Moringa Oleifera the Miracle Plant

Moringa is an Extraordinary Plant

Dr. Monica Marcu, Ph.D - "It's a plant that has all the nutrients that could be found in a perfect food."

For centuries, many cultures have looked to Moringa as a general remedy and healing agent. It has been referred to as the Miracle Plant. Moringa's benefits are both broad and compelling. Legend has it that Moringa's effectiveness is known for treating more than 300 conditions and has been heavily utilized in folk medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. It has been targeted on the Discovery Channel as one of the best all natural supplements in the world.

Moringa oleifera Lam ( (also known as Malunggay) is a highly valued plant, distributed in many countries of the tropics and subtropics. It has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value. Different parts of this plant contain a profile of important minerals, and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. The Moringa plant provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol. In addition to its compelling water purifying powers and high nutritional value, Moringa Oleifera is very important for its medicinal value.

Various parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine, particularly in South Asia. This review focuses on the detailed phytochemical composition, medicinal uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose tree. India's ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the leaves of the Moringa tree.

Los Angeles Times - "Scientifically speaking, Moringa sounds like magic. It can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India .... And it's not only good for you, it's delicious."

Dr. Marcu who has made some extensive research on the significant nutritional potency of Moringa / Malunggay, says that the “miracle vegetable” is an ideal energy food — the leaves can actually be eaten raw, but best added in meals as a special ingredient — or diet supplement that “can help offset a typically unhealthy Western diet” due to its high concentration of nutrients.

While traditional Ayurvedic medicine used this tree to heal or prevent hundreds of diseases, scientific evidence is accumulating to support many of the healing properties of Moringa. Some of its chemical compounds have been isolated and described. Because of its numerous healing and nutritious properties, around the world Moringa is the subject of legends and praise, awe and respect so much so that it is also called Miracle Tree.

Medical Evidence for Moringa's Nutritional and Therapeutic Benefits

A medical crisis has been looming upon us. Every year, disease causing microbes and bacteria are getting more and more resistant to common antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin. Drug resistant bacteria, and microbes evolve to build up resistances because of the overuse of antibiotics. Studies have revealed that they have been systematically been over prescribed over the past decades, giving the most mundane strains of bacteria plenty of opportunities to build up defenses against them. Already, several antibiotic resistant strains of this once manageable disease have emerged, with doctors and scientists scrambling to find new kinds of antibiotics. Bacteria and microbes evolve to build up these resistances because of the overuse of antibiotics. Studies have revealed that they have been systematically been over prescribed over the past decades, giving the most mundane strains of bacteria plenty of opportunities to build up defenses against them.

Moringa’s use as an antibiotic in traditional medicine dates back thousands of years, while scientific evidence of it has been in existence since the late 1940’s. These studies were conducted largely in the orient, which is why Western medicine and the pharmaceutical industry have largely remained ignorant of it. Indian scientists have identified Pterygospermin as the active compound in moringa that causes its antibacterial action. Pterygospermin, once consumed, breaks down into two separate benzyl isothiocyanate, a substance with known antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that moringa leaf juice can be particularly effective against the Pseudononas aeruginosa bacterium, which can cause diseases in both animals and humans. This bacterium usually infects people with damaged exposed tissues or a weakened immune system, oftentimes manifesting itself through inflammation. In severe cases, the bacteria can take hold in the major organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or the urinary tract, with potentially fatal consequences. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium more commonly known as the cause of staph infections, which usually manifest as a skin infection. It was found that moringa was just as effective as the commercial antibiotic Neomycin in getting rid of the infection.

Moringa for sleep and relaxation

Moringa acts as a great natural sleeping aid because it contains the unique natural compound known as Nebedaye, which can be found in the leaves. Nebedaye sets several of the body’s key conditions for a fitful night’s rest. It lowers our blood sugar levels, soothes our digestive system, and has a depressive effect on our central nervous system, acting as a muscle relaxant. When our muscles relax, it not only dissipates our tension, but also results in less constriction of our blood vessels. This results in lower blood pressure, which also helps to make sleep that much more restful. Moringa also helps you stay asleep for much longer. In one scientific study, it was shown that subject who consumed moringa could stay asleep for up to twice as long as subjects that did not consume any moringa. This makes it useful for those people who wish to stay in a long blissful slumber. On the other hand, the enhanced relaxation and deeper sleep will allow people with a limited number of allotted sleeping hours to awaken more refreshed and energized than they normally would. Moringa’s ability to relax muscles can come in handy not just for people looking for a good night’s sleep, but for those who are suffering from muscle pains and spasms as well. This can be especially beneficial for athletes, people recovering from injuries, and those who suffer from certain muscular conditions. These properties also help make moringa a safe and effective diuretic.

Moringa tree (also known as the horseradish tree, drumstick tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga, mulangay, nébéday, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree), was utilized by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians; it is now widely cultivated and has become naturalized in many locations in the tropics. Called “Malunggay” in the Philippines, “Sajina” in the Indian Subcontinent, and “Moringa” in English. Moringa is not your ordinary green leafy vegetables. According to Dr. Lydia M. Marero of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Philippines, Moringa oleifera Lamk is one of the world's most useful plants. It is used as food, effective flocculant or water treatment, antibiotic, source of oil, and coagulant for turbid waters. It is also called mother's best friend, and miracle vegetable by many who know malunggay's beneficial uses. It is cultivated in all countries of the tropics. It is easy to plant and is available year-round.

Natural benefits from Moringa:

• Nourishes body's immune system
• Promotes healthy circulation
• Supports normal blood glucose levels
• Natural anti-aging benefits
• Anti-Inflammatory support
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Heightens mental clarity
• Naturally increases energy

Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. A large number of reports on the nutritional qualities of Moringa now exist in both the scientific and the popular literature. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value.

Health nutritionists claim that an ounce of malunggay has the same Vitamin C content as seven oranges. An important function of vitamin C not known to many is its being an antioxidant. In fact, it has been recognized and accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration as one of the four dietary antioxidants, the others being vitamin E, beta-carotene and selenium. (A dietary oxidant is a substance in food that significantly decreases the adverse effects of harmful chemicals). Oral histories recorded by Lowell Fuglie in Senegal and throughout West Africa, who reports countless instances of lifesaving nutritional rescue that are attributed to Moringa.

There are various parts of the moringa plant which are being used for health reasons. For one, the leaves of this plant proved to be a good source of calcium, iron, ascorbic acid and phosphorus. Its other parts such as the seeds, the young pods, and the flowers have been established to benefit individuals as far as anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, circulatory stimulations, and such other activities that are most beneficial to mankind, are concerned. There have been claims that moringa can be used to lower blood pressure, aid in pains caused by rheumatism, headaches and migraines, as well as its being an anti-tumor plant. Malunggay is also used for purgative and anti-fungal purposes, as well. All these prove the claim that this plant is indeed multi-purpose.

Findings of a study made in India, which were used as the basis of many news reports on malunggay as a wonder plant, states that moringa contains anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells. Moringa is said to be effective in treating ovarian cancer, among a host of other diseases like arthritis, anemia, heart complications, kidney problems, scurvy, asthma, and digestive disorders (ulcer, gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, dysentery).

Moringa has been observed by scientists to contain unique compounds and enact mechanisms that help purge the liver of these toxins and even reverse the damage that they cause. Silymarin is a flavonoid or specialized molecule found in moringa that has been shown to help reduce the effects of hepatoxins on the liver, improving its resiliency. It also protects the liver from the toxic effects of rare earth metal salts such as praseodymium, cerium, and indium, which are known to cause the degeneration of the liver. Scientists theorize that moringa somehow causes the body to get rid of these poisonous compounds in a more rapid manner. This same mechanism also helps make moringa effective against several known poisonous compounds such as a-amanitin and phalloidin. Moringa prevents such toxic cell damage from occurring in two ways. First, it somehow alters the composition of our cell membranes, which only allow a small amount of toxin to seep into our cells. Secondly, the same cell regeneration mechanisms that moringa employs to reduce aging also ensures that there is a large number of healthy cells to replace those that do succumb to the toxins.

Moringa has also been observed to be an effective treatment against a wide array of liver diseases, such as both chronic and acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty degeneration of the liver, and the metabolic liver disease brought about by alcohol and drug use. This is because moringa not only stops the toxicity that causes these diseases, but also helps reverse it. On its own, the liver is a very resilient organ, able to regenerate its cells and grow back even after over half of it is destroyed or removed. Moringa accelerates this regeneration process by about four times the normal speed, eventually helping the liver regain full functionality.

All parts of the malunggay tree are usable for nutritional and medicinal purposes

"Scientifically speaking, Moringa sounds like magic. It can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Ounce for ounce, it has the calcium of four glasses of milk, the vitamin C of seven oranges and the potassium of three bananas."

"A dash of Moringa can make dirty water drinkable. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India. Not only can it staunch a skin infection, but Moringa also makes an excellent fuel and fertilizer."

The malunggay plant is also a proven water purifier with its remarkable antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Its seeds can be used to clean dirty or polluted water.

So, basically, having malunggay trees planted in your garden is like having your ready pharmacy that offers free medicines in your own backyard.

Hawaii-based farmer Vicky Domingo, who has been planting malunggay trees for more than 25 years now, reportedly harvests malunggay twice a week all year round. She says that all parts of the malunggay tree are usable for nutritional and medicinal purposes — from the roots, trunk, and branches to the leaves, flowers, and seeds. The roots, for instance, can be used to make tea, while the trunk, after it’s scraped and squeezed for its juice, can be used to clean wounds.

Fritz also reports on the positive results of using Moringa as a substitute for expensive whole milk powder in nutrition projects. The Moringa packed with amino acids which are highly absorbable and absolutely crucial to good health. The human body is capable of manufacturing only 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build proteins used to grow, repair, and maintain cells. The other eight essential amino acids must come from a person's diet.

Experts agree that the long-term solution to malnutrition is the use of foods rich in the essential nutrients often lacking in people's diets. Modern scientific research is proving that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients.

Naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa

Ann Hirsch, PhD - "One of the things that impresses me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that humans beings need-there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food." -- Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California Los Angeles

Complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:

• Isoleucine builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.
• Leucine works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance your body's energy and alertness.
• Lysine insures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also helps form collagen used in your bone cartilage and connective tissues. And lysine aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. Recent studies have shown lysine improves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.
• Methionine primarily supplies sulfur to your body. It is known to prevent hair, skin, and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it increases your liver's production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.
• Phenylalaine produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between your nerve cells and your brain. It can help keep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.
• Threonine is an important part of collagen, elastin,and enamel proteins. Not only does it assist metabolism, threonine helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting your body's digestive and intestinal tracts.
• Tryptohyan supports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also is beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.
• Valine is important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood. These non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa.
• Alanine is important when it comes to building energy in your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system. It strengthens your immune system by producing antibodies. Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.
• Arginine has been shown in studies to cause the release of the growth hormones considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It also improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while promoting the healing of your body's wounds.
• Aspartic Acid helps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters your circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic substance which can damage your central nervous system. Recent studies have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and increase endurance.
• Cystine functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins. It also aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations.
• Glutamic Acid is food for the brain. It improves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs your sugar cravings.
• Glycine promotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process. It is also important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.
• Histidine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, and anemia. A lack of histidine may lead to poor hearing.
• Serine is important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its antibodies help strengthen your body's immune system. Plus, it synthesizes fatty acid sheaths around nerve fibers.
• Proline is extremely important for the proper function of your joints and tendons. It also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
• Tryrosine transmits nerve impulses to your brain. It helps overcome depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.

RESEARCH: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae)

J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):255-9.

Antioxidant action of Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick) against anti tubercular drug induced lipid peroxidation in rats.

Ashok Kumar N, Pari L.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.

The protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) on hepatic marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants was investigated during antitubercular drug (isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide)-induced toxicity in rats. Enhanced hepatic marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation of antitubercular drug treatment was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of vitamin C, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. Administration of Moringa oleifera extract and silymarin significantly decreased hepatic marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation with a simultaneous increase in the level of antioxidants. We speculate that Moringa oleifera extract exerts its protective effects by decreasing liver lipid peroxides and enhancing antioxidants.

Bioresource Technology. 2007 Jan;98(1):232-6. Epub 2006 Jan 6

Anti-fungal activity of crude extracts and essential oil of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Chuang PH, Lee CW, Chou JY, Murugan M, Shieh BJ, Chen HM.

Institute of Bioagricultural Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC.
Investigations were carried out to evaluate the therapeutic properties of the seeds and leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam as herbal medicines. Ethanol extracts showed anti-fungal activities in vitro against dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis. GC-MS analysis of the chemical composition of the essential oil from leaves showed a total of 44 compounds. Isolated extracts could be of use for the future development of anti-skin disease agents.

J Med Food. 2002 Fall;5(3):171-7.

Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on antitubercular drug-induced liver damage in rats.

Pari L, Kumar NA.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, AnnamalaiUniversity, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu - 608 002, India. paribala@sancharnet.in

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), commonly known as "Drumstick," is used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of various illness. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves on liver damage induced by antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and pyrazinamide (PZA) in rats. Oral administration of the extract showed a significant protective action made evident by its effect on the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin in the serum; lipids, and lipid peroxidation levels in liver. This observation was supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The results of this study showed that treatment with M. oleifera extracts or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by antitubercular drugs.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jun;86(2-3):191-5.

Effect of fruits of Moringa oleifera on the lipid profile of normal and hypercholesterolaemic rabbits.

Mehta K, Balaraman R, Amin AH, Bafna PA, Gulati OD.
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The M.S. University of Baroda, Kalabhavan, Gujarat, India.

Rabbits were fed Moringa oleifera (200mg/kg/day, p.o.) or lovastatin (6mg/kg/day, p.o.) in banana pulp along with standard laboratory diet and hypercholesterolaemic diet for 120 days. Moringa oleifera and lovastatin were found to lower the serum cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL, cholesterol to phospholipid ratio and atherogenic index, but were found to increase the HDL ratio (HDL/HDL-total cholesterol) as compared to the corresponding control groups. Treatment with M. oleifera or lovastatin in normal rabbits decreased the HDL levels. However, HDL levels were significantly increased or decreased in M. oleifera- or lovastatin-treated hypercholesterolaemic rabbits, respectively. Lovastatin- or M. oleifera-treated hypercholesterolaemic rabbits showed decrease in lipid profile of liver, heart and aorta while similar treatment of normal animals did not produce significant reduction in heart. Moringa oleifera was found to increase the excretion of faecal cholesterol. Thus, the study demonstrates that M. oleifera possesses a hypolipidaemic effect.

Hypocholesterolemic effects of crude extract of leaf of Moringa oleifera Lam in high-fat diet fed wistar rats

Ghasi S, Nwobodo E, Ofili JO.
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu.

The leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) are used by the Indians in their herbal medicine as a hypocholesterolemic agent in obese patients. The scientific basis for their use in hypercholesterolemia was therefore examined. It was found that administration of the crude leaf extract of Moringa oleifera along with high-fat diet decreased the high-fat diet-induced increases in serum, liver, and kidney cholesterol levels by 14.35% (115-103.2 mg/100 ml of serum), 6.40% (9.4-8.8 mg/g wet weight) and 11.09% (1.09-0.97 mg/g wet weight) respectively. The effect on the serum cholesterol was statistically significant. No significant effect on serum total protein was observed. However, the crude extract increased serum albumin by 15.22% (46-53 g/l). This value was also found to be statistically significant. It was concluded that the leaves of Moringa oleifera have definite hypocholesterolemic activity and that there is valid pharmacological basis for employing them for this purpose in India.

Moringa Studies

Moringa preparations have been cited often in scientific literature as antibiotic, antiinflammatory, hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic. However, many of the reports are not placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials.

Anti-inflammatory / Anti-tumor: Anti-inflammtory and Antitumor Activities of Seeds Extracts of Malunggay—A study showed the crude ethanol extract of dried seeds inhibited the carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind paw of mice by 85% at a dosage of 3 mg/g body weight; the mature green seeds by 77%. The crude ethanol extract also inhibited the formation of Epstein-Barr virus-early antigen (EBV-EA) induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At a dosage of 100 ?g/ml, the extract inhibited EBV-EA formation by 100% suggesting its antitumor-promoting activity.

Cancer: Possible Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Root in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Study suggests a role for M Oleifera, shown to interfere with cytokine pathways.

Asthma: Antiasthmatic activity of Moringa oleifera Lam: A clinical study: Study showed improvement in forced vital capacity, FEV1, and peak expiratory flow rate. It suggests a usefulness for MO seed kernel in patients with asthma.

Antibiotic: 50 years ago, a study yielded Pterygospermin, a compound that readily dissociates into two molecules of benzyl isothiocyanate which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Unfortunately, many of the reports of antibiotic efficacy in humans were not from placebo controlled, randomized clinical trials. Recent studies have demonstrated possible efficacy against H. pylori.

Hormonal properties / Abortifacient: Biochemical observations and histologic findings have been correlated with the anti-implantation action of aequous extracts, one possible explanation for its use as an abortifacient. source.

Antiurolithiatic: Study showed lowering of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of calculogenic rats with the use of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of MO suggesting antiurolithiatic activity.

Antimicrobial / Water Purifying: Study of MO seeds paste for water purification yielded a steroidal glycoside, strophantidin, a bioactive agent in the seed. The seed paste was found effective in clarification and sedimentation of inorganic and organic matter in raw water, reducing total microbial and coliform counts by 55% and 65% respectively, in 24 hours, compared to alum with 65% and 83% reduction.

Antipyretic / Wound Healing: Study of the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of MO showed significant antipyretic activity in rats; the ethyl acetate extract of dried leaves showed significant wound healing on rat wound models.

Analgeic: Previous studies have shown analgesic activity from the leaves of MO. This study on the alcoholic extract of MO seeds showed potent analgesic activity comparable to that of aspirin dose of 25 mg/kg BW.

Hepatoprotective / Antioxidant: Study concluded that the alcoholic extracts of MO produced significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity, the aqueous extracts of the fruit less than the alcoholic extract.