Moringa 101featured

Moringa oleifera is a tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. 

 

This tree grows wild or is cultivated in Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, northern countries of South America, and various countries of Oceania.

 

The name “Moringa” is derived from the Tamil word “murungai” meaning twisted pod. 

This phrase alludes to the shape of the young fruit. 

 

The tree is referred to by many names in various languages such as; Marunga in Timor, Meringgai in Malay, and Maranga in Spanish. 

 

Horseradish tree, drumstick tree, benzolive tree, and Moringa are common names in English.

 

Moringa as an Aid

 

Moringa is Bitter and Pungent with a Warming effect on the body.

 

Documentation of energetic uses of Moringa are limited. However, this medicine has been long utilized for nutritional and clinical purposes.

 

Almost all parts of Moringa provide food, oil, fiber, and/or medicine.

 

The wood yields a blue dye used in Jamaica and Senegal.

 

Leaf extracts have been observed to promote crop growth.

 

The wood pulp is suitable for making newsprint and writing paper.

 

The most common medical use of the plant is a poultice of the leaves and bark applied directly to wounds as an anti-microbial and to promote healing. 

 

The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of moringa extracts are well documented.

 

Moringa leaves have been observed to treat asthma, hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, flu, pneumonia, heartburn, syphilis, malaria, diarrhea, headaches, scurvy, skin diseases, bronchitis, as well as eye and ear infections. 

The medicine also reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and acts as a neuroprotectant.

 

The tree has been noted to provide 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times

more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 9 times more protein than yogurt, 15 times more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach.

 

Edible parts of moringa include the whole leaves; the immature seed pods; the fragrant flowers; and the young seeds and roots. 

From Nigeria to South Asia, moringa is a dietary staple.

 

Moringa powder can be used as a substitute for iron tablets. 

In the Philippines, Moringa is prescribed for anemia. 

 

In Senegal and Benin, powdered Moringa leaves are distributed at health facilities to treat moderate malnutrition in children as well as lactating adults.

 

One rounded tablespoon (8g) of leaf powder will satisfy about 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and nearly all the vitamin A needs for a child aged 1-3. 

 

Six rounded spoonfuls of leaf powder will satisfy nearly all of an adult’s daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

 

Moringa pods treat diarrhea, liver and spleen problems, and joint pain.

 

Moringa seed pulp helps remove dirt, minerals, and other substances in unclean water by making them clump together. These clumps sink to the bottom, making the water cleaner and easier to filter.

 

Moringa’s medicine is useful for high blood pressure, muscle cramps or spasms, stomach ulcers, lowering cholesterol, increasing urine production, protecting the liver, lowering blood sugar levels, and treating skin and mucosal infections.

 

In Guatemala, Moringa is known as a medicine for skin, digestive, respiratory and joint ailments.

 

Moringa extract has been observed to be a potent treatment for arthritis.

 

The plant is effective for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Moringa seed powder and extracts have been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

 

Moringa’s ability to reduce oxidative stress helps preserve beta-cell function, control blood sugar levels, and protect against inflammation in the arteries caused by high blood sugar.

 

Leaf extracts have been used to manage hyperthyroidism and the seeds have been observed to be a possible treatment option for Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1.

Cultivation

Moringa is a drought-resistant and fast-growing tree that thrives in warm, sunny climates. The plant does best in areas with temperatures between 77-86°F and well-distributed rainfall. 

 

Moringa can grow in various soil types, including heavy clay and sandy soils, as long as they drain well. 

Although the tree can tolerate drought and poor soils, providing regular water and some fertilizer helps moringa produce more leaves and pods. ​ 

 

For growing leaves, plant the trees about 1.6 feet apart within rows and 3.3 feet between rows. For pod production, space them about 8.2 feet apart.

 

Moringa can start from seeds or cuttings. Directly planting seeds is common, especially for large-scale farming. ​

If using cuttings, choose pieces from mature wood that are about 2 inches thick and up to 5 feet long. Plant these in loose, well-drained soil. ​

 

Regular pruning helps the tree grow more branches and leaves. ​Moringa leaves and pods can be harvested several times a year.

 

Flowering begins within the first six months of planting. In seasonally cool regions, flowering only occurs once a year in late spring and early summer (Northern Hemisphere between April and June, Southern Hemisphere between October and December). 

In more constant seasonal temperatures and with constant rainfall, flowering can happen twice or even all year-round.

 

 

Cautions

Moringa leaf extract is potentially toxic at levels exceeding 3,000 mg per 2 lbs of body weight. Doses below 1,000 mg per 2 lbs are safest. 

Those who are pregnant are advised against consuming Moringa. 

 

References

Asare, GA; Nyarko, A (2012). “Toxicity potentials of the nutraceutical Moringa oleifera at supra-supplementation levels”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 139 (1): 265–272. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.009. PMID 22101359.

Bernstein N, Akram M, Yaniv-Bachrach Z, Daniyal M. Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy? Phytotherapy Research. 2021; 35: 1908–1924. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6935

Cáceres,A. and Freire,V. and Girón,L. M. and Avilés,O. and Pacheco,G., 19920659764, English, Journal article, doi:10.1007/BF02930717, 1874-9364 0013-0001, 45, (4), Economic Botany, (522–523), Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae): ethnobotanical studies in Guatemala., (1991)

Fahey, J.W. 2005. Moringa oleifera: A Review of the Medical Evidence for Its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Part 1. Trees for Life Journal, 1:5. http:// www.tljournal.org/article.php/20051201124931586 [accessed September 21, 2009

Gopalakrishnan, L., Doriya, K., & Kumar, D. S. (2016). Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application. ​ Food Science and Human Wellness, 5(2), 49-56. doi:10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001 

​https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=24597

“Moringa oleifera”. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Price, M. L. (1985). ​ The Moringa Tree. ECHO. Revised 2000, 2002, 2007 by ECHO Staff. Retrieved from http://moringatrees.org/ ​

Radovich, T. (2009). Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for Moringa (Moringa oleifera). In C.R. Elevitch (Ed.), Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry. ​ Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), Holualoa, Hawaii. ​ Retrieved from http://agroforestry.net/scps ​