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Moringa plant
possesses unique nutritional qualities that hold promise to millions of
impoverished communities around the world who lack in many nutritional
supplements such as protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Moringa greens
(leaves) are an excellent source of protein that can be rare feature for any
herbs and green leafy vegetables in the plant kingdom. 100 g of fresh raw
leaves provide 9.8 g of protein or about 17.5% of daily-required levels. Dry,
powdered leaves indeed are a much-concentrated source of many quality amino
acids.
Fresh pods and
seeds are a good source of oleic acid, a health-benefiting monounsaturated fat.
Moringa, as high-quality oilseed crop, can be grown alternatively to improve
nutrition levels of populations in many drought-prone regions of Africa and
Asia.
Fresh leaves and
growing tips of moringa are the richest source of vitamin A. 100 g of fresh
leaves 7564 IU or 252% of daily-required levels! Vitamin A is one of the
fat-soluble anti-oxidant offering several benefits, including mucus membrane
repair, maintenance of skin integrity, vision, and immunity.
Fresh moringa
pods and leaves are an excellent sources of vitamin-C. 100 g of pods contain
145 µg or 235% of daily-required levels of vitamin C. 100 g of greens provide
51.7 µg or 86% of daily-recommended intake values of this vitamin. Research
studies have shown that consumption of fruits/vegetables rich in vitamin C
helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, and scavenge harmful
oxygen-free radicals from the body.
The greens as
well as pods also contain good amounts of many vital B-complex vitamins such as
folates, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin,
pantothenic acid, and niacin. Much of these vitamin functions as co-enzymes in
carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
Furthermore, its
greens (leaves) are one of the fine sources of minerals like calcium, iron,
copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Iron alleviates anaemia.
Calcium is required for bone strengthening. Zinc plays a vital role in
hair-growth, spermatogenesis, and skin health.
Antioxidants: 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 moringa possess high
free radical scavenging capacity and have shown its therapeutic value in curing
the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Edema: Moringa 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 moringa herb stands equal with the potent
anti-inflammatory medicine indomethacin in the treatment of such painful
conditions.
Liver Protection: Moringa extracts exert a hepatoprotective effect 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 moringa.
Stomach Disorders: The isothiocyanates present in moringa 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 diarrhoea.
Healthy Skin: Moringa seed oil is beneficial for the skin. The hydrating and
detoxifying effects of moringa extracts help in neutralizing the effects of
harmful pollutants, prevents wrinkles, and slows premature aging. The high
protein content of moringa 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.
Diabetes: Moringa extracts exert anti-diabetic effects in the treatment of
diabetes mellitus. Research studies have demonstrated that treatment with
moringa 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 haemoglobin levels and total protein content
of the diabetic subjects.
Antibacterial
Properties: It possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial
properties and is effective against the growth of disease-causing microbes.
Scientific research has proven that moringa 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 moringa extracts perfect
for sanitation and preservation purposes.
Cancer: Moringa is an anticancer agent and is highly valued in tumour
therapy. Scientific research has demonstrated that moringa 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. Moringa extracts impart chemomodulatory effects towards curing various
types of cancers such as ovarian cancer, hepatic carcinogenesis 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 moringa 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: Moringa extracts are beneficial for maintaining healthy bones,
which is attributed to the presence of essential minerals like calcium and
phosphorous. Its extracts possess 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.
Immunosuppressive
Effects: The seeds of moringa oleifera possess
immunosuppressive properties. Deliberate immunosuppression 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
diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have demonstrated that the
immunosuppressive action of moringa seeds helps in ameliorating the production
of antibodies to allow for the new organs and transplanted material to settle
safely in the body.
Herpes: It is effective against the infection caused by herpes simplex
virus. The healing effects of moringa herb prevent the development of skin
lesions and inhibit the formation of plaque caused by the infecting virus.
Cardiovascular
Protection: Moringa extracts are helpful in the
prevention of myocardial or cardiac damage, due to the presence of powerful
antioxidants. 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.
Anti-allergenic Behaviour:
Extracts of moringa seeds possess anti-allergenic qualities.
Scientific research has validated the inhibitory action of moringa on the
hypersensitive reactions involved in various allergic diseases, including
allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis.
Asthma: The benefits of moringa plant extracts also include relief from
bronchial asthma and inflammation caused in the airways. According to research,
treatment with moringa 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.
Anti-fungal
Properties: 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.
Hair Care: The favourable effects of moringa 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.
Urolithiasis: Moringa extracts are effective against the formation of stones
in the kidney, bladder and uterus. According to research studies, the
administration of moringa root exerted anti-urolithiatic activity and resulted
in a noteworthy reduction in the urinary oxalate levels. The curative effect of
moringa has also shown a reduction in the formation of stone deposits and aids
in regulating endogenous oxalate synthesis.
Wound Healing: Aqueous leaves extract of moringa oleifera possess significant
wound healing properties. Research studies have provided supporting evidence
regarding the healing effects of moringa in the treatment of wounds with
respect to skin-breaking strength, wound closure rate and reduction in the scar
area.
Hypertension: Moringa is effective in maintaining optimal levels of blood
pressure in the body. Bioactive components such as isothiocyanates and
niaziminin that are present in it prevent the thickening of arteries and reduce
the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Sickle Cell Disease: Moringa oleifera is
effective in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Recent studies have
validated the anti-sickling potential of moringa plant extracts, which is
attributed to the presence of zinc and flavonols such as kaempferol, quercitin,
and acacetin as well as phenolic acids such as melilotic acid and vanillic
acid.
Eye Health: Antioxidant-rich moringa oleifera is beneficial for providing
protection against retinal damage. Scientific studies have provided supporting
evidence regarding the retinoprotective effects of moringa in test subjects. Treatment
with it helps in preventing the dilatation of retinal vessels and keeps the
retinal vasculature intact. It also inhibits the thickening of capillary
membranes and prevents any retinal dysfunction.
Immune Stimulator: The ethanoic extracts of moringa 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.
Nephrotoxicity: Moringa 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 moringa 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.
Cholesterol: Moringa extracts serve as an effective remedy for maintaining
healthy cholesterol levels in the body. Studies have confirmed the hypocholesterolaemia
effects of moringa, which helps in reducing high-fat diet-induced rise the
liver, kidney and serum cholesterol levels.
Anaemia: Moringa extracts are beneficial in the treatment of anaemia.
Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the fact that treatment
with moringa oleifera aids in facilitating the absorption of iron, increasing
the red blood cell count and helping to maintaining normal blood parameters.
Abortifacient: Moringa oleifera possesses anti-fertility qualities. Aqueous
extracts of moringa exert estrogenic activity and are beneficial in the
prevention of sexual implantation in the body.
Obesity: Moringa 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.
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 moringa oil is used for cooking
and is appreciated for its long shelf life. The immature seed pods of the
moringa tree, popularly known as drumsticks in India, are used in various
dishes.
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