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Is moringa safe: Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More

Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

  • Health Benefits
  • Health Risks
  • Amounts and Dosage

The moringa tree is native to the south of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India and grown around the world. It is widely used as food and medicine.

Nearly every part of the moringa tree is edible. It is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients which are commonly missing in the diets of people living in undeveloped countries.

When dried, its leaves can be ground into a fine powder that will keep many months without refrigeration.

For thousands of years the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans grew moringa trees. In addition to calcium, iron and potassium, moringa leaves contain several important vitamins:

  • Vitamin A which helps maintain healthy vision, immunity, and fetal growth
  • Vitamin C which protects the body from pollutants and toxins
  • Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant

Moringa powder can be used as an antiseptic to sterilize contaminated surfaces. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, including those that cause gastric ulcers and gastric cancer.

Moringa powder is also used for treating various other diseases, from malaria and typhoid fever to hypertension and diabetes. Its broad variety of compounds are thought responsible for its beneficial effects.

Moringa powder is used as a medicine in multiple ways. It can help prevent and treat chronic diseases like inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The benefits of moringa powder stem from its many plant-based compounds.

Hyperglycemia is an early warning sign of diabetes, while hyperglycemia is a risk factor for heart disease. Based on scientific data, moringa powder holds healing potential for both these ailments.

Many health benefits of moringa powder are due to its rich proteins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Moringa powder can be used to protect tissue (liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs), and to reduce pain.

Other health benefits of moringa include:

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants help protect cells against free radicals, which are produced by digesting food, smoking, and exposure to radiation. Antioxidants from plant-based sources such as moringa powder are considered best.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Approximately 1 million women each year are diagnosed with benign breast disease, putting them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Research shows these women may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment. Taking an anti-inflammatory such as moringa powder on a regular basis has shown to offer women greater protection from breast cancer.

Lower Blood Glucose Levels

Diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States. In human studies, moringa powder reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic patients by a significant amount.

High Levels of Bioactive Compounds

Bioactive compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other vital dietary components, can be found in significant amounts in moringa powder.

These compounds are beneficial in treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure (which can lead to a number of heart and other conditions), diabetes, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic liver disease, cancer, and overall inflammation.

Treatment of Tumors

Other tumors may be treated with moringa powder. A recent study found it to be effective in treating skin cancer.

No bad side effects have been linked to high doses of flavonoids from plant-based food. This may be explained by the relatively low portion that goes into the blood circulation and fast rate at which it is absorbed by the body, as well as flavonoids being purged.

Moringa leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers are commonly used in traditional medicine. The leaves and seed pods are used as food. Safety studies involving leaf extracts indicate moringa is very safe. No harmful effects were reported in association with human studies.

Consuming moringa powder is proven to be safe, even at higher levels. Daily dosage should be limited to the equivalent of 70 grams of moringa leaves per day or 11 teaspoons of moringa powder.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

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 ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • 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.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Moringa is likely safe when the leaves, fruit, and seeds are eaten as food. Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used for up to 6 months. Products containing moringa seed have been used for up to 3 weeks. Moringa root and root bark are possibly unsafe. The roots and root bark contain toxic substances.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if moringa is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Moringa is likely safe when the leaves, fruit, and seeds are eaten as food. Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used for up to 6 months. Products containing moringa seed have been used for up to 3 weeks. Moringa root and root bark are possibly unsafe. The roots and root bark contain toxic substances.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if moringa is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: It is possibly safe to use moringa leaves in pregnancy during the second or third trimester. But it’s possibly unsafe to use the root, bark, or flowers of moringa when pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers might make the uterus contract. In traditional medicine, the root and bark were used to cause miscarriages. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if other parts of moringa are safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Moringa leaf is possibly safe to use while breastfeeding for up to 4 months. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if other parts of moringa are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Moringa leaf is possibly safe when taken by mouth, short-term. Moringa leaf has been used with apparent safety in children for up to 2 months.

Hypothyroidism: Using moringa might make this condition worse.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Moringa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Moringa might decrease how much levothyroxine the body absorbs. Taking moringa along with levothyroxine might decrease the effects of levothyroxine.

  • Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Moringa might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Moringa might lower blood sugar levels. Taking moringa along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.

Moringa is also available in supplements. Moringa leaves and seeds have most often been used by adults in powders or extracts, in doses of 6-10 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Fashion product. What is moringa and how it became the main superfood

Newly supermodel
Naomi Campbell
called moringa a powerful tool for giving energy to the body and strengthening
immunity.
Spletnik beauty editor Elizaveta Konstantinova found out that
is this popular superfood useful and what you need to pay attention to when using it
use.

American supermarket chain specializing in the sale of organic
food, Whole Foods has published its annual
report
with forecasts of food trends for 2022, and moringa (miracle plant, “tree
life” and “mother’s helper” – as they call moringa oilseed in Asian countries)
recognized as one of the most fashionable products. global research
Technavio company
reports that moringa market size will grow by $2.85 billion from 2022 to 2025
year.

Moringa is a deciduous tree with thin branches and small white flowers.
which then turns into long elastic pods, similar to peeled
celery stalks or long bean pods. Moringa became popular
superfood along with matcha and goji berries. The tree is native to India, but
grown in Africa and Asia. The plant can withstand both drought and
moderate frosts. The dried leaves of this tree have been used for centuries in
traditional medicine, and today they are sold in the form of capsules, and seeds are made
oil. Moringa is also used in perfumes, creams, skin care products.
hair and cooking.

In the US and Europe, moringa is often found in powder form, as it has more
long shelf life. The powder is ideal for adding nutrients
substances in tea, smoothie or latte. Moringa does not have the caffeine found in matcha, but it does
gives a charge of vivacity no less. True, moringa tastes bitter.

Benefits

Here’s what’s in two teaspoons of moringa powder (aka ground
leaves):

– calories: 15;
– protein: 1 g;
– fat: 1 g;
– carbohydrates: 2 g;
– fiber: 1 g;
– sodium: 7 mg

Moringa leaves, which can be eaten fresh or dried, contain
minerals like calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron and copper. The plant is rich
vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as flavonoids and saponins. Some
claim that moringa can help with diabetes and heart disease, but
V
article
2012 Frontiers in Pharmacology indicated that there are not yet enough scientific
studies and data to show exactly how much moringa
is it safe to take and what are the side effects.

Tea made from moringa flowers is considered a true anti-aging
agent that reduces the effects of oxidative stress (for this
say thanks to vitamin C, polyphenols, beta-carotene, quercetin and
chlorogenic acid). Moringa helps reduce tiredness, fatigue and
strengthens the immune system. This plant is an excellent source of calcium, which
contributes to the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Leaves have seven times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more
potassium than in bananas. The plant is also rich in calcium, protein, iron,
amino acids and antioxidants. It has seven times more vitamin C than
oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more
calcium than milk, nine times more protein than yogurt, 15 times
more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach.

Moringa also contains anti-cancer compounds known as glucosinolates.
(they are found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli).

Moringa is considered an ecological product. The seeds of the plant are even used for
water purification. They are dried and ground into powder. The surface of the seeds is charged
positive, and clay (giving turbidity) and many bacteria – negative. So
Thus, the seeds play the role of a kind of biological magnet. The resulting
as a result of cleaning, flakes with contaminants are removed using a simple
filtration. The efficiency of water purification from bacterial contamination is
around 90-99%.

Experts believe that in the face of a serious climate crisis, the future
food security will be associated with crops such as moringa,
as they are drought tolerant and nutritious.

What moringa is used for

Moringa has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. In oriental folk medicine
the seeds were used (whether raw or crushed) to treat pain in the
stomach, ulcers, blurred vision, joint pain and to improve digestion.
The herb (leaves and stems) has been used to treat anemia, anxiety,
asthma, bronchitis, cholera and more.

The seeds of moringa produce an oil with a high content of oleic acid and
tocopherols, which can be used as an excellent replacement for olive
oil. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that
known to help lower cholesterol levels.

The whole plant is edible, from roots to leaves, but it tastes bitter. That’s why
some drink it in the form of powder and capsules, while others mix it with sauces or
salad dressings, soups, added to pastries.

Chef José Andres, one of the 100 most influential people according to the magazine
Time and non-profit organization World Central Kitchen launched
nationwide moringa recipe contest on instagram*. They offer
users to use the #MoringaInspired hashtag to boost
raise awareness and support moringa farmers in Haiti.

Is moringa safe?

The recommended daily allowance for moringa is 50 grams. However, phytate
(insoluble compounds with minerals that are not absorbed in
body) contained in this product may cause adverse reactions when
use in large quantities. For those who need to avoid excessive
amounts of iron in diet and supplementation may need to be cautious.
Too much iron can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea,
vomiting and constipation).

Moringa should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding as
it may have an antifertility effect. Still moringa should not be
use with liver repair medications as it slows down
regeneration process. This can lead to unpleasant side effects and
complications. Other possible contraindications should be clarified with a doctor.

Just adding moringa powder to a smoothie won’t make you instantly healthier.
but will give you an extra serving of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Important
remember that no dietary supplement can replace a varied diet with
adequate nutrient intake.

*Instagram is owned by Meta, recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation
organization

Sources: Pexels/Alisha Mishra, Pexels: William Greaves Brown, Instagram
(owned by Meta, recognized as an extremist organization in the Russian Federation)

Moringa: properties and uses – PhyLife.ru

Moringa is a medicinal plant very popular among the peoples of Asia. Rather undemanding, it is widely distributed in Thailand due to its drought tolerance.

Moringa is a treasure trove of protein and vitamin A, which is why dermatologists consider it an effective treatment for skin conditions. Rich in calcium, potassium and copper, it is used to treat all types of fungus.

In Thailand, moringa is used as a treatment for gout. However, it is important to be clear. Moringa itself is a tree whose leaves, seeds, fruits, bark and roots are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. However, they have different effects on the body. In particular, moringa capsules, which are made from the leaves of this plant, are used to treat gout.

However, moringa leaves and pods, which contain seeds (rather fatty little nuts), are used in Thai cuisine as an ingredient in meat and seafood soups. Green young pods are eaten as a side dish.

The seeds are even used to purify water. Due to its antiseptic properties, moringa infused water is completely safe to use.

It is these antiseptic, antibacterial properties of moringa oil that determine its effectiveness as an antifungal agent. However, it is worth remembering this when taken orally – only capsules made from leaves are safe. However, you should be careful with oil.

Moringa benefits and harms

Thai people have used moringa oil in their daily lives for centuries. Women take care of their skin with moringa seed oil. Rich in natural acids, it is an excellent substitute for a nourishing cream and contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for the skin.

Natural moringa oil soothes the skin, relieves inflammation and provides an antibacterial effect, protecting the skin from fungal infections. The effect of moringa oil is comparable in strength to pharmaceutical antibacterial drugs – and the benefits of using a natural product are undeniable!

The oil has regenerative properties due to its ability to penetrate deep into the dermis. It is suitable for all skin types. It removes toxins, stimulates metabolic processes, heals damage, relieves itching and irritation – it is even used on children’s skin with diaper dermatitis. It helps with fungal infections of the skin and nails.

Moringa oil is quite toxic, and it is contraindicated to take it orally with the same gout. Pregnant women are also advised not to take the oil orally, as it can cause miscarriage. And pregnant women are not recommended to consume moringa seeds, from which oil is extracted.

Moringa oil is also used for hair and scalp care – it can help solve problems with dandruff, split ends. Massaging the scalp with moringa oil reduces itching and stops hair loss. Reviews of moringa oil indicate positive results in the treatment of seborrhea, allergic rashes. Thai herbalists recommend instilling moringa oil into the ears for otitis media, itching, and ear infections.

Iherba’s Best Moringa Oil Treatments

Moringa oil extract, capsules, powder available from iHerb. The table shows the most popular products:

Name Rating (number of reviews/average rating) Composition Efficiency according to consumers Quantity, price
Desert Essence, Moringa Jojoba & Rosehip Oil, Moringa Hair & Skin Oil 209 / 4.6 Moringa seed oil, jojoba seed oil, rose hip oil, orange peel oil. Moisturizes, nourishes, protects against sunburn, reduces wrinkles 60 ml – $11.19
ATTITUDE, Super Leaves Science. Moringa Natural Nourishing Shampoo 75 / 4. 3 Horseradish, nasturtium and olive leaf extract. Moringa oil, grape seed oil. Restores damaged hair structure, gently and effectively cleanses, strengthens from roots to ends. 473 ml – $12.45
Alaffia, Neem Tumeric Cleanser with Yarrow & Moringa. Moringa Cleanser for Problematic Face and Decollete Skin 55 / 4.6 Neem extract, turmeric extract, yarrow extract, moringa oil, shea butter, tea tree oil, prebiotics. Evens complexion, eliminates blackheads, gently cleanses, does not dry out, rejuvenates 100 ml – $11.99
Shea Moisture, Power Greens Reconstructor, Moringa & Avocado, Moringa & Organic Oil Hair Restructor 8 / 4.6 Moringa, avocado, coconut oil and shea butter. Makes hair soft, manageable, restores damaged structure, smoothes unruly curls. 227g – $15.93
JM Solution Water Luminous Nourishing Black Moringa Balm Mask new Avocado oil, moringa oil, plant extracts Effective long-term hydration, soothes irritation, restores barrier function, improves elasticity. 1 piece – $3.40

You can buy moringa products in Moscow on the iHerb store website.

Benefits of buying from iHerb, according to consumers

  • Wide range of products with a long shelf life;
  • Original quality, direct supply from manufacturers;
  • Delivery to 150 countries of the world;
  • Lower prices than in pharmacies or other markets;
  • Discounts, bonuses, special offers.

Medicinal properties

Moringa oil is used as a medicine much less often than for cosmetic purposes. But its unique cellular action is unparalleled in the treatment of skin diseases, in complex moisturizing and in stimulating regeneration with the help of essential oils.

Studies crediting it with beneficial effects in diabetes, ulcers, and inflammation show that the oil can have a soothing, anti-spasmodic, and tonic effect when taken internally.

When applied topically, moringa can be the best base oil for antirheumatic and antispasmodic action.

Moringa Flower Balm Green

It’s safe to say that Moringa Green Balm is a must have in your first aid kit. Contains moringa oil, flower extract and root extract. It is an excellent remedy for burns, a remedy for cuts and insect bites. The balm has a disinfecting effect and is effective for minor skin lesions. It is also used to improve circulation, recovery from paralysis of the arms and legs, and rheumatoid arthritis. The balm is used to break down salt deposits in the joints, with osteochondrosis.

The active properties of Moringa Green Balsam make it useful as an antifungal agent. Our clients have received excellent results in the treatment of nail fungus with this balm. Moringa green balm reviews say it’s great for knee pain.

Moringa Green Lotion is available in three packs of 60 ml, 130 ml and 300 ml. Buy Thai Green Balm, made according to Dr. Mo Sing’s original recipe, it will be most useful in a large package.

Types of Moringa Supplements

In addition to the seed extract, a wide range of moringa oil products can be found on the market. Each of them has its own useful properties and application features.

Moringa powder

In this version, the plant material is in the form of a green matcha-like powder. The powder is prepared from the leaves of the plant, which are harvested and dried over low heat. This technique is similar to drying tea, but without the oxidation process. Moringa powder is convenient to store, export and use.

moringa powder

moringa extract

This is the most concentrated moringa product. It is often used in the cosmetics industry to create highly effective products for the hair, face and body.

Hair reconstructor with moringa and organic oils.

Moringa capsules

Moringa tablets are a popular and safe dietary supplement. The capsules contain a certain dose of moringa inside, which serves as a complete source of nutrients, minerals and trace elements. Moringa capsules are convenient to take with you on the road, and the durable coating protects against oxidation. The use of capsules, despite the harmlessness of the phytopreparation, should be agreed with the doctor.

Moringa capsules

Moringa oil

The oil is obtained from mature moringa seeds, which are usually packed with and added to the main oilseed. The oil can be used for food, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Composition of moringa, jojoba and rosehip oils from the Desert Essence brand

Moringa in cosmetology

Dermatologists and cosmetologists use moringa to treat allergic reactions and all types of fungus: skin, nails, mucous membranes. Studies show that the prescribed medicine, when combined with moringa, relieves flaking and severe itching. Moringa is also effective for eczema and shingles.

Acne and acne lesions are much better treated when moringa oil is taken orally in capsules or added to cosmetic products. Applying oil to the affected areas of the skin helps to eliminate pigmentation, acne marks and dark spots.

In addition, moringa oil has a tonic effect that tightens pores and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Use in hair and nail care

Moringa oil is considered to be one of the best hair care products in the aromatherapy arsenal. It acts simultaneously on the hair and scalp, solving most of the problems that cause loss of hair aesthetics and dandruff.

Moringa oil combines conditioning and moisturizing properties. However, its role as a moisturizer is unmatched. The oil is able to act at the cellular level and eliminate dryness, normalizing the natural balance of moisture. As a conditioner, moringa oil transforms hair with volume, softness, silkiness and shine from the first application.

The ability of moringa oil to stimulate hair growth by effectively penetrating the roots, nourishing and strengthening them is irreplaceable. It is used to treat serious problems that require the simultaneous improvement of the scalp and hair structure.