to the acclaimed medicinal properties of the plant.

"Drumstick tree" and variants thereof redirect here. This name is also used for the golden shower tree (Cassia fistulosa). Moringa Oleifera, also referred to as the horseradish tree or the drumstick tree is a wonder plant. The tree is known for its nutritional value and this are found in its pods which are rich in minerals, its flowers and green leaves. The Moringa Oleifera is the most nurtured Moringa tree and it is said that the plant has over 46 different antioxidants and 92 nutrients. The plant also contains 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, over 20 amino acids. The plant is a good source of vitamins and in fact provides seven times the amount of vitamin C you would find in an orange. Moringa leaves contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B7 as well as vitamins C, D, E and K.

Uses of Moringa Oleifera

It’s important to note that Moringa Oleifera does not have substantial clinical studies that support its benefits. More studies therefore need to be conducted before the uses of Moringa can be advised. That said; there are two ways in which Moringa Oleifera can be used and this is orally or through application to the skin.
1. Taken by Mouth

Moringa Oleifera can be taken orally to treat:

Headaches

Stomach pain including constipation and intestinal ulcers

Asthma

Cancer

Heart conditions

High blood pressure

Inflammation

Diabetes

Kidney stones

As an aphrodisiac

Immunity boosting and more

2. Apply to the Skin

Moringa Oleifera is applied to the skin to help treat:

Warts

Snakebites

Skin infections

Dandruff

Athletes foot

Gum disease and other conditions

Safety Concerns of Moringa Oleifera

Although Moringa is likely safe to eat for most people, there are still safety concerns that people need to pay attention to.
1. Side Effects

Like all good things, the Moringa Oleifera also has its side effects. For starters, you are not allowed to eat the root or extracts from this part of the plant. This is because the roots could contain toxic substances and ingestion of these toxins could lead to paralysis and even death. The leaves, seeds and fruits are however safe for consumption.

Common Side Effects. Common side effects that may manifest with the consumption of Moringa include nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. The taste is not too pleasant and tends to produce a gag reflex on many first time users. If taken too much, Moringa could cause nausea. It’s recommended that you lower your dosage when you begin feeling nauseated. Moringa can also act as a laxative especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Remember that sudden potency could be overwhelming on the stomach. People who take Moringa directly with water have complained of heart burns. It’s much better to mix the herb with a thicker beverage or cook it with food. Greens are known to thicken blood and it may not be advisable to eat Moringa if you are on blood thinning medications.

Effects on Pregnant and Lactating Women. There are precautions and warnings against the consumption of Moringa in pregnant and lactating women. The chemicals found in the roots, flowers and the bark could cause a contraction to occur on the uterus. This therefore puts the expectant mother at the risk of a miscarriage. When it comes to a breast feeding mother, the chemicals may not be safe for the infant being nursed.

2. Dosage

Just like any other medicine, several factors need to be considered with dosage. The condition being treated is one of them and some conditions may require a higher dosage than others. The health of the person is also critical and like we noted in the side effects, the herb could bring about bouts of nausea and diarrhea. People who are generally weak and unable to eat should take the herb in small doses, if at all. The age of the user also matters, generally children take a lower dosage than adults. Lastly, bear in mind that such natural products are not necessarily safe and it’s important to have get dosage. Follow the directions on the product labels and consult with a medical professional before trying this alternative medicine.